"That is true, Fräulein," answered Max, sorrowfully, "but I mean no
disrespect. I honor you as if you were a princess"--here his tones took
energy and emphasis--"but I meant what I said, Fräulein, I meant what I
said, and though I shall never say it again, I know that I shall mean it
all the days of my life."

The expression in her eyes as she looked up at him was one of mingled
pleasure and amusement. It seemed to say, "Do not be too sure that you
will never say it again," but she said nothing. After a moment she
suggested:--

"Shall we return, Sir Max?" They rose, and as they started back to Basel
he remarked:--

"The words 'Little Max' on your lips sounded sweet to me, Fräulein.
They bring home to me the voice of my mother, and though I should not
care to hear another speak them, still, the words are very pretty on
your lips, and I like them."

Yolanda glanced quickly up to him with radiant eyes. He caught the
glance, and the last vestige of his ideal, Mary of Burgundy, left his
heart, driven out by the very real little enchantress that walked by
his side.



CHAPTER IV

DOWN THE RHINE TO BURGUNDY