The princess more than ever embarrassed by the seriousness of his voice and manner, stammered forth, "The jewel is a charm." "True," said Richard, with unaffected warmth, "Berengaria's gifts are all charms." "Nay, nay!" said she, with uncontrollable trepidation, "I mean--I mean--it is a fatal possession."--"Of which I am a most undoubted witness," interrupted he, "since by its influence I have lost my head, my heart and my hand." "Have done with this idle jesting, and listen to me," said Berengaria, earnestly. "It will thwart thy dearest wish, and betray thee to thy direst foe." "None but Berengaria can thwart my dearest wish," said Richard, steadily regarding her, "and from my direst foe," he added, with a gesture of defiance, "this good right arm is a sufficient defence." Tears shone in Berengaria's eyes, and she added, "Why wilt thou misunderstand me? I tell thee it will break thy troth." "Our Lady grant it," responded he, with a shout of exultation. "Since the day I first received it, I have not ceased to importune King Henry to cancel my engagement with Alice of France." The baffled princess having no further resource burst into tears. "Nay, weep not, my sweetest Berengaria," said Richard, tenderly, "the gem is indeed a talisman, since by its aid only have I been able to discover the treasure thou hadst so effectually concealed from my anxious search. Fear no evil on my behalf, my poor life has double value since thou hast betrayed an interest in my fate." He stooped to kiss the tears from her cheek, and passing a chain with a diamond cross about her neck, left her alone to recover her composure. CHAPTER IV. "Ah me! for aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth."