For all answer, he lifted the hand that hung about his neck, to his lips and kissed it tenderly. “They want you, Gloria!” he said tremulously; “They want you at the Palace. You must go to-day!” She lifted her brilliant eyes enquiringly to Von Glauben, who responded to the look by at once explaining his mission. He was there, he said, by the King’s special command;--their Majesties had been informed of their son’s marriage by their son himself; and they desired at once to see and speak with their unknown daughter-in-law. The interview would be private; his Royal Highness the Crown Prince would be present;--it might last an hour, perhaps longer,--and he, Von Glauben, was entrusted to bring Gloria to the Palace, and escort her back to The Islands again when all was over. Thus, with elaborate and detailed courtesy, the Professor unfolded the nature of his enterprise, while Gloria, still keeping one arm round Ronsard, heard and smiled. “I shall obey the King’s command!” she said composedly; “Though,--having no word from the Prince, my husband, concerning this mandate,--I might very well refuse to do so! But it may be as well that their Majesties and their son’s wife should plainly, and once for all, understand each other. Dear Professor, you look sadly troubled. Is there some little convention, some special ceremonial of so-called ‘good manners,’ which you are commissioned to teach me, before I make my appearance at Court under your escort?” Her lovely lips smiled,--her eyes laughed,--she looked the very incarnation of Beauty triumphant. Von Glauben’s brain whirled,--he felt bewitched and dazzled. “I?--to teach you anything? No, my princess!--and please think how loyally I have called you ‘Princess’ from the beginning!--I have always told you that you have a spiritual knowledge far surpassing all material wisdom. Conventions and ceremonials are not for you,--you will make fashion, not follow it! I am not troubled, save for your sake, dear child!--for you know nothing of the world, and the ways of the Court may at first offend you--” “The ways of Hell must have seemed dark to Proserpine,” said Ronsard in his harsh, strong voice; “But Love gave her light!” “A very just reminder!” said Von Glauben, well pleased;--“Consider Gloria to be the new Proserpine to-day! And now she must forgive me for playing the part of a tyrannical friend, and urging her to hasten her preparations.” Gloria bent down and kissed Ronsard gently. “Trust me, little father!” she whispered; “You have not taught me great lessons of truth in vain!” Aloud she said. “The King and Queen wish to see me and speak with me,--and I know the reason why! They desire to fully explain to me all that my husband has already told me,--which is that according to the rules made for monarchs, our marriage is inadmissible. Well!--I have my answer ready; and you, Professor, shall hear me give it! Wait but a few moments and I will come with you.”