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"That's admirable!" he shouted. "He will take you with your dowry

and take Mademoiselle Bourienne into the bargain. She'll be the

wife, while you..."

The prince stopped. He saw the effect these words had produced on

his daughter. She lowered her head and was ready to burst into

tears.

"Now then, now then, I'm only joking!" he said. "Remember this,

Princess, I hold to the principle that a maiden has a full right

to choose. I give you freedom. Only remember that your life's

happiness depends on your decision. Never mind me!"

"But I do not know, Father!"

"There's no need to talk! He receives his orders and will marry

you or anybody; but you are free to choose.... Go to your room,

think it over, and come back in an hour and tell me in his

presence: yes or no. I know you will pray over it. Well, pray if

you like, but you had better think it over. Go! Yes or no, yes or

no, yes or no!" he still shouted when the princess, as if lost in

a fog, had already staggered out of the study.