It was not an easy thing to say how she stood definitely.

She had obeyed her dying relative and dearest on earth by joining her hand to Prince Marko's, and had pleased her parents by following it up with the kindest attentions to the prince.

It had been done, however, for the sake of peace; and chiefly for his well-being.

She had reserved her full consent: the plighting was incomplete.

Prince Marko knew that there was another, a magical person, a genius of the ring, irresistible.