"I ask no gratitude," quoth he. "I am all gratitude myself that
you should have come to me in the hour of your need. I but ask
your leave to serve you in my own way."

She shook her head. She saw his blue eyes grow troubled.

He was about to speak, to protest, but she hurried on. "Serve me
if you will--God knows I need the service of a loyal friend--but
serve me as I shall myself decide--no other way."

"But what alternative service can exist?" he asked, almost
impatiently.

"I have it in mind to escape from this horrible place--to quit
Hanover, never to return."

"But to go whither?"

"Does it matter? Anywhere away from this hateful court, and this
hateful life; anywhere, since my father will not let me find
shelter at Zell, as I had hoped. Had it not been for the thought
of my children, I should have fled long ago. For the sake of
those two little ones I have suffered patiently through all these
years. But the limit of endurance has been reached and passed.
Take me away. Koenigsmark!" She was clutching his lapels again.
"If you would really serve me, help me to escape."

His hands descended upon hers, and held them prisoned against his
breast. A flush crept into his fair cheeks, there was a sudden