“I do not understand,” he exclaimed.
He added immediately, “If it is that your honorable father is poor—”
“You are wrong, my lord. My father is in the service of the government. His remuneration is ample.”
“Then do explain to me the reason why you are so garbed and situated.”
“Because it is so enacted by the law,” she said.
“The law!”
“I am an Eta woman.”
“An Eta! Impossible!”
“That was the offence for which my father was banished—because of his marriage to an Eta maiden.”
The Prince stared at her aghast. She stood as still as if made of stone. Her lover’s silence was due to his repugnance at this revelation, she thought. Seeing his effort to speak, she prayed a little prayer to the gods that he would spare her. The Prince found his voice.