Farewell,
madame!"
The prince made a slight bow, and, without glancing at her again,
left the room slowly and proudly.
Louise gazed after him with mournful eyes, but he did not see it; he
did not see how she fell, as if broken, to the floor, as if struck
by lightning; and when the door closed on him she held her hands to
Heaven pleadingly for mercy and forgiveness.
The portiere now opened, and the king entered; his countenance was
pale, his eyes tearful, but they sparkled with anger when he saw
Louise upon the floor. For him she was but a heartless coquette, and
he was angry with her because of the suffering she had caused his
brother, for whom he felt the deepest pity and compassion.
But that was now past; the brother could weep a tear of pity, the
king must be firm and relentless.
As he approached her, she raised herself from the ground and made a
profound and ceremonious bow.
"You have repaired much of the evil you have done, madame," said the
king, sternly. "You have played a dishonorable game with my brother.
You enticed him to love you."
"I think I have atoned, sire," said Louise, faintly; "the prince no
longer loves but despises me.
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