I had not until then heard the princess's voice, and I was struck with its intense sweetness.
"I hope, my dear Henry, you will stay some time with your aunt," said the grand duke. "Come and see us often about three o'clock en famille; and if we ride out you must accompany us. You know how great an affection I have always felt for you, for your noble qualities."
"I cannot express my gratitude for your royal highness's kindness."
"Well, to prove it," said the grand duke, smiling, "engage your cousin for the second quadrille; the first belongs to the archduke."
"Will your royal highness do me the honour?" said I to my cousin.
"Oh, call each other cousin, as in the good old times," replied the duke, laughing. "There should be no ceremony between relations."
"Will you dance with me, cousin?"
"Yes, cousin," replied the princess.
I cannot tell how much I felt the touching kindness of the grand duke, and how bitterly I reproached myself for yielding to an affection the prince would never authorise.
I vowed inwardly that nothing should induce me to acquaint my cousin with my affection, but I feared my emotion would betray me.