I will not have Miss Guile--"
"No!" exclaimed the Baron, with unusual vehemence. "I expected you to
propose something of the kind, and I am obliged to confess to you
that we have discussed the contingency in advance. We will not leave
you. That is final. You may depose us, exile us, curse us or anything
you like, but still we shall remain true to the duty we owe to our
country. We stay here, Prince Robin, just so long as you are content
to remain."
Robin's face was very red. "You shame me, Baron," he said simply. "I
am sorry that I spoke as I did. You are my friends, my loyal friends,
and I would have humbled you in the eyes of my people. I beg your
pardon, and yours, Boske. After all, I am only a prince and a prince
is dependent on the loyalty of such as you. I take back all that I
said."
The Baron laid a kindly hand on the young man's shoulder. "I was
rough, highness, in my speech just now, but you will understand that
I was moved to--"
"I know, Baron. It was the only way to fetch me up sharp. No apology
is required.
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