"A word before you go, sir," he said. "I am willing to accept you at my daughter's valuation—I can do no less—and I want to thank you for what you have done. You must now share for life the burden which we have borne so long alone. I shall feel that I can trust you with more assurance if you will swear upon this cross to remember your promise."
It was not a Greek cross that he held before my eyes.
"I have given my word to Her Highness," I said, rising, "but, if it would give you greater peace of mind, I will swear."
"Swear," he repeated solemnly.
And I did so.
"Thank you," he said. "Now I shall give you safe escort to the gates of Framkor Castle."
I found, when I arose, that I could walk quite well, much to my surprise. Solonika insisted that I stay for luncheon, it being near the noon hour, but I held to my determination. I felt sure that neither the General nor Nick yet knew of the part I played in the rescue and they could not know until Marbosa returned to the lodge. In order that the presence in his stable of the horses we had stolen might not betray me, I asked the Duke if he would keep them hidden until after I had left the country. When the old man caught the drift of my thoughts his eyes twinkled with merriment and he readily consented.
He offered to send his men with me for safety, but I refused for fear I might be seen on the road. It was only a short walk across the fields, and, much against Solonika's earnest protestations, I set out on foot alone. Her father forbade her to ride even to the gates with me. He had had his lesson and would not permit her again out of his sight.
"Good-bye, my proven friend," was all she said as I held her hand long at parting. Parting! aye, this we both knew was our final parting. I would see her again as she rode through the streets of Nischon, but never again, perhaps, would I speak with her, or hold her hand as I did at this moment. The palace of the King would swallow her up on the morrow.
"Good-bye, Your Highness," was all I dared trust myself to utter. But I know she was reading my inmost thoughts.