She was a princess--and I an impostor.
Do you think I remembered that?
I threw myself on my knee and seized her hands in mine.

I said nothing.

Why should I?
The soft sounds of the night set my wooing to a wordless melody, as I pressed my kisses on her lips.
She pushed me from her, crying suddenly: "Ah! is it true?
or is it only because you must ?" "It's true!" I said, in low smothered tones--"true that I love you more than life--or truth--or honour!" She set no meaning to my words, treating them as one of love's sweet extravagances.

She came close to me, and whispered: "Oh, if you were not the King! Then I could show you how I love you! How is it that I love you now, Rudolf ?" "Now ?" "Yes--just lately.

I--I never did before." Pure triumph filled me.