Yes, beyond any doubt, there was a haunting likeness, and he had never noted it before.
"But who will prove it to the world ?" he cried hopelessly, still holding Gretchen's wondering face between his hands.
"I shall prove it," said the king.
"You?
And how ?" "I shall marry Gretchen; I shall make her a queen.

That will be proof enough." "A fine stroke, nephew; a bold stroke!" Prince Ludwig laid his hand upon the king's shoulder with rare affection.
"If you accept her without further proof, I, her father, can do no less." And the duke kissed Gretchen on the forehead and led her over to the king, gravely joining their hands.
"Gretchen!" murmured the king.
"I do not know how to act like a princess." "I shall teach you." Gretchen laid her head on his breast.

She was very tired and much bewildered.
The duke paced the length of the cabinet several times.

No one interrupted his meditation.
Back and forth, one hand hanging to the opposite shoulder, the other folding over his chin.

Then he paused with abruptness.
"Your Majesty, I regret that your father is not alive to accept my apologies for so baselessly misjudging him.