DAYS of strain followed: days of a thousand engagements, a thousand interviews, a thousand journeyings, a thousand speeches; days in which he was reduced to an unresisting automaton, mechanically uttering the same formulas; days in which the irresistible force of the campaign swept him along without volition.

And day followed day and not a sign came from the Princess Zobraska either of condonation or resentment.

It was as though she had gathered her skirts around her and gone disdainfully out of his life for ever.

If speaking were to be done, it was for her to speak.

Paul could not plead.