The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1871-02-24
as Count D'olfen. entered

black leather, to which formidable
pair of spurs were attached; three
cornered black hat; black stock; buff
gauntlets, an u heavy sword. He
looked more like warrior equipped
for the field, than lover seeking his
lady's bower.
He felt like timid schoolboy in the
presence Of this exquisite beauty, who
had stormed the out-works OF his
heart, and penetrated to the very cita.
del. Would any one believe that he
was Charles the Twelfth?
In her turn, Ikla also had her re-
fections.
"He seeks n Tartar" she thought
che shall find one.
"What, Count" she exclaimed, "ir
regimentals? How devoted you must
be to the King!
"Well, / am" he exclaimed; "but
/ came here, as we'll rs l can recollect,
to tell you how devoted l ain to you
only l confess myself awkward in such
matters. / never cared for woman
before l saw you"
"Why, Count, you must be the
very counterpart of the King" cried
Ikla, coquettishly. "They say he
hates women"
"He does no such thing" replied
Charles, quickly.
"How do you know" she asked
archly.
II think I know him."
"You might rs well say you think
you know yourself"
"How?" he said, suspiciously.
| (Which no man does.
"Oh. ] know you at all events. ]
know what taking, striking. bewitch-
ing little creature you are! Above all
/ know love you! l ain plain,
blunt soldier, and like to know the
worst that can happen to me. Do
yon love me?"
"Is that the worst that can happen
10 you?" she asked, demurcly.
okla, I generally get the best of it
at blows; but own that you beat me
at words. shall simply return TO
the charge. Do you love me?"
''I must have proof of your love be-
fore answer that.
"What proof"
would you grant any little whim
of mine?"
Certainly would"
Don't make any rash promises"
~ swear it."
Ilkia laughed gleefully, went into
an adjoining room, and brought forth
an antique 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
grandmother"
| The King was APPALLED,.
Death and the dew" he began.
"Oh, fie! no swearing in lady's
presence she said. checking him.
"But am glad l have discovered
what your love amounts to-"
He expostulated with her, and end
ed, as common mortals do, in submit
ting to n woman will.
She then dressed him in a heavy
brocade dress, and tied the high,
starched cap tightly under his chin.
"Faughp he cried in disgust, "tbis
dress makes me smell like q musk
rat.
"You don't like perfumes, then?"
"No-yes! one-gunpowder! I'm
like Charles the Twelfth, and there's
no perfume for me but gunpowder"
"Oh, wish / were his wife?" said
Ikla, feryently.
He regarded her in pleased sur
prise.
"What? Are you in love with the
King?"
"Oh, dear, no! Only one might be
inclined to sacrifice ones self for the
good of ones country"
Charles smiled grimly.
"You are vastly condescending," he
replied. "And pray what else
would you do for the good of your
country?"
81 would soften his character. I
would tame this lion; and he should
soon be as much beloved as he is al
ready admired and feared"
"And how is this to be accomplish
edw enquired Charles.
"Sit down, and I'll tell you. There,
now, you must fancy yourself Charles
the Twelfth"
"Well, do" he answered with q
significant smile.
"Consider me the Queen" she con-
tinued, and then she drew chair be-
side him.
$50 on" he cried, pleased with the
conceit.
81 should devote my life to obtain
ing and securing his entire conf
dence.
"We will suppose you have it."
"When I should use it to make him
submit on all fitting occasions to my
sovereign will. I would teach him
the true value of his noblest preroga-
tive"
(Which is"
'tMercy."
"Come, come. Charles the Twelfth
is severe, know, but he is just"
"Not always. Witness the case Of
Captain Reinolds.
Charley started, and glanced at her
suspiciously.
"What do you know of the culprit?''
he cried.
ellis sentence is unjust" she an
swered, firmly, and, therefore, fit
object for the interference of the
Queen" She rose, went to the table,
and took paper from it. "Now, if I
were Queen, I would approach the
King, as / do you, with this paper in
my hand She walked UP to him
with dignity. 81 would say to him,