Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-10-05


Prince Ludwigs GOODNESS. but dared say
nothing of it; yet. impelled by his anger,
he had set himself to watch the prince very
closely, and thus he had, as he con-
a twinkle into his eye and a tri-
umphant smile to his lips. as he rode be-
hind the princess. Some fifteen miles she
accompanied him and her brother. and
then, turning with Christian, took another
road back to the city. Alone she rode, her
mind full of sad thoughts, while Christian,
behind, still wore his malicious smile. But
presently although she had not command
ed him, he quickened his pace and came up
to her side, relying on the favor which
she always showed him for excuse.
We'll Christian" said she, have you
something to say to me?"
For answer he pointed to small house
that stood among the trees, some way from
the road, and he said:
IF were Ludwig and not Christian, yet
I would be here where Christian is and
lot there, where Ludwig is, and he point
ed still at the house.
She faced around on him in anger at
his daring to speak to her of the prince,
but he bold fellow and would not
be silenced now that he had begun to
speak; he knew also that she would bear
much from him. So he leaned over to-
ward her, saying:
by your bounty, madam, I have money,
and he who has money can get knowledge.
So that I know that the prince is there.
For For 100 l,o ! gained servant OF his and he
Il do not know why you should spy on
the prince" said Osra. ''and do not care
to know where the prince is" and she
touched her horse with the spur and he
cantered fast forward, leaving the little
house behind. But Christian persisted,
partly in foolish grudge against any
reach. partly in an honest anger that she,
whom he worshiped. should be treated
lightly by another; and he forced her to
hear what he had learned from the gossip
nf he vnoJr f01It I,~r
hints and half-spoken sentences yet so
plainly that she could not miss the drift
Of it, She rode the faster toward Strelsau,
at first answering nothing; but at last she
turned upon him fiercely, saying that he
told a lie, and that she knew 1t was a lie
since she knew where the prince was and
what business had taken him away, and
she commanded Christian to be silent and
to speak neither to her nor to any one
else of his false suspicious; and she babe
him very harshly to fall back and ride
behind her again. which he did, sullen, yet
satisfied. For he knew that his arrow had
gone home. On she rode, with her cheeks
aflame and her heart beating, until she
came to Strelsau, and having arrived at the
palace. ran to her own bed room and flung
herself on the bed.
Here for an hour she lay; then, 1t being
about o'clock. she sat up, pushing her dis
ordered hair back from her hot, aching
brow. For an agony of humiliation came
upon her. and fury of resentment against
the prince. whose GOODNESS seemed now to
need no more explanation. Yet she could
hardly believe what she had been told of
him, for though she had not loved him. she
had accorded to him her full trust. Rising,
she paced in pain about the room. She
could not rest; and she cried out In longing
that her brother were there to aid her and
find out the truth for her. But he was
away, and she had none to whom she
could turn. So she strove to master her
anger, and endure her suspense till the
next day, but they were too strong for her,
cried. mvSalf /
sleep till l know. But I cannot go alone.
Who will go with me?" And she knew of
none. for she would not take Christian
with her. and she shrank from speaking
of the matter to any of the gentlemen of
the court. And yet she must know. But
at last she sprang up from the chair into
which she had sunk despondently, exclaim-
ing:
He is a gentleman and my friend. He
will go with me-" And she sent hastily
for the bishop CT Modenstein. who was then
riding. and with a sword. and the best
horse in his stables. And the bishop came
equipped as she babe him and in very great
wonder. But when she told him what she
known to her, he grew grave, saying that
they must wait and consult the king. when
he returned.
Il will not wait an hour" she cried. II
cannot wait an hour
Then 1 will ride and bring you word.
You must not CO." he urged.
Nay, If I go alone 1 will co. said she.
Yes. 1 will go, and myself fling his false
ness in his teeth
Finding her thus resolved. the bishop
knew that he could not turn her, so, leav-
ing her to prepare herself he sought
Christian Hantz and charged him to bring
three horses to the most private gate of
the palace, that opened in little bye
street. Here Christian waited for them
with the horses, and they came presently,
the bishop wearing great slouched hat
and staggering like a registering trooper,
while Osra was closely yelled. The bishop
again imposed secrecy on Christian, and
then, they both being mounted, said to
Osra, IF you will, then, madam, come,'
and thus they rode secretly out of the city,
about o'clock in the evening, the gate
wardens opening the gate at sight of the
royal arms on Osra's ring, which she gave
to the bishop, in order that he might show
it.
In silence they rode long way. going
at great speed; Osras face was set and
rigid, for she felt now no shame at herself
for going, nor any fear of what she might
find, but the injury to her pride swallowed
every other feeling; and at last she said
in short, sharp words. to the bishop of
Modenstein. having suddenly thrown the
veil back from her face:
HE shall not live If it prove true"
The bishop shook his head. His profess
sion was peace; yet his blood also was hot
against the man who had put slight on
Princess Osra.
1.-The king must know of It," he said
THE king! The king is not here tonight"
said Osra; and she pricked her horse and
set him at a gallop. The moon, breaking
suddenly in brightness from behind cloud,
showed the bishop her face. Then she put
out her hand and caught him by the arm,
whispering: Are you my frend?'
Eyes, madam said he. She knew well
that he was her friend.
Kill him for me, then; kill him for me-"
Il cannot kill him." said the bishop. II
pray God it may prove untrue
You are not my friend If you will not
kill him. said Osra; and she turned her
| face away and rode yet more quickly
AT last they came in sight of the little
house that stood back from the road; and
there was a light in one Of the upper
windows. The bishop heard a short gasp
break from Osra's lips and she pointed
with her whip to the window. Now his
own breath came quick and fast, and he
prayed to God that he might remember his
sacred character and his vows, and not be
led into great and deadly sin, at the bidding
of that proud. bitter face: and he clenched
his left hand and struck his forehead with
1t.
Thus they came to the gate of the
avenue of trees that led to the house.
Here, having dismounted and tied their
horses to the gate post they stood an in
slant, and Osra again yelled her face.
Let me go alone, madam" he implored.
"Gve me your sword and will go alone"
she answered.