Ludmila, who sat silent and apart. Lord Drda said, “How long I shall be absent, dear lady, I know not; but I hope I bear with me some assurance that I shall be remembered by none more than by yourself.”
“Most assuredly, dear Lord Drda,” replied Ludmila, “I shall remember you very warmly indeed. You have my best wishes for your success and safety.”
“Perhaps, " Lord Drda replied, “I may ask some more definite expression of your personal regard. You know that I entertain the tenderest feelings toward you.”
“Thank you,” the lady replied, speaking more with her eyes than her words, “I would see more placid prospects than are perceptible at this moment before I could seriously permit myself to indulge in hopes such as you have already alluded to. Our fortunes, and all that we hold most dear, demand our unreserved homage; but I cherish the most earnest hopes for the success of your mission. Believe me you bear with you my best esteem, and constant good wishes”
“Dear Lady Ludmila, you know I trust to earn a far greater share of your heart, and warmer expression of your regard than you are pleased to give me. But as your devoted knight and true, I ask for some slight token that I am not wholly without hope of possessing your full heart, for which you know I would venture any knightly duty.”
Ludmila allowed Drda to take one of her gloves and set it securely within his belt. This he did openly, so that all eyes observed the action; and with
