"Then I must shade them with the leaves."
"Yes, shade them with the leaves," he whispered. "Madam, is there no token of forgiveness?"
An absolute silence followed for a little while. Then Osra said:
"Why did you swear on your honor?"
"Because it is an oath that I cannot break."
"Indeed, I wish that I had not come," sighed Princess Osra.
Again came silence. The bough was pressed down for an instant; then it swayed swiftly up again; and its leaves brushed the cheek of Monsieur de Mérosailles. And he laughed loud and joyfully.
"Something touched my cheek," said he.
"It must have been a leaf," said Princess Osra.
"Ah, a leaf!"