and murmured:

"Good-by, your Highness!"

"Good-by," she said, simply, placing her hand in his after a moment's
hesitation. Then she left him.

An hour later the two Americans, one strangely subdued, the other
curious, excited and impatient, stood before the castle waiting for the
carriage. Count Halfont was with them, begging them to remain, as he
could see no reason for the sudden leave-taking. Lorry assured him that
they had trespassed long enough on the Court's hospitality, and that he
would feel much more comfortable at the hotel. Anguish looked narrowly
at his friend's face, but said nothing. He was beginning to understand.

"Let us walk to the gates. The Count will oblige us by instructing the
coachman to follow," said Lorry, eager to be off.

"Allow me to join you in the walk, gentlemen," said Count Caspar,
immediately instructing a lackey to send the carriage after them. He and
Lorry walked on together, Anguish lingering behind, having caught
sight of the Countess Dagmar. That charming and unconventional piece of
nobility promptly followed the prime minister's example and escorted the
remaining guest to the gate.

Far down the walk Lorry turned for a last glance at the castle from
which love had banished him. Yetive was standing on the balcony, looking
not at the monastery but at the exile.

She remained there long after the carriage had passed her gates, bearing
the Americans swiftly over the white Castle Avenue, and there were tears
in her eyes.

XV. THE BETROTHAL

Harry Anguish was a discreet, forbearing fellow. He did not demand a
full explanation of his friend. There was enough natural wit in his
merry head to see that in connection with their departure there was
something that would not admit of discussion, even by confidential
friends. He shrewdly formed his own conclusions and held his peace. Nor
did he betray surprise when Lorry informed him, in answer to a question,
that he intended to remain in Edelweiss for some time, adding that he
could not expect him to do likewise if he preferred to return to Paris.
But Mr. Anguish preferred to remain in Edelweiss. Had not the Countess
Dagmar told him she would always be happy to see him at the castle, and
had he any reason to renounce its walls? And so it was that they tarried
together.

Lorry loitered aimlessly, moodily about the town, spending gloomy days
and wretched nights. He reasoned that it were wisdom to fly, but a force
stronger t