"Remember, Your Highness," said the King, speaking to Gretchen, "there
shall be no recall."
"Sire," said the Prince, rising, "I request a favor."
"And it shall be granted," said the King, "this being your wedding day."
It was Gretchen who now paled; the hands of the innkeeper closed; I
clutched the chair, for my legs trembled. To lose, after all!
"Ah," said the Prince, "I thank Your Majesty. The favor I ask is that
you will postpone this marriage--indefinitely."
"What!" cried the King. He was amazed. "Have I heard you aright, or
do my ears play me false?"
"It is true. I thank Your Majesty again," said the Prince, bowing.
"But this is beyond belief," cried the King in anger. "I do not
understand. This marriage was at your own request, and now you
withdraw. Since when," proudly, "was the hand of the Princess
Hildegarde to be ignored?"
"It is a delicate matter," said the Prince, turning the ring on his
finger. "It would be impolite to state my reasons before Her Highness.
Your Highness, are you not of my opinion, that, as matters now stand, a
marriage between us would be rather absurd?"
"Now, as at all times," retorted Gretchen, scornfully.
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