"The tears are dried and gone."
"But not the cause that made them flow. You wept because you are a woman, and the woman who regards even the formula of marriage as a little matter has yet to see the light of day. And you wept because you are not sure which thing conscience commands—the violation of a contract or the taking of false vows."
"You are strangely wise to-day," she said with a faint smile. "I did not know such intuition lurked in that wild brain of yours."
"I am right, then?"
"I cannot say"—she hesitated. "Yes, the marriage vow is a serious thing, and this wedding,—as I warned you,—can be no more than a solemn mockery. I am Queen of Grimland. You are a brave man and a gentleman—but you are not a prince of blood royal."
"The Traffords are not people of particularly humble origin," he retorted drily.
"Nor would it affect me if they were. But the State would never sanction my marriage with a commoner."
"Then is it worth while going through the mockery?" he demanded.
"I have asked myself that question, and the answer is that you find me here. My word is pledged."
"Your word, but not your heart."