"Promise!"
"I—I cannot promise that," she said in tones almost inaudible. "I am not sure that I'll ever—ever kiss anybody. How silly you are!"
"I'll make exception in the case of your brother—and, yes, the Prince."
"I'll not make such a promise," she cried.
"Then, I'll be hanged if I'll save you from the ridiculous mess you've gotten yourself into," he announced with finality. "Moreover, you're not yet safe from old Marlanx. Think it over, my—"
"Oh, he cannot seize the Castle—it is impossible!" she cried in sudden terror.
"I'm not so sure about that," he said laconically.
"What is it you really want me to say?" she asked, looking up with sudden shyness in her starry eyes.
"That you love me—and me only, Loraine," he whispered.
"I will not say it," she cried, breaking away from him. "But," as she ran to the steps, a delicious tremor in her voice—"I will consider the other thing you ask."