The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-10-28
The Emperor's Choice.

4uo CIlApeIOI 3 OuOlCo.
Michael tho Second lay in the sepulchral
chapel erected by Justinian, in the Church
of the Holy Apostles at Constantinoplc. 1t
was in the autumn Of 829 that this En-
peror died, leaving the throne of the East
ern Empire to his son Theophilus.
Married at an early stage Of his greatness
10 Euphrosyne, daughter of Constantine
W., Michael had suffered degree of OBJ
loquy which he could not avert, in conse-
quence of his marriage Euphrosync had
already become a nun, when he accident
ally saw her, as she was returning from
mathis, across the courtyard adjoining both
convent and chapel. From this time her
image haunted hln,, night and day; and
when at length he came to the throne, his
first act was to obtain dispcnsation from
the Patriarch for the beautiful reclusc to
share it with him.
There were those who dared murmur
against the dcsecration, rs they termed it,
and the sovereIgn's life was embittcred,
and perhaps his death fastened, by the re-
ports that often reached him of the disap-
proval of his subjects. Euphrosyne, how
ever, made as exemplary al Empress as
she had been lrreproachablc as nun, and
grief as il she had never abjurod the
world. All her remaining affections cen
tered In her son, Theophilus, who ascend
ed the throne when hls father died, in Oc-
tober, S29.
To please the fastidious taste that char
aclerized The new Emperor, and, perhaps,
to guard him against the temptation of in.
vading the sacred precincts of the cloister
for wife, the Empress assembled all the
most beautiful and graceful among the
maidens of Constantinople to fete in her
own private apartments. Previous to their
coming she informed him of her object,
and desired him to select new empress
from among the many fair and high-born
maidens who would grace it.
Perhaps it was only a whim that prompt
cd his quick answer; but he eventually
carried it out, III way that accorded
with his quaint and quiet humor. SEEING
an apple of pure gold from among the cost
ly ornamental of his mothers cabinet, he
said, 'I.ook, mother! / will openly pre-.
sent this apple to the maiden who most
shall meet my appreciation in your circle,
This evening; and that maiden, whoever
she may be, shall share with HE the throne.
The Empress approved, and they sep
arated, to meet again when she should be
surrounded by the flower of beauty and
grace In her own apartment.
The evening shades were deepening into
darkness, when young and very beautiful
girl, dressed with fairy lightncss and taste,
stood before the massive steel mirror which
gave back her flashing eyes and crimson
checks. She was robed III long, trailing
garment Of transparent silver tissue, loopcd
up at one side with knot of white flowers.
The shoulders were partially bare, and the
short sleeve was gathered up by single
spray of delicate lilies. Across the bosom
the robe was drawn into graceful folds
parting in the center, and decorated with
flowers. The hair was braided into heavy
knot at the back of the head, and wreath
Of tiny green leaves encirclcd the knot.
Except the flowers, there was no decora-
ton. All was in the strictest simplicity,
but al air OF indcscribablc elegance and re-
tincment pervaded hor whole appearance.
AS she stepped from before the large
mirror she met the eyes of young man,
bearing strong family resemblance to her.
fixing themselves earnestly and admlringly
upon her.
"iou will go with nc, Justus2" she
asked, as he approached her.
''It it Is your pleasure, Thcodora," was
the reply, II am only too happy to attend
you." tic bent toward her and whisper
ed. eff ! could but know that | might
hope for your presence always"
"Hush, Justus!" said she; II think you
must remember that tho subject is forbid
den as one likely t. destroy the bonds of
friendship between us /"
'And is friendship all that must hope
for3'' he asked.
"Alll" she replied. '.Methinks 1t is a
great boon, the true and pure friendship
which have heard described. Besides,
are you not my own relative ?.-dcarer than
any save brother2 Sisters children we
arc Justus." And she laid her white hand
upon his arm with sisterly freedom that
disarmcd hlm of all resentment toward her.
"You will go?" she asked again.
''Ycs, Theodora-and as brother only,
if that Is all you can desire mo to be to
you. But shall make sorry attend
ant"
The two passed out together, and just as
they were about to enter the quainty-do
coratcd Greek chariot, another chariot,
with wild, prancing horses, nearly run
against them.
''rhat is Elkasia's carriage" said Theo-
dora, when hor moncntury fright was over.
"Did you observe what q beautiful thing 1t
isl"
III sew that 1t was built in the form of a
sea.shell," he replied. "Iikasa has taste
as well as beauty"
eyes" said Theodore; ''and oh, Jus.
tusl how grandly beautiful she is! how
full OF glorious strength and majesty! Dc
you know that shrink away into nothing
hnatdA Eikaeia . Sha oonme IN oyoroio r, a n,I