If I do, I fear I
shall never leave it."

I did not answer; but I had resolved that he should return, and I
intended that my resolution should become a fact. Yolanda was not
present at supper, but she appeared soon after we had risen. We sat
under the dim light of a lamp in the long room. Yolanda was on the
cushioned bench in the shadow of the great chimney, silently clasping
Twonette's hand. Twonette, of course, was silent and serene. Castleman
and I talked disjointedly, and Max sat motionless, gazing through the
window into the night. After greeting us, Yolanda spoke not a word; but
ever in the deep shadow I could see the glow of her eyes looking toward
Max. That his heart was filled with a great struggle, I knew, and I
believed that Yolanda also knew.

We had many preparations to make before our departure next morning at
dawn, so after an hour Max and I rose to leave. Twonette, leaving
Yolanda, came to us, and the Castlemans all gave us a hearty God-speed.
Yolanda sat wordless in the shadow. I went to her and gave her my hand.

"Farewell, Fraeulein," I said.

Max followed me closely, and I stepped aside to make way for him. The
girl rose and stood irresolute before him. I went to the Castlemans, who
were standing at a distance.

"Fraeulein--" said Max. But she interrupted him, extending her hands,
which he clasped.

"Have you no word for me, Sir Max?" she asked pathetically, tears
springing to her eyes. "Are you coming back to me? Have you the right to
come into my life as you have done, and to leave me? Does God impose but
one duty on you--that of your birth?"

"Ah, Fraeulein," answered Max, huskily, "you know--you know what I
suffer."

"I surely do know," she responded, "else I would not speak so plainly.
But answer me, Sir Max. Answer my question. It is my right to know upon
what I may depend. Will you come back to me?"

The imperious will of the princess had come to the rescue of Yolanda,
the burgher girl.

Max paused before speaking, then grasped her hands fiercely and
answered:--

"Before God, Fraeulein, I will come back to you, if I live."

Yolanda sank upon the cushioned bench, covered her face with her hands,
and the pent-up storm of sobs and tears broke forth as Max and I passed
out the door.

Yolanda had won.

CHAPTER XIX

MAX GOES TO WAR

The next morning at dawn our army marched. Although Duke Charles would
not encumber himself with provisions for his men, he carried a vast
tr