“Assuredly! You are a brave girl! True to your love, and true to the country at one and the same time! But while I accept your vow, let me warn you not to indulge in any lurking hope or feeling that the Nation will ever recognize your marriage. Your own willingly-taken oath at this moment practically makes it null and void, so far as the State is concerned;--but perhaps it strengthens it as a bond of--youthful passion!” An open admiration flashed in his bold fine eyes as he spoke,--and Gloria grew pale. With an involuntary movement she turned towards the Queen. “You--Madam--you--Ah! No,--not you!--you are cruel!--you have not a woman’s heart! My love--my husband!” The Prince was at once beside her, and she clung to him trembling. “Take me away!” she whispered; “Take me away altogether--this place stifles me!” He caught her in his strong young arms, and was about to lead her to the door, when she suddenly appeared to remember something, and releasing herself from his clasp, put him away from her with a faint smile. “No, dearest! You must stay here;--stay here and make your father and mother understand all that I have said. Tell them I mean to keep my vow. You know how thoroughly I mean it! The Professor will take me home!” Then the Queen moved, and came towards her with her usual slow noiseless grace. “Let me thank you!” she said, with an air of gracious condescension; “You are a very good girl, and I am sure you will keep your word! You are so beautiful that you are bound to do well; and I hope your future life will be a happy one!” “I hope so, Madam!” replied Gloria slowly; “I think it will! If it is not happier than yours, I shall indeed be unfortunate!” The Queen drew back, offended; but the King, who had been whispering aside to Von Glauben, now approached and said kindly. “You must not go away, my child, without some token of our regard. Wear this for Our sake!” He offered her a chain of gold bearing a simple yet exquisitely designed pendant of choice pearls. Her face crimsoned, and she pushed it disdainfully aside. “Keep it, Sir, for those whose love and faith can be purchased with jewelled toys! Mine cannot! You mean kindly no doubt,--but a gift from you is an offence, not an honour! Fare-you-well!” Another moment and she was gone. Von Glauben, at a sign from the King, hastily followed her. Prince Humphry, who had remained almost entirely mute during the scene, now stood with folded arms opposite his Royal parents, still silent and rigid. The King watched him for a minute or two--then laid a hand gently on his arm. “We do not blame you over-much, Humphry!” he said; “She is a beautiful creature, and more intelligent than I had imagined. Moreover she has great calmness, as well as courage.” Still the Prince said nothing.