"I hope, my dear Henry, that you will remain some time with your aunt, to whom I am greatly attached. I respect her as a mother, as you know," said the grand duke kindly to me. "Come often to see us, familiarly, in the morning, at three o'clock. If we are going out, you can join us in our walk; you know I have always loved you, because you have one of the most noble hearts."
"I do not know how to express to your royal highness my gratitude for the kind reception you condescend to bestow on me."
"To prove to me your gratitude, then," said the prince, smiling, "ask your cousin for the second contra-dance; the first belongs of right to the archduke."
"Will your highness grant me this favor?" said I to the Princess Amelia, bowing before her.
"Call each other simply cousins, after the good old German custom," said the grand duke gayly; "ceremony is not proper among relatives!"
"Will my cousin do me the honor to dance this contra-dance with me?"
"Yes, cousin," replied the Princess Amelia.
CHAPTER III.
PRINCE HENRY D'HERKAUSEN-OLDENZAAL TO COUNT MAXIMILIAN KAMINETZ.
"OLDENZAAL, August 25th, 1841.