"I cannot--I thought I was so strong! Oh, I am the most miserable living woman in the world!" She broke away from him wildly and threw herself upon a chair, turning from him to its cushion and hiding her face in her hands, choking, pressing the furious tears back upon her eyes, shaking from head to foot.
"You cannot go! You cannot!" he cried, falling on his knees beside her and trying to take her hands in his.

"Dolores--look at me! I will do anything--promise anything--you will believe me! Listen, love--I give you my word--I swear before God--" "No--swear nothing--" she said, between the sobs that broke her voice.
"But I will!" he insisted, drawing her hands down till she looked at him.

"I swear upon my honour that I will never raise my hand against the King--that I will defend him, and fight for him, and be loyal to him, whatever he may do to me--and that even for you, I will never strike a blow in battle nor speak a word in peace that is not all honourable, through and through,--even as I have fought and spoken until now!" As she listened to his words her weeping subsided, and her tearful eyes took light and life again.

She drew him close, and kissed him on the forehead.
"I am so glad--so happy!" she cried softly.

"I should never have had strength to really say good-by!" * * * * *.