Startled by it, she made a feeble effort to withdraw her hand; but Max clasped it firmly, and she surrendered.

After a short silence she placed the ring to her forehead, closed her eyes, and drew her face so near to Max that he felt her warm breath on his cheek.

Max was learning a new lesson in life--the greatest of all.

She spoke in soft whispers, slowly dropping her words one by one in sepulchral tones:-- "What--do--I see--surely I am wrong.

No--I see clearly--a lady--a great lady--a princess.