The flower of destiny; an episode

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 Excerpt: ...Consul, President, possibly Dictator. Suppose you attain to the first of these, will that satisfy you? Will it appease your ambition? Will you not aspire still higher? Ah! you know you will! But how burdensome a wife would be to you! If, as you hope, you become Emperor, the place for an empress must be kept vacant. Yes, I love you, and I rejoice to be able to tell you so, but as a proof of that love I must prevent you from making a mistake which might destroy your every hope." "You are cruel, Euge'nie. I have counted the cost before speaking to you. If I can force France to accept THE FLOWER OF DESTINY appointment and admiration mingled in his voice, "your beauty alone entitles you to a throne, and your unselfishness to an everlasting crown." He drew a silken case from beneath his coat and regarded it for a moment in silence before he spoke. "These faded petals which I have worn next my heart ever since that night you gave them to me at Gore House shall now be a priceless treasure. The violet of the Bonapartes takes on an added lustre in your love for it and for me. In deference to your judgment, I must now be silent, but I await the time when I may prove the gratitude and affection which I feel." The Prince reverently raised her hand to his lips. Eugenie's emotion nearly conquered her resolutions. "Come, Prince, take me back to the hotel," she said almost inaudibly. In silence they passed out of the Promenade and along the street until the hotel was reached. The Countess de Montijo was on the piazza, awaiting her daughter's return. "Leave me now, dear." Euge'nie looked up into his face with a faint smile. "Twill be better so. You understand, do you not?" "1 understand--and shall never forget,...