“Why not?” Atalanta asked.
“Because he says that he must be loyal – loyal to his Prince, and to his country!”
Clementine gave a little sob.
“I did not know, Atalanta, that love was like this.”
Clementine was silent for a moment and then she went on,
“I have pleaded with Lothair, I have begged him to be honest with Prince Alexander and tell him that we need each other. But he says it is only Vallon that matters. Vallon! I hate the very sound of the word!”
“Oh, Clementine, you must not say that!” Atalanta said. “You asked me once,” Clementine continued in a low voice, “what would happen if the Prince and I hated each other. Well, I hate him, do you understand? I hate him because he comes between me and the man I love. I love Lothair, I love him and he has never in his life, so he tells
