The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-07-06
THE KISS.


probably be still 1noIdering away here in
unaltered circumstances, as far as human
possibility can foresee.
This is how it befel: I was ridiculousIy
juvenile when my disgrace overlook me
let US say 10 years CT age One afternoon,
charmed by the softness and warmth Of the
early spring air and pushed forward nm
doubtedly by an unkind fate, betook my
self to the sheltered gIades of the royal
park, that might muse, undisturbed, be-
meath the glorious linden trees whose
branches met in gothiclike arches so feet
above my head.
l seated myself on a moss covered log by
the river where it widens into miniature
lake, and from whence a fine view of the
palace arose in gray cloudlike splendor be-
fore me. The perfume of the jonquils at
my feet filed the air with fragrance, and,
being sensitive youth, I must admit that
the 'tout ensemble went to my head like
wine, and felt my heart beat trif1e fast
er than its wont. while rather enjoyed
the sensation
The dip of oars, languidly drawn through
the water, aroused me from my day dream.
leaned forward curiously, wondering who
the intruders might be, when the sound
ceased abruptly, and in the stiffness sum
mer duck with purple throat and bronzed
wings drifted by calling gently to its mate
Then the dip of oars sounded again while
of a small boat rounding the curve, and
hidden among the bushes watched the oc-
cupants as they approached.
A young woman welded the oars. She
was in all the glory of early youth and
beauty. Slim and shapely she looked as
she pulled the little craft with easy
strength through the placid water, her
bare arms cleaning like satin in the wan
ing light. Holding my breath, I studied
her fine, proud features, the beautiful eyes,
the delicate curve of the divine mouth
Filled with ecstasy and rapture, wanted
to fall on my knees and pray. 1t was the
queenl
1 had loved her secretly for year or
more, and it was of her that had come to
dream in solitude through the long soft
hours of this spring afternoon, which
seemed, in sooth, an emanation from her
gracious person.
In the stern of the boat sat her majesty's
pretty little nephew, Prince Louis, lightly
holding the si1ken cords of the tiller. Alb
sorbed in reverie, the queen, with her small
head thrown back and her swanlike throat
exposed to my adoring gaze, continued to
row in the golden light Of the setting sun.
Was ever goddess of the sea so rapturously
fair, so ideally perfect?
A sudden shrill cry rent the air awak-
ening me from my beatitude, and, to my
horror, saw the little prince tip over the
the queen caught at the branches of a tree
and chung afrighted1y thereto. In less
time than it takes to tell I was swimming
in the river after the child, whom seized
and brought to shore; then turned the
boat over and started to rescue the queen.
I took her lovely form, which had been
made for kings alone, into my arms, seated
her in the craft and rowed to land. She
watched me with marvellous wide open eyes
in terrified silence, until at last, feeling
terra frIna beneath her feet once more, she
few to her nephew, who lay almost swcon-
ing upon the ground, and covered his little
face with tender kisses
Then, turning to me, she said, with deep
emotion, you have saved his life, and 1
Will give you in return anything which
you may choose TO ask of me. -
"Anvthing?'' I echoed holly, while
thrill quivered through and through my
frame and shook me from head to foot.
Astenished at the suddenness Of my reply,
her eyes sought mine in wonder. knew
not what she read in their depth, but she
blushed deeply and lowered her eyelids
As have mentioned before, 1 was very
young at the time, and, although it may
not behOove me to say so, was reckoned
one of the h8ndsOmest youths at court
The queen knew me we'll and had often
smiled indulgently upon me when her eye
by chance met mine liked upon her ID
speechIess but most eloquent alteration.
As she hesitatingly lifted her glorious
eyes to mine again 1 saw a sudden fash OF
light pass through them which sent the
hot blood tingling through my veins, and
finging discretion to the winds repeated:
Anything? Really? Does not your maj
esty wish to recall her wOrds?'
She made negative movement of the
head while her color deepened, and I, idiot
that 1 was, madly enalnored of her beauty
as well as of the glamour of royalty which
hung about her like perfume, begged in
almost inaudible accents for lone kiss
only one"
'fYour youth alone can excuse such pre-
SUMPTION - she nurmured reproachfully,
but before the words were out Of her mouth
I had caught her beautiful head in my two
hands and laid my lips on hers. In that
vondrOus second felt the fresh, delicious
mouth tremble and return rather than re-
pulse my caress, but I was quickly brought
to my senses as the queen pushed me has
tiIy aside and one of the court chamber
Iains advanced toward US from an adjacent
bypath,
All this, and indeed it was little enough,
reached the kings ears in due time, and
the queen was brought severely to book for
her indiscretion. She unhesitatingly adj
1nitted the facts, I understand; but, ali, mel
did she ever confess that for one-half sec
ond we were accolnpIices in that gentle
kiss2
Being without fortune and dependent
on my sovereign's gracious bounty, it was
but span before I found myself just here,
in this outlandish place, sent as secretary
of legation. I am surely buried alive IN
less it may please heaven to gather my
amiable master to a better world. There
are moments in which curse myself for
knave and a do1t, but toward Eastertide
each year [ receive from the royal palace
box of fresh and fragrant jonquf1s, and
then rapture fills my soul, and would not
change places with the highest functionary
in the Iand.-From the French For Short