The morning call., 1893-08-13

never once. But stop, DOTS; tnaC Is
not enough. Before we pledge ourselves l
once only, We must speak Of it to each
other. then never again. Because l love
you 1t is secret between us, secret Of
which you must not even think. You
know how | love you if no one else does :;
but, Doris, you know l love another still
better. l love her with love which is my
life. 1 must do her birding always; for
her must sacrifice what love next best
you. Doris"
There was low sob heard in the room.
"Hush-hnsh, Felix. l know it. You
love her best, YOU are hers; but after her
| am yours. am content. would rather
be your second love, your slave, Felix.
than the spoiled darling Of any other.
'See, till [ die her name must be always
part of myself" He hastily pulled up his
velvet coatsleeve, and in the dim light dis
Mayed some tastooed letters on his arm.
Doris stopped down and kissed the name
of his beloved and her rival.
"Polandr' she said. Felix. l know II"
"But when am dead. then let them en-
grave the name of Doris upon me. Now,
my love. it is not too late to draw back.
Do you repent? l have hidden nothing
from you"
Doris raised herself on tiptoe and put
her two arms around her lovers neck and
laid her head upon his breast.
Felix, there is no drawing back, am
quite happy. | am your slave-and hers"
Then, and then only, did Felix kiss his
loves pure forehead, and Doris knew that
hers, and she would not have exchanged ii
for crown and king.
When the four lovers met again Doris
was all sunshine and smiles, and no one
but Felix could have guessed her capable
of the scene she had just gone through.
Shy, bushing Marya and her Juzsi had
behaved in much more extrayagant
manner, and as the sisters retired to bed
she exclaimed:
Doris. darling, l wish your lover were
more like mine. Felix is so cold, so re-
served. / don't believe he loves YOU half
enough"
Doris only laughed as she answered.:
And l believe yours loves you too
much TO last. At least he loves you too
much TO love Poland enough"
CHAPTER II.
Such a fete had never before been wit
messed in the castle of the Kaplinski, Just
outside Warsaw; and how the neigh bor-
hood gossiped when the invitations were
sent round! By her own dependents the
Countess Doris was adored. but evil
tongues enjoy poisoning or trying to
poison the sweetest lives. These evil
speakers said the Count led a miserable
life; If he appeared at the splendid par
ties given by his young wife. it was but to
look gloomily jealous. and. indeed, said
they, she preferred giving her entertain
ments without his help. That her conduct
was suspicious was easily proved. for
Count JoZsi and his wife no longer visited
al the castle; but the proverbIal beauty of
the Countess gathered together a host of
adventures.
Count Kapinsk's wife might be SLAM
dered, but her invitations were eagerly
sought after and her friends knew we'll
enough that with all her merrment and
her balls and parties Doris was as proud as
the Kaplinsk themselves, and what more
could be said?
"Prince Otto, you are not dancing. That
is not allowed here. | have n young
eonsin who dances divinely; let me intro
duce her TO you."
II would rather wait till" began the
Prince, with a look of admiration.
Don't wait for me, if that is your de-
sire. l am engaged for every dance"
Every dance?"
And who is the fortunate individ nal ?"
"My cousin, Stanisas Radakowaski"
"a mere youth from college," said the
Prince, with touch of scorn.
Yes, that makes him all the more
charming. 1t is his birthday aud he loves
i.
does not think of his partner. only of bis
steps. so TO dance with Stanislas i.
heaven "
Doris had been married year. A year!
1t seemed at once like a day and Il life
time. Every moment had seemed precious
to her. even though many Of them had not
been spent with Felix. On the contrary,
asked him any questions as to his move
ments Her trust was perfect. She knew
that when it was possible he was with her.
This very morning he had gravely kissed
her lips. and she had trembled little
He did that so seldom. He had said but
two words, but they had echoed all day in
her ears: Doris. my wife" That from
Felix meant such words Of trust and love.
She-light-hearted, merry DOris-had sue.
ceeded in making Felix happy, and that
was enough happiness for her. All others
were as trampled dust compared with
Felix.
Young Stanislas suddenly recalled her
from her reverie.
cousin Doris, just one more dance
with yom. You dance nearly as well as
Bettina."
"Who may she be?"
MY Italian masters daughter. She
is"
"Silly boy! She is not as beautiful as |
am, and cannot dance half as well. l will
give you this dance on condition that you
do not fiirt again with Bettina. Remem-
ber, you are a Balinski."
Stanisas heSitated. then be looked at
Doris.
Cousin Doris. you are right. l have
been fool. Well. let us dance"
1t was II 80 when Stanislas went to cool
himself in a conservatory, and overheard
these scraps of conversation:
The Rad decreed it. and that council
takes no excuse. The Stiletcziki are
chosen by lot; there is no appeal against
that choice. No one knows friends from
foes; the Russians have spies everywhere.
Yes; but NieroslawSki is biding his time,
in the meanwhile his friends must do the
work-and suffer for it. Well, my patriot
ism does not go so far. Then the fight is a
high one this time? So they say"
Just at 1915 Stanislas pushed his way
through the crowd till he was close to
Doris.
Cousin Doris" he whispered. Come
here"
"Where?"
'IG the new conservatory. A man wants
TO see you there"
"a man! Let him wait" But Stanislas
took her arm as if to waltz with her.
Hush; say nothing. but follow me-"
She followed him, clenching her right
hand, a way she had of showing her secret
displeasure. What man dared send for
her?
Here he u.s." said Stanislas: then he
whispered: "He is one Of the Stiletcziki."