After that, I couldn't--I couldn't risk losing you before--before--I must! My darling, for you I nearly left the King to die!" "I know, I know! What are we to do now, Rudolf ?" I put my arm round her and held her up while I said: "I am going away tonight." "Ah, no, no!" she cried.

"Not tonight!" "I must go tonight, before more people have seen me.

And how would you have me stay, sweetheart, except-- ?" "If I could come with you!" she whispered very low.
"My God!" said I roughly, "don't talk about that!" and I thrust her a little back from me.
"Why not?
I love you.

You are as good a gentleman as the King!" Then I was false to all that I should have held by.

For I caught her in my arms and prayed her, in words that I will not write, to come with me, daring all Ruritania to take her from me.