31

Again he found the princess locked in a closet.

“What a silly child you are,” said one of her women. “People will think it very, very strange. Do please come out and receive him in a more conventional sort of room.”

She knew that they were right, but she hated him for the unhappiness he had caused and for all the gossip to come. She had not asked for these attentions, and she hated them. She spent another night in her closet.

“Astounding,” said he. “At first I thought you were joking.”

Her women agreed with him completely. “She says, my lord, that she is certain to feel a little more herself one of these days, and perhaps she can talk with you then if you still wish it. She is much concerned, however, that nothing be allowed to disturb the period of mourning. She knows that unpleasant rumors seem to be making the rounds, and they have upset her enormously.”

“My feelings and intentions are such that she has no right to feel upset in the least. Please ask her to come out of that closet. She can keep curtains between us if she insists. I am prepared to wait years and years.” His petition was lengthy but unsuccessful.

“It is unkind of you to add to my troubles,” she sent back. “The rumors are sensational. They make me unhappy, but I must grant that they are well founded. Your behavior is indefensible.”