“——useless to me, and you would not have that which is without value to the giver. Oh! I string words ill, but they were not what I meant.”
“No, Prince, because your royal ring is too large for one so small.”
“How can you tell until you have tried? Also that is a fault which might perhaps be mended.”
Then he laughed, and she laughed also, but as yet she did not take the ring.
“Have you seen Ana?” he went on. “I believe he set out to search for you, in such a hurry indeed that he could scarcely finish his report to me.”
“Did he say that?”
“No, he only looked it. So much so that I suggested he should seek you at once. He answered that he was going to rest after his long journey, or perhaps I said that he ought to do so. I forget, as often one does, on so beauteous a night when other thoughts seem nearer.”
“Why did Ana wish to see me, Prince?”
“How can I tell? Why does a man who is still young—want to see a sweet and beautiful lady? Oh! I remember. He had met your uncle at Tanis who inquired as to your health. Perhaps that is why he wanted to see you.”
“I do not wish to hear about my uncle at Tanis. He reminds me of too many things that give pain, and there are nights when one wishes to escape pain, which is sure to be found again on the morrow.”