"
"Ah, and then came this Monsieur du Trouffle, and broke your
fetters--gave your heart liberty and wings for a new flight," said
Prince Henry.
"No, then came the king and commanded me to give you up," murmured
Louise; "then came the king, and forced me to offer up myself and my
great love to your future welfare. Oh, my prince! recall that
terrible hour in which we separated. I said to you that I had
betrothed myself to Captain du Trouffle--that of my own free choice,
and influenced by love alone, I gave myself to him."
"I remember that hour."
"Well, then, in that hour we were not alone. The king was concealed
behind the portiere, and listened to my words. He dictated them!--he
threatened me with destruction if I betrayed his presence by look or
word; if I gave you reason to suspect that I did not, of my own
choice and lovingly, give myself to this unloved, yes, this hated
man! I yielded only after the most fearful contest with the king, to
whom, upon my knees and bathed in tears, I pleaded for pity."
"What means could the king use, what threats could he utter, which
forced you to such a step?" said the prince, incredulously.
Pages:
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253