"This, Highness.

I took these from the little princess with my own hands.

They have never been out of my keeping.
Those you have I know nothing about." The duke rubbed his eyes.

"My daughter ?" "The Princess Hildegarde is not your daughter, Highness," said Hans solemnly.
"_Gott_!" The duke smote the desk in despair, a despair which wrung the hearts of those who witnessed it.

"Herbeck! I must send for Herbeck!" "Not yet, Highness; later," Grumbach said.
"But if not Hildegarde--I believe I must be growing mad!" "Patience, your Highness!" said Carmichael.
"Patience!" wearily.