"She has lost all she cared for. I am sorry for her," I answered.
"Yes," she said slowly. "I suppose so; but what does any one of us care for? What does it all mean? The puzzle is too great for me. I am shaken."
"You must trust yourself," I said impulsive. "Trust to those who care for you."
"You are—good," she replied softly.
"Princess——" I began, but she interposed quickly.
"Do not call me that. I am no Princess. I have given all up. I am just Alix Morland."
"You will go back," said I, "and resume your rightful place in courts, and this will only remain to you as a horrid nightmare."
"I shall remember the evil dream. Yes," she said; "but I shall also remember some heroic souls and noble deeds. But it will not be in courts."
She was silent again, but presently said, in a hesitating voice: "Dr. Phillimore, I never wanted that marriage; I was always against it; and now I am sorry. Poor Frederic! I was a traitor to him."
"No, no," I said, "but a loyal and devoted heart. Why are you here? Because, even though you mistrusted his judgment, you sacrificed yourself to your affection for him. The test of true affection is to stand by when you disapprove. Any one can stand by if he approves."