Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1870-09-02

should be shot any way, and he thought
it did not make much difference for what.
He withdrew, and Charles the Twelfth,
as Count D Olfen, entered the room. He
wore the uniform of his favorite regiment ;
light blue coat trimmed with gold, and
the corners of the skirts turned back; buff
leather breeches; high boots Of black
leather, to which formidable pair ofspurs
was attached three-corncrcd black hat
"a black stock buff gauntlets, and heavy
sword. He looked more like warrior
equipped for the field, than lover seek
ing his lady's bower.
He felt like timid schoolhoy in the
presence of this piquant beauty. who had
stormed the outworks eff his heart and PEN
etrated to the very citadel. Would any
one believe that he was Charles the
Twelfth? He began to doubt it himself.
Nations trembled at his name. yet he-1
will no. say trembled-but felt very much
like fool in the presence of a simple girl.
He felt that this would never do. Though
she did not know who he was, he must re-
member that he did
In her turn Ikla also had her reaec-
tions.
"He seeks Tartar" she thought, che
shall find one"
"What, count" she exclaimed, Sin re-
gimentals? How devoted you must be to
the king
"Well, am" he admitted /; "but l
came here, as we'll as can recollect. to
tell you how devoted am to you; only
confess myself awkward in these matters.
I never cared for woman till saw you. "
why, count. you must be the very
counterpart of the king" cried Ikla. CO.
quettish1y. ''They say he hates woman"
He does no such thing" replied
Charles, quickly
"How do you know p she asked, arch
ly. "
Il think I know him." ar
.'You might as we'll say you think you
know yourself. 2
|. Eaa e hfeM q Ae le aIia aE;sd sssasspiciously
20! I know you, at all events. /
know what taking. striking, bewitching
little creature you are; above all. know
how 1 love you! I am plain blunt SOL
dier, and like to know the worst that can
happen to me. Do you love me?
lis that the worst that can happen to
you?" she asked. demurely.
"1kla, I generally get the best of it at
blows, but I own you beat me at words.
I shall simply return to the charge-do
you love me?"
Il must have proof of your love before
1 answer that" .
"What proof?"
"Would you grant any little whim Of
mine2"
Certainly I would"
Don't make any rash promises.
ri swear it!''
Ikla laughed gleefully, went into an ad.
joining room, and brought forward an an
tiaue costume, such as had been worn by
the danes of fifty years ago.
II have the greatest desire to see how
you would look dressed as my grandmoth.
er," she cried.
The king was appalled,.
death and the dev-"' he began.
30 fe! no swearing in lady's pres
ence," she said. checking him. but
am glad have discovered what your love
amounts to-"
He expostulated with her, and ended
as common mortals do, in submitting to {
woman's will. This lovo is powerful
master. She dressed him in the stiff pet
ticoat. and heavy brocade dress, and tiee
the high starched cap tightly under hil
chin.
"Faugh p he cried, in disgust. "thil
dress makes me smell like a musk-rat.
''You don't like perfumes, then?"i
"No-yes-one. gunpowder! I'm like
Charles the Twelfth, and there's no per.
fume for me but gunpowder!'
20, I wish I were bis wife" exclaimed
Ikla, feryeutly. ''..''
He regarded her in pleased surprise.
.'Wbat !! are you in love with the king?'
20 dear. no! Only one might be in
clined to sacrifice ones self for the goot
of ones country"
Charles smiled grimly.
"You are vastly condescending," he re-
piled; .'and pray what else would you d
for tho good Of your country"
Il would soften his character. I woult
tame this lion, and be, should soon be a