daughter of the Duke," which is evidently an error.--L.

Albeit, after some time, this Lord des Cheriots so pressed her that,
more through his importunity than through love, she promised to marry
him, begging him, however, not to urge her to reveal the marriage until
her daughters were wedded. After this the gentleman was wont to go with
untroubled conscience to her chamber at whatsoever hour he chose, and
none but a waiting-woman and a serving-man had knowledge of the matter.

When the Prince perceived that the gentleman was growing more and more
familiar in the house of her whom he so dearly loved, he took it in
ill-part, and could not refrain from saying to the lady--

"I have always prized your honour like that of my own sister, and you
are aware of the honourable manner in which I have addressed you, and
the happiness that I have in loving a lady as discreet and virtuous as
yourself; but did I think that another who deserves it not could win by
importunity that which I am not willing to crave, contrary to your
own desire, this would be unendurable to me, and in the like degree
dishonouring to you. I tell you this because you are beautiful and
young, and although hitherto of good repute, are now beginning to gain
a very evil fame. Even though he be not your equal in birth or fortune,
and have less influence, knowledge and address, yet it were better to
have married him than to give all men matter for suspicion. I pray you,
therefore, tell me whether you are resolved to love him, for I will not
have him as fellow of mine. I would rather leave you altogether to him,
and put away from me the feelings that I have hitherto borne you."

The poor lady, fearful of losing his affection, thereupon began to weep,
and vowed to him that she would rather die than wed the gentleman of