Arms and the Woman

"Your Majesty has summoned me?" said Gretchen.

"Yes. Explain," said the King to the Chancellor.

"Your Highness," began the Chancellor, "it has been proved by these

papers here and by that man there," pointing to the innkeeper, "that

your mother of lamented memory gave birth to twins. One is yourself;

the other was spirited away at the request of your mother. We shall

pass over her reasons. It was all due to the efforts of this clever

journalist here--" Gretchen was compelled to look at me now, while the

King frowned and the Prince smiled--"that your sister has been found."

Gretchen gave a cry and started to go to Phyllis with outstretched

arms; but as Phyllis stood motionless she stopped, and her arms fell.

"Your Highness," said the King to Phyllis, "it is your sister, the

Princess Hildegarde. Embrace her, I beg you."

The King willed it. But it occurred to me that there was a warmth

lacking in the embrace. Gretchen lightly brushed with her lips the

cheek of her sister, and the kiss was as lightly returned. There was

something about it all we men failed to understand.

"Moreover," said the King, "she desires you to remain the sovereign

Princess of Hohenphalia."

"Nay, Your Majesty," said Gretchen, "it is I who will relinquish my

claims. Your Majesty is aware that I have many caprices."

"Indeed, yes," said the King. "And I can assure you that they have

caused me no small anxiety. But let us come to an understanding, once

and for all. Do you wish to abdicate in favor of your sister?"

Gretchen gave me the briefest notice.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Phyllis was regarding me steadfastly.

"This is final?" said the King.

"It is."

"And what is your will?" to Phyllis. "Yes, the likeness is truly

remarkable," communing aloud to his thought.

I could not suppress the appeal in my eyes.

"Your Majesty," said Phyllis, "if my sister will teach me how to become

a Princess, I promise to accept the responsibility."

"You will not need much teaching," replied the King, admiringly.

"You will do this?--you, my sister?" asked Gretchen eagerly.

"Yes." There was no color now in Phyllis's cheeks; they were as white

as the marble faun on the mantel.

"Remember, Your Highness," said the King, speaking to Gretchen, "there

shall be no recall."