I knew that I was basely to abuse the hospitality of the King. But
what is a King to a man in love? Presently we two were alone in the
garden, the Princess and myself. She was whispering instructions,
telling me that I was a man of courage.
"It is not too late to back out," she said.
"I would face a thousand kings rather," I replied.
We could see at the gate the carriage which was to take us to the
station. Now came the moment when I was tried by the crucible and
found to be dross. I committed the most foolish blunder of my life.
My love suddenly overleapt its bounds. In a moment my arms were around
her lithe body; my lips met hers squarely. After it was done she stood
very still, as if incapable of understanding my offence. But I
understood. I was overwhelmed with remorse, love, and regret. I had
made impossible what might have been.
"Your Highness," I cried, "I could not help it! Before God I could
not! It is because I love you better than anything in the world--you
cannot be of it!--and all this is impossible, this going away together."
Her bosom heaved, and her eyes flashed like a heated summer sky.
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