"'Wonder not, then, that I resent the ignoble assumption that my regard may be compelled. "'My love is as royal as thine. "'I bestow it where I will; unasked, if its object pleaseth me. "'But I make no sign, O prince. "'In such a stress a maiden may not speak her mind.' "'Peace, Lal Lu!' exclaimed the prince, who, during her initial reproaches and her subsequent explanations, had recovered his native dignity of carriage and elevation of demeanor; 'peace! Never before have I hearkened to such speech as thine. "'All my life I have had but to ask, and what I craved was mine. "'My wish has been my command. "'Hear, then, Lal Lu: Henceforward thou art as safe with me as in thy father's home.' "'Aye! what of him?' interrupted the maiden; 'what of my father, O prince?' "'All is well with him,' replied the prince, manifestly chagrined at the incautious introduction of this disturbing name and the filial solicitude it awakened. "'He has been assured of thy safety; of him will I speak later. But now, Lal Lu---- "'I acknowledge thy rebuke. I stand before thee, thy sovereign, thy suppliant. "'See!' he exclaimed, 'what I cannot demand, I entreat'; and with an indescribably fascinating tribute of surrender and yearning, this royal suitor awaited her reply. "Leaning for support against a slender stand near-by, to which she communicated the trembling fervor which pulsed so warmly through every fiber of her being, the beautiful Lal Lu looked upon the fine countenance before her with a light in her eyes that dazzled with its subtle radiance. "'Oh, Lal Lu!' cried the prince as he advanced toward the trembling maiden with eager precipitation. "'One moment, O prince!' exclaimed Lal Lu, extending a restraining hand. "'I know not what to say to thee; yet will I meet thy candor with equal frankness. Yea, Prince Otondo, I love thee indeed. I feel no shame in the confession. I have loved thee always. I am----' "But the prince, after the fashion of lovers, made further speech impossible; and Lal Lu, with all the exquisite charm of womanly capitulation, threw her dusky arms about his neck and held his lips to hers in the only kiss beside her father's she had ever known. "For one delirious moment, and then, releasing herself, she stood before the prince, a very blushing majesty of love, and said: "'And now, O prince, I have told thee my secret. Be thou equally generous and restore me to my father, and then come to me when thou desirest and I am thine." "Concealing his impatience at this last suggestion, the prince, with wily indirection, said: "'It is too late to-day, Lal Lu. Thy father will be here on the morrow; rest thyself until then,' and fearful lest the maiden would penetrate his purpose, he added: