"All my life," she continued, "everyone has told me that I was less than I should be because I was not enchanted. Everyone but Herbert; he alone saw me simply as a friend, no more and no less." She bowed her head. "Now he is gone," she whispered. "And only now do I learn his worth."

The prince opened his mouth several times then closed it again. They both stared into the fire and thought their own thoughts.

Alexandra woke early and got the fire burning again. She made tea, and ...