ound, when we two are together, is our
shrine. I have worked, and wasted life; I have not lived, and I thirst
to live.'

She murmured, in a fervour, 'You shall!' and slipped behind her
defences. 'To-morrow morning we shall wander about; I must have a little
time; all to-morrow morning we can discuss plans.'

'You know you command me,' said he, and gazed at her.

She was really a child compared with him in years, and if it was an
excuse for taking her destiny into his hands, she consenting,--it was
also a reason why he dared not press his whole weight to win her to the
step.

She had the pride of the secret knowledge of her command of this giant
at the long table of the guests at dinner, where, after some play of
knife and fork among notable professors, Prussian officers, lively
Frenchmen and Italians, and the usual over-supply of touring English
of both sexes, not encouraging to conversation in their look of pallid
disgust of the art, Alvan started general topics and led them. The lead
came to him naturally, because he was a natural speaker, of a mind both
stored and effervescent; and he was genial, interested in every growth
of life. She did not wonder at his popularity among men of all classes
and sets, or that he should be famed for charming women. Her friend was
enraptured with him. Friendly questions pressed in an evening chatter
between the ladies, and Clotilde fenced, which is half a confession.

'But you are not engaged?' said the blunt Englishwoman.

According to the explanation, Clotilde was hardly engaged. It was not
an easy thing to say how she stood definitely. She had obeyed her dying
relative and dearest on earth by joining her hand to Prince Marko's, and
had pleased her parents by following it up with the kindest attentions
to the prince. It had been done, however, for the sake of peace; and
chiefly for his well-being. She had reserved her full consent: the
plighting was incomplete. Prince Marko knew that there was another, a
magical person, a genius of the ring, irresistible. He had been warned,
that should the other come forth to claim her.... And she was about to
write to him this very night to tell him... tell him fully.... In truth,
she loved both, but each so differently! And both loved her! And she had
to make her choice of one, and tell the prince she did love him, but...
Dots are the best of symbols for rendering cardisophistical subtleties
intelligible, and as they are much used in dialog