Pagina 118 de 134

The Prince could not speak. He sank on his knees beside the bed

and buried his face in her bosom. Here silence was more profound

and spoke deeper wisdom and contentment than ever words could do;

how long he remained in this humble attitude and poured forth his

gratefulness in prayer he knew not; but when he arose the

Princess was sleeping quietly, the breathing, though feeble, was

deeper and more even. He gently crossed her hands upon her bosom,

adjusted the clothing carefully and left her side, full of a new

hope he had had for many days. Life again appeared in all its

glory, not a shadow appeared upon its horizon; weariness and

anxiety forsook him and he went about as if walking on air, but

not a word escaped his lips--nor an act betrayed his new-born

joy.