Pagina 213 di 3800

The princess wished to rise, but the prince held her by the hand.

She had the air of one who has suddenly lost faith in the whole

human race. She gave her companion an angry glance.

"There is still time, my dear. You must remember, Catiche, that

it was all done casually in a moment of anger, of illness, and

was afterwards forgotten. Our duty, my dear, is to rectify his

mistake, to ease his last moments by not letting him commit this

injustice, and not to let him die feeling that he is rendering

unhappy those who..."

"Who sacrificed everything for him," chimed in the princess, who

would again have risen had not the prince still held her fast,

"though he never could appreciate it. No, mon cousin," she added

with a sigh, "I shall always remember that in this world one must

expect no reward, that in this world there is neither honor nor

justice. In this world one has to be cunning and cruel."

"Now come, come! Be reasonable. I know your excellent heart."

"No, I have a wicked heart."