“‘Before all others have I placed thee.
“‘Wonder not, then, that I resent the ignoble assumption that my regard may be compelled.
“‘My love is as royal as thine.
“‘I bestow it where I will; unasked, if its object pleaseth me.
“‘But I make no sign, O prince.
“‘In such a stress a maiden may not speak her mind.’
“‘Peace, Lal Lu!’ exclaimed the prince, who, during her initial reproaches and her subsequent explanations, had recovered his native dignity of carriage and elevation of demeanor; ‘peace! Never before have I hearkened to such speech as thine.
“‘All my life I have had but to ask, and what I craved was mine.
“‘My wish has been my command.
“‘Hear, then, Lal Lu: Henceforward thou art as safe with me as in thy father’s home.’