Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/116

106 "But I knew," she said, her eyes shining brightly; "I knew always that we should meet once more. Not how, nor where, but just that we should. So I lived, Rudolf."

"God bless you," he said.

"Yes, I lived through it all."

He pressed her hand, knowing what that phrase meant and must mean for her.

"Will it last for ever?" she asked, suddenly gripping his hand tightly. But a moment later she went on: "No, no, I mustn't make you unhappy, Rudolf. I'm half glad I wrote the letter, and half glad they stole it. It's so sweet to have you fighting for me, for me only this time, Rudolf—not for the King, for me!"

"Sweet indeed, my dearest lady. Don't be afraid; we shall win."

"You will win, yes. And then you'll go?" And, dropping his hands, she covered her face with hers. "I mustn't kiss your face," said he, "but your hands I may kiss," and he kissed her hands as they were pressed against her face.

"You wear my ring," she murmured through her fingers, "always?"

"Why, yes," he said, with a little laugh of wonder at her question.

"And there is—no one else?"

"My Queen!" said he, laughing again.

"No, I knew really, Rudolf, I knew really,"