Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-01-05
CHAPTER xI-CoNrrrurp.

CHAPTER XL-CONTINUED.
81 remember fell from Alonzo, as he
stood in the full-lighted interior and
gazed about him. AS in the Sainte
Chapelle, there were fifteen windows of
superfine stained glass with their de-
signs from Scripture and the lives of
the saints, blossoming out of lovely
traceries; there were the same
polychrome adornments, and the same
statues of the twelve Apostles over
against the pillars.
-'It was so different when saw it last"
Alonzo continued. ''The sunshine then
flooded it, and now there are these
-.adiant candelabra, trimming at inter
walls with wax candles. Why is it thus
i1lumined? What has this dreamy
little place to do with all that mundane
and dazzling revel that we have just
1eft?''
1T has but recently been lighted, as
you will see," said Eric, pointing to a
cluster Of candles near by. ''The king
desired this"
"One of his whims, suppose"
"He has no sohtms.''
docs he attend service here?''
"Clarimondl My dear Lonz, you
know by this time as well as do that
the king has no distinct religious creed.
He has given the use Of this chapel to
his mother during her stay here; the
princess apartments are not far away
from it. I have heard him say that If he
should ever be married, his friend, DIR.
"Wouvermann whom you already know,
should perform the ceremony here be-
tween these walls. It will be a new
shock to conservatism, of course; for
that kindly and intellectual old Ger
man, Wouvermann, is thorn in the
side of the recognized Saltravian
clergy. But here is the king now.
He is coming to meet YOU"
C1arimond was indeed advancing
toward them, along the central aisle.
AS Alonzo's eyes met his face its ex-
cessive pallor challenged notice. The
and its flesh felt so icily cold to him
that he almost recoiled with cry.
''Thank you for coming" he said. ST
wish to hold little talk with you, If
you will let me-" Then he nodded to
Eric, and swiftly added:
Leave us, please, and carry out my
other request am sure that you will
succeed. And pray do not forget that
you may freely use my name, sanction
and authority" With a bow Eric
Thaxter mutely departed, while Alonzo
and his master stood together, in the
silence and mellow splendor of the
charming chapel. 1t may have
been a half-hour later when he re-
turned, accompanied by a lady. The
chapel was then quite vacant again,
and the lady gave a little joyful cry as
she looked about her.
''Oh, this is SO lovelyl And you say
that the king wishes to see me here?''
Then it seemed to Kathleen as If the
kings presence was somehow evolved
from out the glimmering softness of the
place; and while he drew near to her
Eric disappeared.
"You are very good to come" said
Clarimond. 81 saw how they focked
about you, there in the ballroom. Nc
doubt it was annoying to desert your
scene of conquest"
ding"
He smiled, and now she saw how very
pale and sorrowful his face was-how ii
plainly betokened some severe trial
though of course she could not con.
lecture what.
''You are to do something more al
my bidding" he said; ''that is, if you
will"
IF it lies in my power, monsieur
she began, and then paused, wondering
and alarmed because his mien was sc
full of that strange, repressed despair.
''I hope it will lie within your desire
as WELL" he answered. ''If it does not
You need by no means rate it as ar
act of obedience" at this the king
raised his hand as if in signal to some ont
at the further end of the chapel. Kath
leen noticed the gesture, and presently
receded, trembling.
''He, monsieur II did not expec
thisp'
do not refuse to see him." said Clair
mond, with great gentleness.
While Kathleen stood, half defiant
half acquiescent, Alonzo came nearer
pausing at her side.
Kathleen" he said, ssmay speak t.
you? The king, with untold goodness
has given me this happy chance. fea
you are very angry at me. thinl
you have every right to be-"
IL am not angry" quavered Kath
leen. In her CONSERVATION, her piteou
confusion, she had never looked love1ie
than now. 'sYou, monsieur" she said
with a sudden fearful fierceness, to th
king, "have told him what told youf
Every word" smiled Clarimond
And then, as Alonzo caught her han
and stopped over it, raining upon
kisses, the king moved away, leavin
them side by side.
In small sacristy a few yards bt
yond the chancel he soon came face t
face with Eric Thaxter.
Monsieur" exclaimed Eric, with