Was it because her soul instinctively became conscious of my presence

and nerved her for the ordeal, that she turned and smiled on me? The

Prince appeared for a moment crestfallen. Perhaps the scene lacked a

denouement. Oh, I was sure that implacable hate burned under that

smile of his, just as I knew that beneath the rise and fall of

Gretchen's bosom the steady fire of immutable love burned, burned as it

burned in my own heart. It was a defeat for the Prince, a triumph for

Gretchen and me. The greeting took but a moment. I stepped back,

strong and hopeful. She loved me. I knew that her heart was singing

the same joyous song as my own.

"Ah, here you are!" said a voice behind me, giving me an indescribable

start. "I have been looking high and low for you. You have forgotten

this dance."

It was Phyllis.

And then a sudden hush fell upon the circle. The two women stood face

to face, looking with strange wonder into each other's eyes.




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