She was capable
of making any and every sacrifice for her love, but she had never
openly confessed this love, and even in her wildest dreams she had
never thought of changing her noble name and position for those of
her lover. She could have fled with him to some distant valley, but
would she be happy? Would she not regret her former life? Princess
Wilhelmina felt the dissension in her soul, and therefore she
trembled at the thought of her husband's return. This meeting would
decide her whole future. Perhaps she could still be saved. The
prince, returning covered with fame and crowned with laurels, might
now win her love, and drive from her heart every other thought. But
if he cannot win it--if his return is not sufficient to loosen the
chains which bind her--then she was lost--then she could not resist
the intoxicating whispers luring her to ruin.
These were Princess Wilhelmina's thoughts as she leaned against a
window of the brilliant ball-room, the protection of whose heavy
curtains she had sought to drive for a moment from her face the gay
smile and to breathe out the sighs that were almost rending her
heart. She was gazing at the dark night without--at the bright,
starry sky above.
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