er things in history than this, though never anything that
could so effectually elevate Pornia. Have no fear of Charles. He loves
your daughter; he is strong-minded as the very devil; he will override
any opposition from his father. As a matter of fact, it is no secret
that Charles is already practically the ruler over his kingdom. So
rejoice, Herzvina, and I will rejoice with you!"

But the baron merely shook his head sadly and repeated: "I fear the
marriage can never be consummated."

"Why not?" said the prince in some heat. "I tell you, his royal highness
loves the girl. I could read passion even in the stilted language of his
ambassador's message. Why not?"

"I was not thinking of his royal highness, but of the girl. She will not
marry him."

The prince dropped into a chair with jarring suddenness.

Rudolph continued hastily: "I have talked with Bertha many times and
seriously of the matter; I have tried to convince her of her duty; but
she will not hear me. The foolish girl says she does not love his
highness."

The prince smote his hands together in an ecstasy of impatience.

"Love! Love! In the name of God, Herzvina, what has love to do with
this? This is the thing for which Pornia has waited during centuries.
Through this alliance I can make a treaty that will place Pornia once
and forever upon the map of the diplomatic powers. Love!"

"I have said all this to her, but she is obdurate."

"Does she expect some fairy prince? She is not a child; she is not
even--forgive me--beautiful."

"True. She is not even pretty, but even homely women, your highness,
will sometimes think of love. It is a weakness of the sex."

He was not satirical; he was very earnest indeed. He continued: "I have
tried every persuasion. She only says in reply: 'He is too old. I cannot
love him.'"

An inspiration came to Alexander of Pornia. Under the stress of it he
rose and so far forgot himself as to clap a hand upon the shoulder of
Herzvina. In so doing he had to reach up almost as high as his head, for
the princes of Pornia have been small men, time out of mind.

"Baron," he said, "will you let me try my hand at persuasion?"

"It would be an honor, sire. My family is ever at the disposal of my
prince."

He answered with a touch of emotion: "I know it, Rudolph; but will you
trust the girl in my hands for a number of days? A thought has come to
me. I know I can convince her that this love of which she dreams is a
thing of