“Perhaps we’d better have it the same as yesterday,” said the boy, who was terribly afraid of being afraid.
Then, all being adjusted, and his mouth set very tight, indeed, Prince Ferdinand William Otto took the first jump, and sailed over it comfortably.
“I don’t mind at all, after the first,” he confided to the riding-master.
“Are you angry that I came?” asked Hedwig.
“Angry? You know better.”
“You don’t say anything.”
“Hedwig,” said Nikky desperately, “do you remember what I said to you the other day? That is in my heart now. I shall never change. That, and much more. But I cannot say it to you. I have given my word.”
“Of course they would make you promise. They tried with me, but I refused.” She held her chin very high. “Why did you promise? They could not have forced you. They can do many things, but they cannot control what you may say.”
“There are reasons. Even those I cannot tell you. It would be easier, Hedwig, for me to die than to live on and see what I must see. But I cannot even die.” He smiled faintly. “You see, I am not keeping my promise.”
“I think you will not die,” said Hedwig cruelly. “You are too cautious.”