“‘Aye! what of him?’ interrupted the maiden; ‘what of my father, O prince?’
“‘All is well with him,’ replied the prince, manifestly chagrined at the incautious introduction of this disturbing name and the filial solicitude it awakened.
“‘He has been assured of thy safety; of him will I speak later. But now, Lal Lu——
“‘I acknowledge thy rebuke. I stand before thee, thy sovereign, thy suppliant.
“‘See!’ he exclaimed, ‘what I cannot demand, I entreat’; and with an indescribably fascinating tribute of surrender and yearning, this royal suitor awaited her reply.
“Leaning for support against a slender stand near-by, to which she communicated the trembling fervor which pulsed so warmly through every fiber of her being, the beautiful Lal Lu looked upon the fine countenance before her with a light in her eyes that dazzled with its subtle radiance.
“‘Oh, Lal Lu!’ cried the prince as he advanced toward the trembling maiden with eager precipitation.
“‘One moment, O prince!’ exclaimed Lal Lu, extending a restraining hand.
“‘I know not what to say to thee; yet will I meet thy candor with equal frankness. Yea, Prince Otondo, I love thee indeed. I feel no shame in the confession. I have loved thee always. I am——’
“But the prince, after the fashion of lovers, made further speech impossible; and Lal Lu, with all the exquisite charm of womanly capitulation, threw her dusky arms about his neck and held his lips to hers in the only kiss beside her father’s she had ever known.