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Thus time passed on, and as health returned, Prince Rathunor

pressed his suit. There was now, no apparent reason why he could

not claim his promised bride and make the Princess Nu-nah his

own. His more earnest friends cautioned him to wait further

developments and, in an undertone, reminded him of the peculiar

and unnatural bearing of the Princess at times. They were sure,

in time, their once lovely Princess would be herself again.

Rathunor listened, knowing their kindly interest sprang from good

motives, but he was silent--he could not speak for none would

understand. The yearnings of his heart and soul would not be

quelled by any outward show.