God, in his goodness, chose you to be a mediator between me and my
fate; it was His will that, from your hand, I should receive my
life's blessing. You cured me of a wandering and unworthy passion,
that I might feel the truth and enjoy the blessing of a pure love,
and a love which now fills my heart and soul, my thoughts, my
existence for my darling wife."

"Ah, you are very cruel," said Louise, scarcely able to suppress her
tears of rage.

"I am only true, madame," said the prince, smiling. "You wished to
know of me if I were still angry with you, and I reply that I have
not only forgiven, but I bless your inconstancy. And now, I pray you
let us end this conversation, which I will never renew. Let the past
die and be buried! We have both of us commenced a new life under the
sunshine of a new love; we will not allow any cloud of remembrances
to cast a shadow upon it. Look, the beautiful shepherdesses are
seeking flowers in the meadows, and my wife stands alone upon the
borders of the lake. Allow me to join her, if only to see if the
clear waters of the lake reflect back her image as lovely and
enchanting as the reality."

The prince bowed, and with hasty steps took the path that led to the
lake.

Louise looked at him scornfully. "He despises me and he loves her
fondly; but she--does the princess love him?--not so! her glance is
cold, icy, when she looks upon him; and to-day I saw her turn pale
as the prince approached her. No, she loves him not; but who then--
who? she is young, ardent, and, it appears to me, impressible; she