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McCutcheon, George Barr, 1866-1928

"The Prince of Graustark"

"I would go to the end of the world,
Bedelia."
"But your personal affairs--your business," she protested. "Can you
neglect it so--"
"My business is to find happiness," said he. "I should be neglecting
it indeed if I failed to pursue the only means of attaining it. You
are happiness, Bedelia."
"What would you sacrifice for happiness?" she asked softly.
"All else in the world," he replied steadily. "If I were a king, my
realm should go if it stood between me and--you, Bedelia."
She drew back with a queer little gasp, as if suddenly breathless.
"Wait--wait just for a moment," she said, with difficulty steadying
her voice. "This night may see the end of our adventure, Rex. Let us
think well before we say that it is over. I know, if you do not, that
a great deal depends upon what we are to say to each other to-night.
You will ask me to be your wife. Are you sure that you appreciate all
that it means to you and to your future if I should say yes to that
dear question?"
He looked at her intently. "What do you know, Bedelia?"
"I know that you are the Prince of Graustark and that it is ordained
that you shall wed one whose station is the equal of your own.


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