nd for a year of love. Well,
in eighteen months there was an end. But do you fancy, Seraphina, that
my heart has altered?"

"I am sure I cannot tell," she said, like an automaton.

"It has not," the Prince continued. "There is nothing ridiculous, even
from a husband, in a love that owns itself unhappy and that asks no
more. I built on sand; pardon me, I do not breathe a reproach--I built,
I suppose, upon my own infirmities; but I put my heart in the building,
and it still lies among the ruins."

"How very poetical!" she said, with a little choking laugh, unknown
relentings, unfamiliar softnesses, moving within her. "What would you be
at?" she added, hardening her voice.

"I would be at this," he answered; "and hard it is to say. I would be at
this:--Seraphina, I am your husband, after all, and a poor fool that
loves you. Understand," he cried almost fiercely, "I am no suppliant
husband; what your love refuses I would scorn to receive from your pity.
I do not ask, I would not take it. And for jealousy, what ground have I?
A dog-in-the-manger jealousy is a thing the dogs may laugh at. But at
least, in the world's eye, I am still your husband; and I ask you if you
treat me fairly? I keep to myself, I leave you free, I have given you in
everything your will. What do you in return? I find, Seraphina, that you
have been too thoughtless. But between persons such as we are, in our
conspicuous station, particular care and a particular courtesy are
owing. Scandal is perhaps not easy to avoid; but it is hard to bear."

"Scandal!" she cried, with a deep breath. "Scandal! It is for this you
have been driving!"

"I have tried to tell you how I feel," he replied. "I have told you that
I love you--love you in vain--a bitter thing for a husband; I have laid
myself open that I might speak without offence. And now that I have
begun, I will go on and finish."

"I demand it," she said. "What is this about?"

Otto flushed crimson. "I have to say what I would fain not," he
answered. "I counsel you to see less of Gondremark."

"Of Gondremark? And why?" she asked.

"Your intimacy is the ground of scandal, madam," said Otto, firmly
enough--"of a scandal that is agony to me, and would be crushing to your
parents if they knew it."

"You are the first to bring me word of it," said she. "I thank you."

"You have perhaps cause," he replied. "Perhaps I am the only one among
your friends----"

"O, leave my friends alone," she interrupte