Your Highness, then, promises to bend to the will of the King ?" "Yes," said Gretchen.

"I gave the King my promise because I had wearied of resistance, having no one to turn to--then.

I shall marry you, though I detest you; but I shall be your wife only in name, and not in the eyes of God." "The latter sacrifice was not asked of you," smiled the Prince.
"I shall depart this day for the capital," continued Gretchen.

"I warn you not to inflict your presence upon me during the journey.

Now go.
The air while you remain is somewhat difficult to breathe." The Prince surveyed the menacing faces which surrounded him, then gathered up his hat and gloves.
"I see that Your Highness will be a dutiful wife," he said, smoothing the silk of his hat with his elbow.