yourself and your companion."

"My companion!" replied the Prince of Athens, pale and passionate. "My
companion! Am I ever to be reminded of my companion ?"

"Nicaeus!" said Iduna; "if you forget what is due to me, at least
endeavour to remember what is due to yourself?"

"Beautiful being!" said the prince, advancing and passionately seizing
her hand; "pardon me! pardon me! I am not master of my reason; I am
nothing, I am nothing while Iduna hesitates!"

"She does not hesitate, Nicaeus. I desire, I require, that this
conversation shall cease; shall never, never be renewed."

"And I tell thee, haughty woman," said the Prince of Athens, grinding
his teeth, and speaking with violent action, "that I will no longer be
despised with impunity. Iduna is mine, or is no one else's."

"Is it possible?" exclaimed the daughter of Hunniades. "Is it, indeed,
come to this? But why am I surprised! I have long known Nicaeus. I
quit this castle instantly."

"You are a prisoner," replied the prince very calmly, and leaning with
folded arms against the wall.

"A prisoner!" exclaimed Iduna, a little alarmed. "A prisoner! I defy
you, sir. You are only a guest like myself. I will appeal to the
Seneschal in the absence of his lord. He will never permit the honour
of his master's flag to be violated by the irrational caprice of a