"Laura!" exclaimed he, "what can this signify?"
Laura wept on for a time in silence; then, when she had recovered herself sufficiently to speak, she replied:
"It signifies that I bow down before the magnanimity of him who, to shield me from the world's contumely, would relinquish that which he holds most dear on earth, his hopes of glory."
"Laura, give me an answer to my prayer. Will you go with me to my estates in Hungary?"
Laura smiled, but said nothing.
"Answer me, Laura, answer me, my own love."
"The emperor gave you a day to reflect upon your sudden desire for retirement. Give me but one hour for my decision."
"You hesitate!"
"Only ONE hour, Eugene; but during that hour I must be alone with my
Maker. Await me here."
Drawing the veil over her face, Laura bounded lightly down the pavilion stops, and walked hurriedly toward the palace. Eugene looked after her with eyes that beamed with love ineffable, sighing as he did so: "She is worthy of the sacrifice; I owe it to her."