Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-10-08


eyes," he answered adding suddenly,
envy poor child, do you wish me to
dance with your
Nothing was further from Violet's
thoughts; but she was afraid of annoy
ing him.
GAS you wish," she said, "but tell me
first who you are" hoping from his
answer to find some guide for her future
conduct.
"My name is Stapylton," he answered.
"The emperor of China" she exclaim-
ed involuntarhy, and then feared what
might happen; but he only said,
"Am I? "Just as you please. Will
you sit down here till the next square
begins? Inever valse."
"That is something to be thankful
for" thought Violet, as she obediently
took the offered chair.
Mr.. Hunter had returned home with
some friends the day before, and at
breakfast announced his intention of 60
ing, as usual, to the dance at the Dun
stone asylum.
He was surprised when one of his
guests started at the name, and eagerly
asked if it was near.
"Ten miles; but why do you want to
know, Stapylton%
"Pll tell you afterwards" was the an
swer; and as soon as they were alone he
told him younger brother of his had
had sunstroke in India, which, in addi-
ton to other troubles, had completely
driven him out of his mind, and that he
was now in the asylum at Dunstone.
81 never stayed here before, you
know, and had not taken in you were in
the same part of the world. wonder if
[ dare go and see him?"
"To-nightT'
Yes, need not see him unless the
doctor approves; but / could not stay
here knowing you were there"
eco this afternoon, my horses want
some work"
"Thanks, but I may as well 60 with
you, it is long journey. | can see the
doctor at any rate; and I shall be glad
to do so, for I missed my letters abroad,
and have not heard of my poor brother
for some time"
$50 Major Stapylton entered the
asylum that evening with Mr.. Hunter,
but waited alone till the doctor could
come to him. At last he appeared, max
ing a thousand apologies, but slightly
annoyed by visit on business at such a
time.
Major Stapylton apologized in his turn
for his untimely visit.
"I am afraid you have given yourself
needless trouble" the doctor said; CT
have inquired, and Mr.. Stapylton is
asleep. In his weak state he must not be
disturbed. He is better, however, and
the new delusion I told you of in my
last latter quite passed away. If you
will call again"
eyes, thanks. Don't let me detain
you"
The doctor turned fussily to the door.
You see should not be absent for an
instant tonight; but pray do not wait
here. Come with me; you will see moth
ing painful, and Mr.. Hunter is so kind,
he always stays to the end"
A strange fascination seemed to draw
the other from the room, to see the poor
creatures with whom his poor brother
now passed his life, and he consented.
The doctor, recovering his temper,
talked on as they walked to the ball
room.
"Nothing painful, I assure you; but
if any OF them speak to you, be sure to
humor them"
As they entered the room, Major
Stapylton, rather Mortified, shrank back
behind curtain, while the doctor added,
as Violet looked towards them:
edo you see that girl? She is one of
our worst cases."
"In white?" Major Stapylton asked,
in doubt as to which was meant.
The doctor was suddenly called away !;
and as Major Stapylton was still looking
at Violet, still wondering if it was she,
her apparent forwardness in addressing
an unknown stranger, confirmed the idea
of her madness, while the slightest doubt
on the subject was removed when she
spoke to him as emperor of China, he
never having heard of his brothers i'm
perial delusion.
They sat together for some moments
in silence, till Violet, finding it unbear-
able, and growing more and more nerv-
GUS, said: 9l@1 1---
81 wish your majesty would give me
some tea; though | suppose it is not so
good as what you have in China?"
81 don't know; but | see some in that
room, if you will come with me-"
Violet rose, and was surprised by the
perfectly self-possessed way in which he
gave her his arm, and brought her some
tea. Still his sad expression, and the
plying way he treated her, prevented
her from guessing the truth.
"Shall we stay here?" he asked. 81
cannot bear to see the dancing. I am
afraid [ cannot dance with you"
"I would much rather stay here
Violet answered, feeling greatly relieved,
but thinking to herself, " Poor dear man
now ehangeable you are! I wish could
do you any good" Trying to suit her
conversation to him, she continued, E" Is
it long since you were in China?"
81 never was there in my ife," was
the startling answer, while Violet felt
frightened az he added confusedly, g. at
least, meant don't know" And he
thought in his turn, "Poor girl! 1 forgot
l was the Chinese emperor. How on
aor+h oop Hoov, IN Tho obor