"Of course, I should have been disappointed," she answered, frankly; "I've been quite consumed with curiosity to see what you look like."
"Not with curiosity only, I hope, Madeline."
"Why, isn't curiosity bad enough without having any other feeling to torment you?"
"Did you think I should have changed toward you?" he said, in hurt tones. "Did you regard me as one of the fickle mob, who hold love so lightly?"
"Nay, I have always regarded you as a brave, strong man who would place duty above everything."
"In that, I trust, I shall never disappoint you," he said, humbly. "Henceforth my duty and my joy shall be to serve you."
"I am only one," she said, quickly. "Is not your first duty to your country and your King?"
"My first duty is to my queen," he answered gallantly, "and that is you."
She drew her hands from his suddenly, and stepped back a pace. "Had we not better understand each other better before we talk so confidently?" she said, in hard decided tones.
"What, after three long years?" he questioned, in an aggrieved voice. "Is it possible that there is anything left unexplained? Have I not opened all my heart to you in my letters? Do I need still to prove my devotion?"