The Prince was at once beside her, and she clung to him trembling.
“Take me away!” she whispered; “Take me away altogether—this place stifles me!”
He caught her in his strong young arms, and was about to lead her to the door, when she suddenly appeared to remember something, and releasing herself from his clasp, put him away from her with a faint smile.
“No, dearest! You must stay here;—stay here and make your father and mother understand all that I have said. Tell them I mean to keep my vow. You know how thoroughly I mean it! The Professor will take me home!”
Then the Queen moved, and came towards her with her usual slow noiseless grace.
“Let me thank you!” she said, with an air of gracious condescension; “You are a very good girl, and I am sure you will keep your word! You are so beautiful that you are bound to do well; and I hope your future life will be a happy one!”
“I hope so, Madam!” replied Gloria slowly; “I think it will! If it is not happier than yours, I shall indeed be unfortunate!”
The Queen drew back, offended; but the King, who had been whispering aside to Von Glauben, now approached and said kindly.
“You must not go away, my child, without some token of our regard. Wear this for Our sake!”
He offered her a chain of gold bearing a simple yet exquisitely designed pendant of choice pearls. Her face crimsoned, and she pushed it disdainfully aside.