and our own hearts. But to the world we are still wedded. We shall both
inhabit this palace, but we shall seek never to meet one another. On
grand fete days, when etiquette demands it, we shall dine together, but
preside at separate tables. And you must forgive me if I never address
you. We are dead to one another; and the dead do not speak. In the
summer I shall live at Rheinsberg; the king presented it to me on my
marriage with you, and I think I have paid dearly enough for it to be
allowed to spend my time there alone. You will not follow me there,
but will remain in Berlin, or travel, as it suits you. Do you accept my
conditions, madame?"

"Yes, sir," said the princess, proudly. "I accept them. We will live
like two galley-slaves, bound together in chains, without one thought
or feeling in unison. You have devised a severe punishment for me, my
prince. My only fear is that I am not the only victim--that you also
suffer?"

"I told you before, that I wished to punish no one. All I seek is a
little rest--a little peace, and your presence in this palace cannot
endanger that, for you, madame, have not only annihilated my love for
you, but also the remembrance of it. And now, as you have accepted
my conditions for our future life, I have nothing more to say than
farewell, until death! Farewell, madame; may your life be a happy one!"

"Farewell, prince!" murmured Wilhelmina, in a voice choked with tears.
"Farewell! and may God teach your heart to pity and forgive!"

"You will now have the kindness, madame, to arrange your toilet, then to
follow me with your court to the great reception-room. We give to-day a
splendid dinner. At this fete we will take an eternal adieu of the past.
It will be the last time we dine together. Farewell, madame; I await
you."

He bowed profoundly, then moved to the door. The princess gazed after
him breathlessly, and the tears that had long stood in her eyes now
rolled slowly down her cheeks.

When the prince had reached the threshold, she started forward, crying
in a piteous voice:

"Henry! oh, Henry!"

The prince did not turn, but opened the door and passed out of the room.

Fifteen minutes later, a gay crowd was assembled in the reception-room.
The prince received his guests in his usual gay, cordial manner. But the
princess was different. She was more quiet and formal than usual. Her
eyes did not sparkle; her cheeks were pale in spite of her rouge: her
voice was low and tremulou