"You wish to know more? Shall I explain?"
"No. It is unnecessary; all this amounts to that you wish to marry me, and the announcement that you have earned the right to do so, but I should inform you that since you were last here a gentleman, who as a matter of fact once occupied a position menial enough but of importance in this household, has by signal honesty and perseverance arrived at a position where—well, in fact, to put it shortly, I have formed another attachment."
"Madam, am I reft of my senses? You astonish me! Who?"
"The Executioner."
"Ah, heavens! Well, let me inform you, madam, that I, too, have formed another attachment."
"You say that to my face! How dare you? But I saw directly you entered this room that you had long ago forgotten what true love is. Your long absence from me bears it witness. Who, may I ask, is now the object of your affections?"
"Do not smile—or smile, madam, if you can; I love the Sphinx."
He had but that moment discovered it.
The Princess shrieked and at the sound he bent upon her such a smile as in memory effectually prevented her ever mentioning the Sphinx and its secrets again to anyone.
Then he walked out.