"And you would have pleased me
more fully if you had accepted the invitation and not obeyed the
command."
"I withdraw all objections," he said hastily, "and accept the
invitation."
"That is better," the Voice said.
Maurice, still uncovered, sat down on the front seat.
"Not there, Monsieur; beside me. Etiquette does not permit you
to ride in front of me."
As he took the vacant place beside her he felt a fire in his
cheeks. The Voice and Presence were disquieting. As the groom
touched the horses, Maurice was sensible of her sleeve against
his, and he drew away. The Presence appeared unmindful.
"And you recognize me?" she asked.
"Yes, your Highness." He tried to remember what he had said to
her that day in the archbishop's garden. Two or three things
came back and the color remounted his cheeks.
"Have you forgotten what you said to me?"
"I dare say I was impertinent," vaguely.
"Ah, you have forgotten, then!"
In all his life he never felt so ill at ease. To what did she
refer? That he would be proud to be her friend? That if the
princess was as beautiful as the maid he could pass judgment?
"Yes, you have forgotten.
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