He waited irresolute a moment, and then threw up his
head.

"Soh! It is over! I shall not whine! You have been
very good to me," he said earnestly, taking Clara's hand.
"This is the first great trouble in my life. I have
loved her very dearly. I decided to make great
sacrifices for her. But I am not to have her--never."

"I am so sorry for you, prince." Clara squeezed his hand
energetically.
"Nor her dot. That would have been so comfortable for
me," he said simply.

Clara hid a smile, and bade him an affectionate
good-night.

As he passed into the outer salle a childish figure in
creamy lace rose before him, and a soft hand was held
out. "I know what has happened!" she whispered
passionately. "She has treated you scandalously! She
cannot appreciate YOU!"

Prince Hugo stuttered and coughed and almost kissed the
little hand which lay so trustingly in his. He found
himself safely outside at last, and drove away, wretched
to the soul.

But below his wretchedness something whispered: "SHE