The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-03-30

lk0W uANAHNhN+ NANANiAANN
ouly the disconnected Ermengarde had no
word at command In the person of the King
she had recognized her new friend of yester-
day.
CHATTER III.
A fairylike scene was the open-air dance.
Spleudor could not be conjured up on this
island. No wand could transform the fowery
Etsle island into the semblance of court.
Ba, the eolored lanterns hanging FROM the
trees, the rose garlands adorning the royal
tent, the white dresses Of the maideus, the
brilliant uniforms Of the men, worked won
derful transformation. 70 the minds Of the
islanders, who had iloeked together in body
to greet their King, the spectacle was en-
chanting past belief
If pomp WAS not to be transplanted to the
sea girt domain. no more was ceremony.
The King. being as yet bachelor, had
brought no ladies 10 bis train. To the native
fisher folk it seemed the most natural thing
in the world that he should dance with Err.
mengarde. The bead forester was one OF
the leading personages Of the island, and his
daughter the fairest and most accomplished
giri il could boast Of A burst of applause
rose from the assembled crowd as the right
royal looking pair now stepped forth. II
kipgly the mien Of this young man, but lately
aud unexpectedly called FROM sailors life to
wear crown, queenly also the tall, stately,
golden haired maiden now standing by his
side.
Ermengarde had never looked more beau
uful. An amount Of hauteur, bali playful,
half serious, lent piquaney TO her spirited
loseliuess. She was afTronted with the King
for the blunder into which he had entrapped
her. She was half inclined TO accuse him OF
a frivolity Of character unsuspected in her
CUES, the day before.
.You see am here to redeem my promise,
be said smiling. II trust you are not dis
pleased to fad in me an old acquaintance p
MAY" said Ermengarde. How can |
help being displeased2 l have lost one who
might have been my friend.
''can king have no friends, then p he
asked, eoloring with vexation, perpleSed as
well as bewitehed by this island beauty.
.sYou will make me wish that / could main
tain yesterdays ineognitO forever" "
I Rrmengarde slightly blushed. She knew
well enough that any breach of etiquette
( would be more than forgiven just now all the
( more. she was determined not TO commit
any.
.csti - 49,, ;,tand;D,y tn anolo-
eile for the freedom of the day before, and
at the same time to convey a covert reproach.
/ He stopped her gayly and joyously.
mo ceremonies, no titles to night entreat
i command. For this once, and for you,
am the Kings messenger Indeed | must
have il so.
Then" said Ermengarde brightly, ito
the King's messenger may openly say what
is in my mind. Fl should not have come here
under false pretense, might have eompre-
missed others besides myself. F"
The candid brow clouded over, the genial
voice had tone of bitterness in it as he re-
piled;
..You have evidently a poor idea OF human
E nature. GlOAlu SAObi ~ SUM
pardon, thousand times, ask pardon.
Ermengarde said, greatly vexed at the mis-
Interpretation put upon her words. Il but
meant to say that | might have given wholly
wrong impression of these good fisher folk
see how loyal they arer' She smiled gayly,
and added: IL believe | am the only
malcontent in this part of your Majesty
dominions.
"You are not speaking to the King, re-
member. he replied. "But let me explain
why made that sudden raid upon you yes
terday. You know my story. Who seemed
less likely year ago to inherit crown than
myself? One fine morning |, the sailor
Prince, am torn away from my free, careless
life and saluted with the title of King. That
of Pope, Prime Minister or Crown Lawyer
would have been equally appropriate !"
unfortunately crown is not awarded az
premium upon capacity. Had it been pu
up for competitive examination, you nigh
have escaped smiled Ermengarde.
.'WeI, perhaps, for me it had been so, h'
said, smiling also. Then he went on in 1
graver tone: my tastes have ever been IL
quiet other lines. have always valued m.
freedom above everything; freedom to roam
the world, to lead the life of an explorer, and
here he looked at her meaningly-''to set
, tie down in a home of my own choosing whel
? fancy willed. do not pretend to say that m
5 changed prospects are altogether displeasin
to me now. Who can help being influence,
d by his surroundings? l shall, l dare say
i gradually grow into wholly altered being
!, ''Yes," Ermengarde answered, slowly an
!. sadly. "If ever you visit this island agai
!. you will certainly not dance with the hea
# forester's daughter. You will not wish you
s subjects to forget that you are King then"
:; "You are right" he said. ''If feel that nc
d only my youth but my nature must be sacr