Part 35 (1/2)

”If I could come with you!” she whispered very low

”My God!” said I roughly, ”don't talk about that!” and I thrust her a little back froentle!”

Then I was false to all that I should have held by For I caught her in my arms and prayed her, in words that I will not write, to co all Ruritania to take her fro, dazzled eyes But as her eyes looked on rew ashas, and at last I was silent

She drew herself away froe of the sofa, tre it, obstinate not to undo it So we rested a long time

”I am mad!” I said sullenly

”I love your madness, dear,” she answered

Her face ay froht the sparkle of a tear on her cheek I clutched the sofa with ?” she asked, in loeet tones that see heart ”If love were the only thing, I would follow you--in rags, if need be--to the world's end; for you hold my heart in the hollow of your hand! But is love the only thing?”

I ives me shame now to think that I would not help her

She came near me and laid her hand on my shoulder I put my hand up and held hers

”I know people write and talk as if it were Perhaps, for some, Fate lets it be Ah, if I were one of the, you would have let the King die in his cell”

I kissed her hand

”Honour binds a wo true to my country and my House I don't knohy God has let me love you; but I know that Ia while, then went on:

”Your ring will always be on er, your heart in o and I must stay Perhaps I ”

I knehat she h me But I could not utterly fail her I rose and took her hand

”Do what you will, or what you must,” I said ”I think God shows His purposes to such as you My part is lighter; for your ring shall be on er and your heart in mine, and no touch save of your lips will ever be on !”

There struck on our ears the sound of singing The priests in the chapel were singing masses for the souls of those who lay dead They seeiveness for our love that would not die The soft, sweet, pitiful music rose and fell as we stood opposite one another, her hands in mine

”My queen and ht!” she said ”Perhaps we shall never see one another again Kiss o!”

I kissed her as she badebut ain; and then I left her