'Dear Prince, it is upon your fall that I begin my fortune.' 'It was the more like you to tempt me to resistance,' returned Otto.
'But this cannot alter our relations; and I must, for the last time, lay my commands upon you in the character of Prince.' And with his loftiest dignity, he forced the deeds on her acceptance.
'I hate the very touch of them,' she cried.
There followed upon this a little silence.

'At what time,' resumed Otto, '(if indeed you know) am I to be arrested ?' 'Your Highness, when you please!' exclaimed the Countess.

'Or, if you choose to tear that paper, never!' 'I would rather it were done quickly,' said the Prince.

'I shall take but time to leave a letter for the Princess.' 'Well,' said the Countess, 'I have advised you to resist; at the same time, if you intend to be dumb before your shearers, I must say that I ought to set about arranging your arrest.

I offered'-- she hesitated--'I offered to manage it, intending, my dear friend--intending, upon my soul, to be of use to you.