Curiously enough, almost the first person whom she saw was the Prince.

He detached himself from a little group and came at once towards her.

He took her hand in his and for a moment said nothing.

Notwithstanding the hours of strenuous consideration, the hours which she had devoted to anticipating and preparing for this meeting, she felt her courage suddenly leaving her, a sinking at the knees, a wild desire to escape, at any cost.

The color which had been so long denied her streamed into her cheeks.