short. While none knew the nature of the business
that called them together, each had a stubborn suspicion that it related
to the stirring declarations of the day before. Not one in that assembly
but had heard the vivid, soulful sentence from the throne. Not one but
wished in secret as Gaspon and Halfont had wished in open speech.

When the Princess entered with the prime minister they narrowly scanned
the face so dear to them. Determination and cowardice were blended in
the deep blue eyes, pride and dejection in the firm step, strength and
weakness in the loving smile she bestowed upon the faithful counsellors.
After the greetings she requested them to draw chairs about the great
table. Seating herself in her accustomed seat, she gazed over the circle
of anxious faces and realized, more than at any time in her young life,
that she was frail and weak beyond all comparison. How small she was to
rule over those strong, wise men of hers; how feeble the hand that held
the sceptre.

"My lords," she said, summoning all her strength of mind and heart,
"I am gratified to find you so ready to respond to the call of your
whimsical sovereign. Yesterday you came with hearts bowed down and
in deepest woe. To-day I assemble you here that I may ask your advice
concerning the events of that strange day. Bolaroz will do as he has
promised. We are to have the extension papers this afternoon, and
Graustark may breathe again the strong, deep breath of hope. You well
remember my attitude on yesterday. You were shocked, horrified, amazed
by my seemingly ignoble effort to preserve my preserver's life. We will
pass over that, however. It is to discuss my position that I have called
you here. To begin, I would have sacrificed my kingdom, as you know, to
save him. He was innocent and I loved him. If, on yesterday, I would not
let my kingdom stand between me and my love, I cannot do so to-day.
I have called you here to tell you, my lords, that I have promised to
become the wife of the man who would have given his life for you and for
me--that I love as a woman, not as a Princess."

The silence of death stole into the room. Every man's eyes were glued
upon the white face of the Princess and none could break the spell. They
had expected it, yet the shock was overwhelming; they had feared it, yet
the announcement stupefied them. She looked straight before her, afraid
to meet the eyes of her subjects, knowing that sickening disapproval
dwelt in th