is unbearable!"

"You are right," he admitted. "You have been patient, Marie, and so
have I. The time has come to end it."

She laid her slender fingers upon his arm. Slenderer than ever they
seemed to him now, and unbejewelled save for one great emerald set in
dull gold which burned upon her fourth finger.

"What can you do, Nicholas? You know the meaning of it all. It is the
coming of Sara Van Decht."

He nodded thoughtfully.

"I myself," he said, "have watched--and seen. But, Marie, the daughter
of a tradesman, though he were rich enough to buy a kingdom, can never
sit upon the throne of Theos."

"He is masterful," she said, "and I think that he cares for her. He
will have his own way."

Reist was wearing his uniform, for there had been a reception at the
Austrian Minister's. As though by accident he touched the hilt of his
sword.

"Our honour is engaged, Marie," he said. "You may safely leave all in
my hands."

"He is your King!" she reminded him, with a sidelong glance, as though
anxious to watch the effect of her words.

"And I," he answered, hotly, "am Nicholas, Duke of Reist. Since when,
Marie, have the men of Tyrnaus reached a pinnacle when the Reists
could not address them as equals? Our quarterings are more numerous,
our House is more ancient than theirs. Ughtred of Tyrnaus must answer
to me as would any other gentleman of his rank if the time should come
when our honour demands it."

"Those are brave words, my brother!" she said.

"You do not doubt me, Marie?"

She shook her head.

"I do not doubt you, Nicholas, only----"

"Well?"

"There was a time when the throne was yours, when the people would
have shouted you King. You let it go by. You pointed there! Tell me,
Nicholas, is it forever this waiting?"

Her forefinger was raised to that carved motto. Nicholas remained for
a moment lost in thought.

"Marie," he said, presently. "I will tell you the truth. I did not
give Ughtred of Tyrnaus credit for such gifts as he has shown. I
wanted the principle of monarchy reestablished, and it was best to
revert to the royal house. Then I found that he was a better man than
I had thought, and an alliance with you would have reconciled me to
his reign. Now--I must admit--I am doubtful."

She remained for a moment lost in thought. Had the time come when she
might speak? He detested Domiloff and all his ways--at heart, too, the
good of Theos was far dearer to him than any personal ambition.