Beyond her and beyond the cottage, by the edge of the wood
the firing-party had fallen into rank and were marching off among the
pine-stems, the Prince and Father Domenico with them. I stared
stupidly after the disappearing uniforms, and put out a hand as if to
brush away the smoke which yet floated across the clearing.
The Commandant, turning to follow his men, at the same moment lifted
his hand in salute. So he, too, passed out of sight.
I turned to the Princess. She arose slowly and came to me.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE WOOING OF PRINCESS CAMILLA.
"Take heed of loving me,
At least remember I forbade it thee; . . .
If thou love me, take heed of loving me."
DONNE, _The Prohibition_.
"You have conquered."
She had halted, a pace or two from me, with downcast eyes. She said
it very slowly, and I stared at her and answered with an unmeaning
laugh.
"Forgive me, Princess. I--I fancy my poor wits have been shaken and
need a little time to recover. At any rate, I do not understand
you."
"You have conquered," she repeated in a low voice that dragged upon
the words.
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