returning covered with fame and crowned with
laurels, might now win her love, and drive from her heart every other
thought. But if he cannot win it--if his return is not sufficient to
loosen the chains which bind her--then she was lost--then she could not
resist the intoxicating whispers luring her to ruin.

These were Princess Wilhelmina's thoughts as she leaned against a window
of the brilliant ball-room, the protection of whose heavy curtains she
had sought to drive for a moment from her face the gay smile and to
breathe out the sighs that were almost rending her heart. She was gazing
at the dark night without--at the bright, starry sky above. Her lips
moved in a low prayer--her timid soul turned to God with its fears.

"O God, my God!" murmured she, "stand by me. Take from me the sinful
thoughts that fill my heart. Make me to love my husband. Keep my soul
free from shame and sin."

Hasty steps, loud, merry voices from the hall, disturbed her dreams. She
left her retreat, meeting everywhere gay smiles and joyous faces. At the
door stood the prince her husband. He advanced eagerly to her side, and
ignoring etiquette and the gay assemblage alike he pressed the princess
to his heart and kissed her on both cheeks.

Wilhelmina drew from him in deadly terror, and a burning anger filled
her heart. Had she loved the prince, this public demonstration of his
tenderness would perhaps have pleased and surely been forgiven by her.
As it was, she took his embrace and kisses as an insult, which was only
to be endured by compulsion--for which she would surely revenge herself.

Prince Henry was so joyous, so happy at meeting his wife once more, that
he did not notice her embarrassed silence, her stiff haughtiness, and
thought she shared his joy, his delight.

This confidence seemed to the princess presumptuous and humiliating.
She confessed to herself that the prince's manners were not in the least
improved by his long campaign--that they were somewhat brusque. He took
her hand tenderly; leading her to a divan, and seated himself beside
her, but suddenly jumping up he left her, and returned in a few moments
with his friend Count Kalkreuth.

"Permit me, Wilhelmina," said he, "to introduce to you again my dear
friend and companion in arms. Men say I have won some fame, but I assure
you that if it is true, Kalkreuth deserves the largest share, for he
was the gardener who tended my laurels with wise and prudent hands. I
commend h