The Prince will be in Brussels, and therefore unable
to attend. You are to come in his stead."
"I?" in astonishment.
"Even so," she smiled. "While the festivities are at their height you
and I will secretly leave and return to the city. We shall go
immediately to the station, thence to France."
I looked at her as one in a dream. "I!--You!--thence to France?"
CHAPTER V
Hillars went to the sideboard and emptied half a glass of brandy.
Coming back to his chair he remained in a reverie for a short time.
Then he resumed his narrative.
The Princess looked up into my face and smiled.
"Yes; thence to France. Ah, I could go alone. But listen, monsieur.
Above all things there must be a scandal. A Princess elopes with an
American adventurer. The Prince will withdraw his suit. The King may
or may not forgive me; but I will risk it. He is still somewhat fond
of me, notwithstanding the worry I have caused him. This way is the
only method by which I may convince him how detestable this engagement
is to me. Yet, my freedom is more to me than my principality. Let the
King bestow it upon whom he will.
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