"If the duke learns its contents the inevitable result will be war." A silence fell upon them and grew.

This was the bitterest moment but one in the chancellor's life.
"I believe," she said finally, "that it will not be necessary to read his majesty's letter.

He declines the honor of my hand: is that not it ?" The chancellor signified that it was.
"Ah!" with a note of pride in her voice and a flash in her eyes.

"And I ?" "You will tell the duke that you have changed your mind," gravely.
"Do princesses change their minds like this ?" "They have often done so." "In spite of publicity ?" "Yes, your Highness." "And if I refuse to change my mind ?" "I am resigned to any and all events." "War." Her face was serious.

"And what has the king to suggest ?" "He proposes to accept the humiliation of being rejected by you." "Why, this is a gallant king! Pouff! There goes a crown of thistledown." She smiled at the chancellor, then she laughed.