You knew from the first that she was a Princess; but you
could not find the proofs. Hermann and I were the means to the end.
But who shall blame you? Not I! I am very grateful to you for having
given to me a sister. And if you fooled me, I returned measure for
measure. It is game and quit. Time hung heavy on my hands, and the
victory, however short, was amusing."
"I never loved her!" I cried. Where were the words I needed?
"So much the worse for you," disdainfully. "But here comes Hermann to
announce your supper."
"I shall not break the bread of inhospitality," said I, in the
bitterness of my despair. I gathered up my traps--and then I let them
tumble back. The needed words came with a rush to my lips. I went
close to her. "Why did you humiliate yourself in begging my life of
the Prince? Why, if my life was nothing to you? Answer. Why did you
stoop to your knees to that man if I was worthless to you? Why?"
Her cheeks grew red, then white; her lips formed words which she could
not speak.
"Herr Winthrop's supper is ready," announced the innkeeper.
"Go and eat it!" I said childishly.
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