"You have said enough to drive me mad with desire for more," he
cried, seizing her hand, which she withdrew instantly, rising to
her feet.

"I have only said that I wanted to hear you say you had come to
see me. Is not that something for a woman's vanity to value? I
am sorry you have presumed to misunderstand me." She was cold
again, but he was not to be baffled.

"Then be a woman and forget that you are a princess until I tell
you why I came," he cried.

"I cannot! I mean, I will not listen to you," she said, glancing
about helplessly, yet standing still within the danger circle.

"I came because I have thought of you and dreamed of you since
the day you sailed from New York. God, can I ever forget that
day!"

"Please do not recall--" she began, blushing and turning to the
window.

"The kiss you threw to me? Were you a princess then?" She did
not answer, and he paused for a moment, a thought striking him
which at first he did not dare to voice. Then he blurted it out.
"If you do not want to hear me say these things, why do you stand
there?"

"Oh," she faltered.