The king came to Xenia's bedside and looked at her luxurious red hair shining in the candlelight and at her tender lips, which were trembling because she was afraid. " Do you know how beautiful you are? " He said. Xenia knew the moment had finally come,-the moment when she must tell him the truth. " I love you ! " he cried before she could speak. " I am wildly, crazy in love . . . I never dreamed I would feel like this. . . " " I. . . Have something to. . . t-tell you. " She felt him stiffen and slowly drawback. Then it took a deep breath. How could she tell him? She asked herself. How could she sweep the happiness from his eyes?