Fate had placed on her young shoulders a burden too heavy for her to bear.
"Juliette!" At first she did not move.

It was his voice coming from the study behind her.

Its magic thrilled her, as it had done that day in the Hall of Justice.

Strong, passionate, tender, it seemed now to raise every echo of response in her heart.

She thought it was a dream, and remained there on her knees lest it should be dispelled.
Then she heard his footsteps on the flagstones of the hall.