"No, my own, you must not die."
"But, before they come, Dale, I want you to know that I love you. I want you to kiss me once upon the lips, and I shall be content."
I tried to rouse her; to make her see that we could escape if she would only help me, and that, when we were free, there was a life for us together in America where, undisturbed by kings or creeds, we might be happy. She listened patiently, but without interest. Much against my will I was forced to realize that she felt the enormity of her offence and that she had condemned herself to death.
"Will you not kiss me, Dale?" she pleaded.
"Listen, dearest," I said, hoping to force her to help me through the love she bore me, "you must not give up in despair. For, if you die, I must die also. You will not condemn me to death, will you?"
"Oh, no," she replied, "they will not hurt you. You have not harmed them, as I have."
She put her arms around my neck and kissed me long and passionately. Our lips met in their first kiss and possibly their last. Then she walked weakly up the steps, entered her room and closed the door.
I stood at the foot of the stairs and watched her until she was gone from sight. Then I turned and came face to face with Nicholas. From his expression I knew that he had seen the Prince's caress. So bitterly did he look at me that I scarcely recognized my old friend in him. And I needed his friendship now so much. Plainly he suspected the truth.
"Well, Dale," he said coldly, "perhaps you will be good enough to explain."
CHAPTER XX