Fiction > Book editions > London, 1888 - Prince Otto

A ROMANCE 165
the vantage of the deep window, she caught up
his hand and kissed it with a sort of passion.
' Now, go,' she added, ' go at once.'
He went, somewhat staggered, doubting in
his heart that he was overbold. For in that
moment she had flashed upon him like a jewel ;
and even through the strong panoply of a pre-
vious love he had been conscious of a shock..
Next moment he had dismissed the fear. \
Both Otto and the Countess retired early
from the drawing-room; and the Prince, after
an elaborate feint, dismissed his valet and went
forth by the private passage and the back
postern in quest of the groom.
Once more the stable was in darkness, once
more Otto employed the talismanic knock, and
once more the groom appeared and sickened
with terror.
' Good evening, friend,' said Otto, pleasantly.
' I want you to bring a corn sack — empty this
time — and to accompany me. We shall be gone
all night.'
' Your Highness,' groaned the man, ' I have
the charge of the small stables. I am here alone.'
' Come,' said the Prince, ' you are no such
martinet in duty.' And then seeing that the
man was shaking from head to foot. Otto laid a
hand upon his shoulder. ' If I meant you harm,'
he said, ' should I be here ? '