"Follow me," she said.

She led Gretchen to a marble bench and sat down.

Gretchen remained on her feet respectfully.

"What is your name ?" [Illustration: She led Gretchen to a marble bench and sat down.] "Gretchen, Highness." "Well, Gretchen, sit down." "In your presence, Highness ?" aghast.
"Don't bother about my presence on a morning like this.

Sit down." This was a command and Gretchen obeyed with alacrity.