THE GREAT RIDDLE Max was cautious in the matter of making promises, as every honest man should be, since he had no thought of breaking them once they were given.

Therefore, he wished to know that he could keep his word before pledging it.

His lifelong habit of asking my advice may also have influenced him in refusing the promise that he so much wished to give; or perhaps he may have wanted time to consider.

He did not want to give the promise on the spur of an impulse.
When he had finished telling me his troubles, I asked:-- "What will you do to-morrow night ?" My riddle was again solved; Yolanda was the princess.

Her words were convincing.