is true or no," said the girl indifferently.
"He doubtless passed away in a drunken sleep, and I am told his drunken
son will be elected in his place."

"Madam!" said Roland harshly, awakened from his stupor by her words, "I
must inform your ignorance that the Emperor's son is not a drunkard,
and, indeed, scarcely touches wine at all, being a most strenuous
opposer to its misuse. How can one so fair, and, as I believed, so
honest, repeat such unfounded slander?"

"Are you a partisan of his?"

"I come from Frankfort; have seen the Prince, and know I speak the
truth."

"Ah, well," replied the girl lightly, "you and I will not quarrel over
his Highness. I accept your amendment, and will never more bear false
witness against him. After all, it makes slight difference one way or
the other. An Emperor goes, and an Emperor is elected in his place as
powerless as his predecessor. 'Tis the Archbishops who rule."

"You seem well versed in politics, Madam."

The girl leaned forward to him.

"Do not 'madam' me, I beg of you, Roland. I dare say rumor has
prejudiced me against the young man, but I have promised not to speak
slightingly of him again. I wish this veil of darkness was lifted, that
I might see your face, to note the effect of anger. Do you know, I am
disappointed in you, Roland? You spoke in such level tones in the
courtyard that I thought anger was foreign to your nature."

"I am not angry," said Roland gruffly, "but I detest malicious gossip."

"Oh, so do I, so do I! I spoke thoughtlessly. I will kneel to the new
Emperor and beg his pardon, if you insist."

Roland remained silent, and for a time they floated thus down the river,
she trailing her fingers in the water, which made a pleasant ripple
against them, looking up at him now and then. Perceptibly the darkness
was thinning. One seemed to smell morning in the air. A bird piped
dreamily in the forest at intervals, as if only half-awakened. The two
women reclining in the prow were sound asleep.

Roland picked up the paddle, and with a strong, sweeping stroke turned
the head of the boat towards the land. Now she could see his lowering
brow, and if the sight pleased her, 'twas not manifested in her next
remark.

She took her hand from the water, drew herself up proudly, and said:

"I shall not apologize to you again, and I hate your blameless Prince!"

"Madam, I ask for no apology, and whether you hate or like the Prince
matters nothing to me, or, I d