g.

The rest of us looked on, but we understood nothing of these passes.
Even Gretchen was in the dark.

"We met long ago," said the innkeeper.

"Yes; but I have really forgotten what the subject of Our discussion
was," said the Prince, regarding the innkeeper through half-closed
lids. "Perhaps he can explain."

"It is very kind of Your Highness," said the innkeeper, laughing
maliciously. "But I am old, and my memory serves me ill."

The Prince shrugged. "But we have drifted away from the present
matter. Your Highness, then, promises to bend to the will of the King?"

"Yes," said Gretchen. "I gave the King my promise because I had
wearied of resistance, having no one to turn to--then. I shall marry
you, though I detest you; but I shall be your wife only in name, and
not in the eyes of God."

"The latter sacrifice was not asked of you," smiled the Prince.

"I shall depart this day for the capital," continued Gretchen. "I warn
you not to inflict your presence upon me during the journey. Now go.
The air while you remain is somewhat difficult to breathe."

The Prince surveyed the menacing faces which surrounded him, then
gathered up his hat and gloves.

"I see that Your Highness will be a dutiful wife," he said, smoothing
the silk of his hat with his elbow. He blew into his gloves and
carefully drew them over his hands. "A pleasant journey to Your
Highness," he added. "Come, Count. And these?" waving his hand toward
Hillars and me.

"They have my fullest protection."

He smiled villainously, then walked to the door with a measured tread.
At the door he turned. There was a flash of rage in his eyes, but he
quickly subdued it.

"Auf wiedersehen!" with a sweeping glance which took in all of us, and
particularly me.

He passed out, the Count following him soberly. The two cavalrymen
thrust their sabres into the scabbards with a clank, and made as though
to follow.

"Wait," said Gretchen. "I shall have need of you. You will escort me
to the station. Now you may go."

They saluted gravely. They appreciated the situation. The Princess
was their bread and butter.

"Your Highness," said Hillars, "there has been a mistake."

"A mistake?" repeated Gretchen, wonderingly.

"Yes. They have made you a Princess, whereas they should have made you
a Queen. Will you forgive me the trouble I have caused?"

"It is I who must ask forgiveness of you," she said, with a sad smile.
"You may kiss my han