Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-09-22

WAX taperj taxing care TO place shade
over it, 30 that the room should be very
dimly lighted. After completing the
arrangements, he glanced round, and
started on seeing the figure of man
near the table. The stranger was dressed
in the uniform of an aide-de. camp, and
wore mask upon his face.
"Who are you?" demanded Ernest,
advancing to tho intruder
"You have anticipated a similar ques-
tion,' replied the mask.
"But have right to know" said
Ernest.
$50 have l." was the quiet answer.
"Sir," said Ernest, placing his hand
on the hilt OF his saber, II wear
sword"
$50 do l." replied the mask; "but
l reserve it for the enemies of my
country"
"who are you? 1 implyre You to
tell me, said Earnest.
"Ah, now you speak in a different
manner. I, sir, AN Captain Won Stein
berg, at your service, aide-de-camp to
his majesty King Louis of Bavaria"
"The deuce you RreI" thought
Ernest.
But, confidence for confidence" said
the impostor. "Now, you must tell me
who you are, and by what right find
you in the royal pavilion at this hour"
by the very best right in the
world" replied Ernest, boldly. I, sir,
am King Louis of Bavaria" and he
lifted his outward mask, displaying the
features of the king.
Pardon me, sire" said the stranger,
falling on his knees; but, making my
rounds in the garden, found the pos
tern gate unlock, and fearing treachery
to your royal person, deemed il my
duty to keep watch in the pavilion, Of
which, "a your majesty is aware, I have
a duplicate key
"Zounds. man! you haven't locked
the postern, have you p asked the pre-
tended king"
"No,. sire; il remains as found IT,"
"Then, my good fellow, there is no
harm done" said Ernest. "And I'll
tell yen q secret; expect a lady here
every instant, who has accorded me
private interview. The best service you
can render me-is to leave me to my
self"
"a hint from yourroya lips is a com
mand," said the pretended Ernest.
THAT you mAjesty's suit may prosper is
the wArmest wish of your most devoted
subject"
The stranger vanished.
Before Ernest had an opportunity 10
frame any hypothesis with regard TO
this mysterious being the door opened
cautiously and admitted the baroness.
She threw herself at once at the feet OF
Ernest.
Rise, ladyT said the pretended
monarch. II would rather be ct your
feet-riHe."
"Not," said the baroness, "till your
majesty pledges me in advance for
whatever I may confess"
81 freely pledge you that" said Err
nest, aiding the lady TO rise.
know them" said the baroness
"that am an ungnteful woman. Your
majesty distinguished me last night,
and held out hopes 30 brilliant that a
subject might we'll be dazzled BY your
promise. was dazzled, and l heard
you with pleasure. But il was only n
momentary weakness. In the delirium
of the dance ycu told me that ycu loved
me-my consent to meet you here seemed
confession of reciprocal affection;
but, in truth, my heart is given to
another. love-I love with all the
fervor of my being-not s,monarch,
but a subject"
ga rival r. said the pretended king
sternly; "his namer'
"Promise that you will not harm,
him, sire"
"I make no promise in such case as
this"
"Then I shall keep my secret" said
the baroness, firmly.
"And you will love this man-even IL
! command you to tear his image from
your heart 2"
81 love him and him only" replied
the baroness. "In good report and
evil report-in sorrow and in sickness
in shame and honor. Truly pledged
him my hand-my heart went with It.
I am his forever"
"And he Is thine, dear Anna r. said
Ernest, tearing of bis disguise. "will