"Ah," said the Prince, "I thank Your Majesty. The favor I ask is that you will postpone this marriage—indefinitely."
"What!" cried the King. He was amazed. "Have I heard you aright, or do my ears play me false?"
"It is true. I thank Your Majesty again," said the Prince, bowing.
"But this is beyond belief," cried the King in anger. "I do not understand. This marriage was at your own request, and now you withdraw. Since when," proudly, "was the hand of the Princess Hildegarde to be ignored?"
"It is a delicate matter," said the Prince, turning the ring on his finger. "It would be impolite to state my reasons before Her Highness. Your Highness, are you not of my opinion, that, as matters now stand, a marriage between us would be rather absurd?"
"Now, as at all times," retorted Gretchen, scornfully. "It has never been my will," a furtive glance at the King.
"But—" began the King. He was wrathful.
"Your Majesty," said the innkeeper, "you are a great King; be a generous one."
All looked at him as though they expected to see the King fly at him and demolish him—all but I. The King walked up to the bold speaker, took his measure, then, with his hands clasped behind his back, resumed his pacing. After a while he came to a standstill.
"Your Highness," he said to Phyllis, "what shall I do with this man who has so grossly wronged you?"