"Not a hand's breadth beneath her eyes," laughed the Countess, as she fled precipitately up the steps, followed by the jesting student.
"Beware of a divinity in wrath," came a sweet, clear voice from the balcony, and Anguish called out from his safe retreat, like the boy he was: "Ah, who's afraid!"
The Princess was laughing softly, her eyes radiant as they met those of her companion, amused yet grave.
"Does he have a care?" she asked.
"I fear not. He loves a Countess."
"He has not to pay the price of ambition, then?" said she, softly.
"Ambition is the cheapest article in the world," he said. "It concerns only a man's self."