"I forget that I am a slave, your highness," he said at last, and his voice thrilled her through and through. She turned quickly and to her utter dismay found his face and eyes still close to hers, glowing in the darkness.
"Those men—over there," she whispered helplessly. "They are looking at you!"
"Now, I thank God eternally," he cried softly, "You do not punish me, you do not rebuke me. God, there is no night!"
"You—you must not talk like that," she cried, pulling herself together suddenly. "I cannot permit it, Baldos. You forget who you are, sir."
"Ah, yes, your highness," he said, before he stood erect. "I forget that I was a suspected traitor. Now I am guilty of lese majeste." Beverly felt herself grow hot with confusion.
"What am I to do with you?" she cried in perplexity, her heart beating shamefully. "You swear you are honest, and yet you won't tell me the truth. Now, don't stand like that! You are as straight as a ramrod, and I know your dignity is terribly offended. I may be foolish, but I do believe you intend no harm to Graustark. You cannot be a traitor."
"I will some day give my life to repay you for those words, your highness," he said. Her hand was resting on the side of the chair. Something warm touched it, and then it was lifted resistlessly. Hot, passionate lips burned themselves into the white fingers, and a glow went into every fiber of her body.
"Oh!" was all she could say. He gently released the hand and threw up his chin resolutely.
"I am almost ready to die," he said. She laughed for the first time since they entered the park.
"I don't know how to treat you," she said in a helpless flutter. "You know a princess has many trials in life."