I longed to speak--to ask questions--to proffer sympathy--but dared not move or utter a syllable.

Suddenly the Prince rose; his manner was calm and dignified, yet touched with a strange humility.

He advanced to Heliobas, holding out his hand.
"Forgive me, Casimir!" he said simply.
Heliobas at once grasped the proffered palm within his own, and looked at the young man with an almost fatherly tenderness.
"Say no more, Ivan," he returned, his rich voice sounding more than usually mellow in its warmth and heartiness.

"We must all learn before we can know, and some of our lessons are sharp and difficult.

Whatever you have thought of me, remember I have not, and do not, blame you.