`You know what price my father has promised to pay for our secret?'

`I know, Princess,' answered Michael.

`Don't you mean to tell him?'

`That is not my intention.'

`Are you afraid?'

`No, Princess.'

`What makes you so discreet, then?'

But Michael was silent.


XII


Lina's sisters had seen her talking to the little garden boy, and
jeered at her for it.

`What prevents your marrying him?' asked the eldest, `you
would become a gardener too; it is a charming profession. You
could live in a cottage at the end of the park, and help your husband
to draw up water from the well, and when we get up you could
bring us our bouquets.'