eyes are fixed upon me with almost an expression of contempt. I see,
madame, that you hate me! Well, then, hate me; but I do not deserve
your contempt, and I will not endure it! It is enough that you
martyr me to death with your cutting coldness, your crushing
indifference. The world, at least, should not know that you hate me,
and I will not be publicly humiliated by you. What did I do this
morning, for example? Why were you so cold and scornful? Wherefore
did you check your gay laugh as I entered the room? wherefore did
you refuse me the little flower you held in your hand, and then
throw it carelessly upon the floor?"

The princess looked at him with flashing eyes.

"You ask many questions, sir, and on many points," said she,
sharply. "I do not think it necessary to reply to them. Let us join
our company." She bowed proudly and advanced, but the prince held
her back.

"Do not go," said he, entreatingly, "do not go. Say first that you
pardon me, that you are no longer angry. Oh, Wilhelmina, you do not
know what I suffer; you can never know the anguish which tortures my
soul."

"I know it well; on the day of our marriage your highness explained
all. It was not necessary to return to this bitter subject. I have
not forgotten one word spoken on that festive occasion."

"What do you mean, Wilhelmina? How could I, on our wedding-day, have
made known to you the tortures which I now suffer, from which I was
then wholly free, and in whose possibility I did not believe?"