I go to seek Michael in his lair." She had turned very pale.
"So, you see, sweet, I was not so poor a lover as you thought me.

I shall not be long gone." "You will write to me, Rudolf ?" I was weak, but I could not say a word to stir suspicion in her.
"I'll send you all my heart every day," said I.
"And you'll run no danger ?" "None that I need not." "And when will you be back?
Ah, how long will it be!" "When shall I be back ?" I repeated.
"Yes, yes! Don't be long, dear, don't be long.

I shan't sleep while you're away." "I don't know when I shall be back," said I.
"Soon, Rudolf, soon ?" "God knows, my darling.

But, if never--" "Hush, hush!" and she pressed her lips to mine.
"If never," I whispered, "you must take my place; you'll be the only one of the House then.

You must reign, and not weep for me." For a moment she drew herself up like a very queen.
"Yes, I will!" she said.