"I understand." "I would pray for an honest heart wherewith to give honest thanks," said Clementina, in a low voice; and she added hastily, "There is a life of ceremonies, there is a life of cities before me.

I have lived under the skies these last two days." She went into the church, shrouding her face in her hood, and kneeled down before a rush chair close to the door.

A sense of gratitude, however, was not that morning to be got by any prayers, however earnest.
It was merely a distaste for ceremonies and observances, she strenuously assured herself, that had grown upon her during these ten days.

She sought to get rid of that distaste, as she kneeled, by picturing in her thoughts the Prince to whom she was betrothed.

She recalled the exploits, the virtues, which Wogan had ascribed to him; she stamped them upon the picture.