flew away from the door and placed herself in the niche of the last
window.

To reach her, the prince must cross the saloon; that would give her
a few moments to recover. The door opened and Prince Henry entered;
his glance flew quickly over the saloon, and found the one he
sought.

Louise could have shrieked with agony when she saw the tender smile
with which he greeted her. Never had he appeared so handsome, so
noble as at this moment, when she must resign him forever.

But there was no time to think of this, no time for complaints or
regrets. He was there, he stood before her, offered both his hands,
and greeted her with the tenderest words of love.

Louise had a stern part to play, and she dared not listen to her
heart's pleadings.

"Ah, my prince," she said, with a laugh that sounded to herself like
the wail of a lost soul--"ah, my prince, take care! we women are
very credulous, and I might take your jesting words for truth."

"I advise you to do so," said the prince, happy and unconcerned.
"Yes, Louise, I advise you to do so, for you know well that my
jesting words have an earnest meaning. And now that we are alone, we
will dispense with ceremony. You must justify yourself before a
lover--a lover who is unfortunately very jealous. Yes, yes, Louise,
that is my weakness; I do not deny it, I am jealous--jealous of all
those who keep you from me, who prevent my receiving your letters."