"Where is Stefan now?"
"Here still. He is going with us. Lord Cloverton says that you will not go; but you will, Desmond, won't you? I want you to take me away, anywhere, Desmond—anywhere away from Sturatzberg."
"I would not go, my darling, because you were not with me. When you came in I was making up my mind to drop from the window that I might look for you; but now—"
"My poor love, you are weak; how could you?"
"My sword arm is whole still, though it is tired—very tired."
"It shall rest now," she said, taking it and pressing it to her breast.
"Desmond."
"Yes, dearest."
"Only once have you said to me: 'I love you.' Never yet have I been in your arms. Put this one-this strong one—round me now. Say 'I love you.' Tell me. Oh, how often have I longed to hear those words from your lips."
"I love you, Maritza, my Princess," he whispered, and he kissed her lips as a little contented sigh escaped them.
"How beautiful you are!" he went on, after a moment's pause. "It is strange, Maritza, but since that morning on the downs I have never seen you dressed as a woman."