Anthony Hope

“ The Republican took a step towards her.
"My theories!" said he. "It was all theory."
"Yes, it was all theory," acquiesced the Princess.
"Wild theory," said the Republican.
"Very wild," said the Princess, shaking her head.
"Not to be spoken of in public."
"By no means," said the Princess.
Again they were silent for a time. Then the Princess sighed.
"We must get back to Fact," she said. "Is it far?"
"A mile or two," said the Republican, "to where we came from." ”

“ She comes smiling through the wood; and there is one whom she meets. They do not call one another 'sir' and 'madame.’"
"What do they call one another?" asked the Princess.
"I think it is 'sweetheart' and 'sweet love,’" whispered the Republican. "Why should they not? She is not a Princess now. And then they talk together." ”

“ She clings to his arm——"
"Well, the path is rough," pleaded the Princess.
"And he supports her. He talks eagerly as he goes, but she says little, yet she looks at him, and bends her head to listen to him——"
"The water rippling over the stones makes such a noise," said the Princess. ”