the protest of the voice of honor—should you think proper to enforce the possession of my hand!     

       LADY MILFORD (starting with indignation). Major von Walter! What language is this?     

       FERDINAND (calmly). The language of my heart—of my unspotted name—and of this true sword.     

       LADY MILFORD. Your sword was given to you by the prince.     

       FERDINAND. 'Twas the state which gave it, by the hands of the prince. God bestowed on me an honest heart. My nobility is derived from a line of ancestry extending through centuries.     

       LADY MILFORD. But the authority of the prince——     

       FERDINAND (with warmth). Can he subvert the laws of humanity, or stamp glory on our actions as easily as he stamps value on the coin of his realm? He himself is not raised above the laws of honor, although he may stifle its whispers with gold—and shroud his infamy in robes of ermine! But enough of this, lady!—it is too late now to talk of blasted prospects—or of the desecration of ancestry—or of that nice sense of honor—girded on with my sword—or of the world's opinion. All these I am ready to trample under foot as soon as you have proved to me that the reward is not inferior to the sacrifice.     

       LADY MILFORD (in extreme distress turning away). Major! I have not deserved this!     

       FERDINAND (taking her hand). Pardon me, lady—we are without witnesses. The circumstance which brings us together to-day—and only to-day— justifies me, nay, compels me, to reveal to you my most secret feelings. I cannot comprehend, lady, how a being gifted with so much beauty and spirit—qualities which a man cannot fail to admire—could throw herself away on a prince incapable of valuing aught beyond her mere person—and yet not feel some visitings of shame, when she steps forth to offer her heart to a man of honor!     

       LADY MILFORD (looking at him with an air of pride). Say on, sir, without reserve.     

       FERDINAND. You call yourself an Englishwoman—pardon me, lady, I can hardly believe you. The free-born daughter of the freest people under heaven—a people too proud to imitate even foreign virtues—would       

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