There are two empires in the case.

One, which you can give, Augusta, is of the world; the other, which I can give him here, is only a woman's heart, yet, as I think, of another eternal world that you do not know.

I say what Olaf says.

Let Olaf speak, Augusta." "Empress," I said slowly, "again I thank you, but it may not be.

My fate lies here," and I laid my hand upon the heart of Heliodore.
"You are mistaken, Olaf," answered the Empress, in a cold and quiet voice, but seemingly without anger; "your fate lies there," and she pointed to the ground, then added, "Believe me, I am sorry, for you are a man of whom any woman might be proud--yes, even an empress.