" Her eyes raised to the level of mine, and I saw that they were
deep in tears. "Herr, I shall say to you that which I have never said
to any man, and that which I shall never say to any man again. I may
say it now because it is sinless. I love you! I love you, and, loving
you, God knows what the future without you shall be. Yes! I love you.
Take me once in your arms and kiss me, and let me go--forever."
Then with a smile which partly shielded a sob, her arms went around my
neck and her face lay close to mine. Heaven knows which was the
greater, the joy or the pain.
"Gretchen, think!" I cried, distractedly. "What is a Prince or a King
to you and me, who love?"
"There is honor," gently. She caressed my cheek with her fingers.
"Honor!" I cried, vehemently. "Is it honorable to marry the man you do
not love and break the heart of the one you do?"
She did not answer, but her arms fell from my neck, and she approached
the window. The passing river was reflected in her eyes. Her reverie
was a short one.
"Listen, Herr; I will tell you why it is honorable. The Prince and the
King? I fear the one as little as I do the other.
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