"But I am old, and my memory serves me ill."
The Prince shrugged. "But we have drifted away from the present
matter. 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. He blew into his gloves and
carefully drew them over his hands. "A pleasant journey to Your
Highness," he added. "Come, Count. And these?" waving his hand toward
Hillars and me.
"They have my fullest protection.
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