Middletown transcript., 1874-02-07
NEW CASTLE COUNTY,

able pair Of spurs was attached; three
cornered black hat; . black stock: buff
gasntlets, and heavy sword. He looked
more like i warrior equipped for the field
than fond lover seeking his lady's bower.
He felt like timid school-boy in the
presence Of his exquisite beauty. who had
stormed the outworks Of his heart, and
penetrated to the very citadel. Would
any one believe that be was Charles the
Twelfth? be ms
In her turn. Ikla also had her redec-
tions.s fspwArs 90 frAtTn5 y
"Hc seeks q Tartar" she thought "he
shall find ons." a mad.5d 4sho f.,
"Whst count" she exclaimed, "in reg
imentals? How devoted you must bo to
the king" .e$e" W .'s
"Well, I am," he exclaimed; '.'but I
came here, as we'll As I can recollect, to
tell you how devoted am to you--only I
confess myself awkward in these matters.
I never cared for a woman till I saw you -
"Why, count. you, must be the very
counterpart Of the king" cried Ikla, co.
quetiishly. ''They say be hates women. "
"He does ne such thing" replied
Charles, quickly. u, H. '
"How do you know?" she asked archly.
II think know him" eg-s
"You might as we'll say you think you
know yourself" j..
Howl" he said, suspiciously.
(Which no man does" 2
"Oh, know you, at all events. /
know what taking, striking, bewitohipg
little creature you are Above all, know
how 1 love you! lama plain. blunt SOL
der. and like to know the worst that can
happen to me. Do you love me p ran
"Is that the worst that can happen to
you y she asked demurely.
"Ikla, l generally get the best Of Il q,
blows; but I own you beat me on words,
| shall simply return to the charge. Dc
you love me?" ,..# ..ra .s.,5H 81 i,
II must have proof of your love before
I answer that" "uAs - b-aste'. - s..s...,
"What proof?"', e.
would you grant any little whim Of
mine ?pfYL4I0 0k3U 5f{I1fl
Certainly I would"
"Don't make any rash promises"
| II swear it,"
Ikla laughed gleeeully, went into an ad
joining room, and brought forward ar
antique costume. such as had been worr
by the danes Of fifty years ago. M n a ,
II have the greatest desire to see how
you would look dressed as my grandmoth
err" she cried. 5=-.
The king was appalled,.
"Death and the dev-" he began.
"Oh, fe! no swearing in a lady
presence ~ she said checking him. "Bu
I am glad 1 have discovered what you
love amounts to.
He expostulated with her, and ended
as common mortals do, in submitting to ,
woman's will THNYy
She then dressed him ii the heavy bro
cadc dress. and then tied the high, starch
ed cap tightly under his chin. q4g
"Faugh!" he cried in disgust, .'tbi
dress makes me smell like a musk-rat"
"You don't like perfumes. then 7"
"No-yes; one-gunpowder Tmilik
Charles the Twelfth, and there's no per
fune for me but gunpowdsr." 70 50
"Oh. if I were his wifo!' exclaime
Ikla, fervently. 5rr7 z-r-rer.,
He regarded her in pleased surprise.
"What. are you in love with the king?
"Oh. dear no! Only one might be in
clined to sacrifice one's self for the goo
ol ones country." =. "
Charles smiled grimly. ll19eJDn
"You are vastly condescending." he rc
piled. "And. pray. what else would 20
do for the good Of your country ?" y
Il would soften his character. woul
tame this lion; and he should soon be Q
! much believed as he is already admired an
. feared" 3-'a taiA =
; rAnd how j, this to- be accomplished
inquired Charles. =
s'Sit down and let me tell you. Thsr
now, you must fancy yourself. Charles II
TWELFTH RN6JHa8a 4tug@p
"Wsll, Ido," he answered with sil
; nidcantspile.s ,3a32aoH qG CA9H /
Consider me the queen, she contiI
9 ued, and drew her chair beside him. 4 -,
$50 on. he cried. rather pleased wit
, the coaceit. 'w aia si'eas a bio sss.,s
! Il should aeyot. my life to obt.iniH
Q and securing his entire confidence" !" &
a s,W. uv;Il sun-osa vnu L.. 4 s IT.,