“Aren’t you going with us on the Hope?”
“My duty is here now, and I can think of nothing but that.”
“Does your unexpected elevation to a queenhood blot out all the past?” I asked.
She bit her lip. “I hadn’t expected that from you,” she said in sadness.
“Then, is it Annabel?” I insisted.
She did not answer at once. “You will see her again this evening,” she gently said.
“Of course, but———” I saw it was useless, and wondered if she was dismissing me. “Surely I shall see you also,” I said.
She smiled, but it was not the smile of Beela; it was that of a woman who knows care.
“Perhaps,” she returned; “yes, of course,—I think. Meanwhile, good-by,” and held out her hand.
I took it, and would not at first let her withdraw it; but with a little sigh, which she tried to conceal, she turned away and walked slowly to the palace.