d.

"You knew, at Alleheiligen? Not on the mountain, when--"

"Yes. I guessed even then, I confess. Oh, I don't mean that I went
there expecting to find you. I didn't. I think I shouldn't have gone,
had I known. Every one believed you were at Melinabad. But when I
tumbled down and you saved me, I looked up, and--of course I'd seen
your picture, and one reads in the papers that you're fond of chamois
hunting. I couldn't help guessing--oh, I'm sorry you asked me this!"

"Why?"

"Because--one might have to be afraid of an Emperor if he were angry."

"Do I look angry?"

Their eyes met again, laughing at first, then each finding unexpected
depths in those of the other which drove away laughter. Something in
Leopold's breast seemed alive and struggling to be free from
restraint, like a fierce, wild bird. He shut his lips tightly,
breathing hard. Both forgot that a question had been asked; but it was
Virginia who spoke first, since it is easier for a woman than a man to
hide feeling.

"I wonder why you kept the ring after my--impertinence."

"I had a good reason for keeping it."

"Won't you tell me?"

"You're quick at forming conclusions, Miss Mowbray. Can't you guess?"

"To remind you to beware of strange young women on mountains."

"No."

"Because your own picture is inside?"

"It was a better reason than that."

"Am I not to ask it?"

"On that day, you asked what you chose. All the more should you do so
now, since there's nothing I could refuse you."

"Not the half of your Kingdom--like the Royal men in fairy stories?"

As soon as the words were out Virginia would have given much to have
them back. She had not thought of a meaning they might convey; but she
tried not to blush, lest he should think of it now. Nevertheless he
did think of it, and the light words, striking a chord they had not
aimed to touch, went echoing on and on, till they reached that part of
himself which the Emperor knew least about--his heart.

"Half his Kingdom?" Yes, he would give it to this girl, if he could.
Heavens, what it would be to share it with her!

"Ask anything you will," he said, as a man speaks in a dream.

"Then tell me--why you kept the ring."

"Because the only woman I ever cared--to make my friend, took it from
her finger and gave it to me."

"Now the Emperor is pleased to pay compliments."

"You know I am sincere."

"But you'd seen me only for an hour. Instead of deserving your
friendship, I'm afraid