rom that time forward,
during the remainder of Max's stay in town, we seemed to be continually
in her company. That Max had followed my example, and was by this time
as madly in love with the Princess as I was myself, I am quite
convinced. Never by word or deed, however, did he try to make me aware
of the fact. But I could see that it existed. Of my own feelings I am
not going to say anything. All things considered, it is better I should
not. Those who have the wit to understand will be able to read between
the lines.

It was during Max's stay in town that he completed the formalities
connected with his decision to resign his commission in the Lancers.

At this juncture it is necessary that I should depart from the direct
course of my narrative, in order to offer a few remarks upon Max's own
personal condition during the few weeks he was with me in town. This, I
must frankly confess, was at times of such a nature as to cause me the
greatest possible alarm. He was as changeable as the summer breezes. At
one moment he seemed all happiness; the next he was plunged into the
depths of despair. At one time he would talk of Pannonia with the
greatest affection, and appear to be sanguine as to his chance of some
day ascending the throne; the next he would assure me that the Republic
would last longer than we expected, and that, even if it did not, he
would never live to be king. Extravagant though it may seem to say so, I
feel bound to confess that there were occasions when I wondered whether
the troubles of our unhappy House had not exercised an undue influence
upon his mind. As may be supposed, my position at this particular time
was far from being a happy one. To make it worse, the Princess had, for
some reason or other, taken it into her head to be vexed with me. What I
had done to offend her I could not see, but that she _was_ angry with me
was quite clear. It may possibly have been that she thought I was
growing tired of the acquaintanceship, inasmuch as I was not quite so
often with her. But I was resolved that, happen what might, Max should
have a fair chance. He was the elder, and, if he were going to be king,
their marriage would be only fit and proper. Therefore, if she preferred
him to myself, he should have her, and I would do my best to appear
delighted. If not, well, then it would be my turn to put my fortune to
the test. It took some time to arrive at this decision, but that once
done, the rest was easy. Oh, th