“I know that. But you, have you never thought of taking his place by a dearer right?”
“Madam, I will confess the truth to you. Such an idea never came into my mind till the other day. I was even guilty of urging her to accept the offers of the King. When she refused finally, she admitted to me that it was because she loved another. And then, for the first time, a light seemed to strike into my own heart, and I found out, too late, that I loved her myself.”
Hermengarde’s sombre face relaxed once more.
“Foolish young man,” she said softly, “did you never think who it was that had won your little playmate’s heart?”
The young man started, a joyful glow broke out over his features. The Princess went quickly to the bedroom door, opened it, and brought forth the blushing Dorothea.
“Here is your cousin, child. He has not yet found out whom it is you are in love with.”
One look between the two was enough. They were folded in each other’s arms.
The Princess detached a string of magnificent diamonds from her neck.
“Here is my wedding present,” she said, casting it round the young girl. “Now go, and if you sometimes hear evil things said of Hermengarde of Schwerin-Strelitz, remember that she was your friend.”
And bestowing a last kiss upon Dorothea’s cheek, she pushed them out of the room.