“Highness! we are discovered! We are lost! There are men coming. Look!”
A glance showed them figures but a few yards away advancing quickly from the deep shadows of the trees. In an instant Ludovic had sprung to the door. It was unlocked. With a deep exclamation of relief, he slipped through into the circular room to which it gave access. As he turned to fasten the door behind him he found that the Princess had followed. “Go back,” he cried in consternation, “or you are ruined. Trust me——”
The door was closed now, and they were in the room together. Already could be heard the sound of a man’s voice and Minna’s replying to it. Ludovic shot the bolt of the door, then ran across to that on the opposite side which gave upon the lake. It was fastened.
“Princess!” he exclaimed in agony. “I have disgraced you, but——”
She was at his side, her face white with terror. “It is I who am to blame,” she said in an agitated whisper. “They will kill you. They are the Chancellor’s men, I know. They will kill you. Ah, they shall kill me too.”
The streak of moonlight which fell through the window showed more than terror in her face. It was love. For an instant he held her in his arms. “Darling,” he whispered, strangely calm, “have no fear.” Their lips met in a burning kiss, then again she pressed hers to his, as though clinging to the last touch of joy the world would give her. There was a loud knocking at the door. He gently put her from him, and with unaccountable deliberation went towards it. She caught his arm. “They will kill you without mercy or hesitation,” she said.
He turned. “Would it not be better,” he whispered, “for Prince Ludwig?”
She started back as though the name had been a blow to strike her. “To save me from him, let them not take you,” she entreated. “Let us not part with that hated name between us.”
He seemed to change his intention, as he ran to the window and opened it. “Farewell, my love,” he said, turning towards her.
Her arms were round his neck. “Good-bye, my darling. Oh, my love, my love! That I could die with you.”