“We managed it because we were coming here,” Zena said. “The Paris Express stopped at Hoyes while our train was in the station. We jumped into it leaving a – letter for the two old people escorting us, telling them that if they told Papa we had – disappeared he would be very – angry with them.”
“It was quite ingenious, I admit,” the Comte said, “but now the day of reckoning has come, Zena, what do you intend to do about us?”
Zena turned from the window.
“I want to marry – you, Jean. I would – give up my – hope of Heaven to be your wife, to live with you and – love you. But it is – something I – cannot do.”
“Why not?” the Comte asked. “Is the pomp and circumstance of being Royal more important to you than our love?”
Zena walked towards him and put her two hands flat on his chest.
He d
