The Princess laughed, but Miss Baxter seemed too much affected by the unexpected present to join in the merriment.

She regarded herself solemnly in the glass for a few moments, then slowly undid the clasp, and, slipping the string of brilliants from her neck, handed them back to the Princess.

"You are very, very kind, but I cannot accept so costly a present." "Cannot?
Why?
Have I offended you by anything I have said since you came ?" "Oh, no, no.

It isn't that." "What, then?
Don't you like me, after all ?" "Like you?
I _love_ you, Princess!" cried the girl impulsively, throwing her arms round the other's neck.
The Princess tried to laugh as she pressed Jennie closely to her, but there was a tremour of tears in the laughter.
"You must take this little gift as a souvenir of your visit with me.

I was really--very unhappy when you came, and now--well, you smoothed away some misunderstandings--I'm more than grateful.