Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Prince Otto

2i8 PRINCE OTTO
to make allowances for state considerations. I
have only with deep reluctance obeyed the call
of a superior duty ; and so soon as I dare
do it for the safety of the state, I promise you
the Prince shall be released. Many in my situa-
tion would have resented your freedoms. I
am not — ' and she looked for a moment rather
piteously upon the Countess — ' I am not alto-
gether so inhuman as j^ou think.'
' And you can put these troubles of the
state,' the Countess cried, ' to weigh with a
man's love ? '
' Madame von Eosen, these troubles are affairs
of life and death to many ; to the Prince, and
perhaps even to yourself, among the number,'
replied the Princess, with dignity. ' I have
learned, madam, although still so young, in a
hard school, that my own feelings must every-
where come last.'
' callow innocence ! ' exclaimed the other.
'Is it possible you do not know, or do not suspect,
the intrigue in which you move .^ I find it in
my heart to pity you ! We are both women
after all — poor girl, poor girl ! — and who is
born a woman is born a fool. And though I
hate all women — come, for the common folly,
I forgive you. Your Highness ' — she dropped
a deep stage courtesy and resumed her fan —
' I am going to insult you, to betray one who
is called my lover, and if it pleases you to use