Yolanda sat wordless in the shadow. I went to her and gave her my hand.

"Farewell, Fräulein," I said.

Max followed me closely, and I stepped aside to make way for him. The
girl rose and stood irresolute before him. I went to the Castlemans, who
were standing at a distance.

"Fräulein--" said Max. But she interrupted him, extending her hands,
which he clasped.

"Have you no word for me, Sir Max?" she asked pathetically, tears
springing to her eyes. "Are you coming back to me? Have you the right to
come into my life as you have done, and to leave me? Does God impose but
one duty on you--that of your birth?"

"Ah, Fräulein," answered Max, huskily, "you know--you know what I
suffer."

"I surely do know," she responded, "else I would not speak so plainly.
But answer me, Sir Max. Answer my question. It is my right to know upon
what I may depend. Will you come back to me?"

The imperious will of the princess had come to the rescue of Yolanda,
the burgher girl.

Max paused before speaking, then grasped her hands fiercely and
answered:--

"Before God, Fräulein, I will come back to you, if I live."