“It is no use.”

“Enemies then?”

“Yes. Let us go indoors. I shall leave your house to-morrow.”

“I will do any penance that you inflict upon me.”

“I inflict nothing. I want this conversation to end and I want to go indoors.”

“I will go ahead of you.”

They walked up the pergola. He himself opened the terrace-door and let them in before him.

They went in silence to their rooms. The castle lay asleep in darkness. The prince struck a match to light the way. Duco was the first to reach his room.

“I will light you to your room,” said the prince, meekly.

He struck a second match and accompanied Cornélie to her door. Here he fell on his knees: