His modesty and honesty in admitting frankly that the lady's father was not satisfied with the match pleased her and she sat in silence, smiling contentedly.

After a time she turned almost fiercely upon him:-- "Do you know what I should do, Sir Max, were I in your place ?" "What would you do, Fraeulein ?" queried Max.
"I would show the lady that I was worthy of her by winning her, even though she were on a throne, guarded by a thousand dragons.

I am a woman, Sir Max, and I know a woman's heart.

The heart of a princess is first the heart of a woman.

Be sure the lady will thank you and will reward you if you fight your way to her and carry her off against all the world." "But how is that to be done, Fraeulein ?" asked Max, carelessly.