"If that be the emblem of her love, Herr, throw it away; it is not worth the keeping."
"And Gretchen sent me a letter once," I went on.
"Ah, what indiscretion!"
"It began with 'I love you,' and ended with that sentence. I have worn the writing away with my kisses."
"How some men waste their energies!"
"Your Highness," said I, putting the rose back into my pocket, "did Gretchen ever tell you how she fought a duel for me because her life was less to her than mine?"
The Princess Hildegarde's smile stiffened and her eyes closed for the briefest instant.
"Ah, shall I ever forget that night!" said I. "I held her to my heart and kissed her on the lips. I was supremely happy. Your Highness has never known what a thing of joy it is to kiss the one you love. It is one of those things which are denied to people who have their destinies mapped out by human hands."
The Princess opened her fan and hid her lips.
"And do you know," I continued, "when Gretchen went away I had a wonderful dream?"