"Not in these words, but in words which it were impossible to interpret differently."
"Have you the letter still?"
"No, I am sorry to say. Lydia has ..."
"Has replaced it where she found it; of course. It's a pity, though. It might be possible to imagine another interpretation. However, let us assume that it is so. What have you resolved?"
"To die rather than give my consent--a thousand times rather!"
Their eyes met, and they looked; steadily at each other for a few moments. Then the Princess nodded, and said--
"I see you are in earnest. I can quite understand it; nay, more, I will help you. You will not have to die. I promise my help. Will you reject it?"
She had seized Hildegard's hand.
"I shall be eternally grateful to you," said Hildegard; "but ..."
"No 'but!' I am one of these people who always do what they undertake. You shall be content with me."