Well, if Black Michael died, and if I, the play-actor, slew Rupert Hentzau with my own hand, and then died myself, it might be that Fate would deal as lightly with Ruritania as could be hoped, notwithstanding that she demanded the life of the King--and to her dealing thus with me, I was in no temper to make objection.
It was late when we rose from conference, and I betook me to the princess's apartments.

She was pensive that evening; yet, when I left her, she flung her arms about me and grew, for an instant, bashfully radiant as she slipped a ring on my finger.

I was wearing the King's ring; but I had also on my little finger a plain band of gold engraved with the motto of our family: "_Nil Quae Feci_." This I took off and put on her, and signed to her to let me go.

And she, understanding, stood away and watched me with dimmed eyes.
"Wear that ring, even though you wear another when you are queen," I said.
"Whatever else I wear, this I will wear till I die and after," said she, as she kissed the ring..