Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/311

Rh on the night of the ball in Strelsau, when Sapt interrupted me. After that I couldn't—I couldn't risk losing you before—before—I must! My darling, for you I nearly left the king to die!"

"I know, I know! What are we to do now, Rudolf?"

I put my arm round her and held her up while I said:

"I am going away to-night."

"Ah, no, no!" she cried. "Not to-night!"

"I must go to-night, before more people have seen me. And how would you have me stay, sweetheart, except——"

"If I could come with you!" she whispered very low.

"My God!" said I roughly, "don't talk about that!" and I thrust her a little back from me.

"Why not? I love you. You are as good a gentleman as the king!"

Then I was false to all that I should have held by. For I caught her in my arms and prayed her, in words that I will not write, to come with me,