The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-04-25
A ROYAL MARRIAGE.

There was q bridal IN the pGlac6-Gh6
bridal Of the eldest and most lovely prin-
cess-a girl ia the bud Of life, the spring
time Of existence, a beautiful creature, ra-
diant in smiles, e1quisitely graceful, and
a powerful alliance had been formed Yor-
thy OF a princess so lovely
Her dress was richly decorated with
Jewels, the long silk veil fell to her feet
and q crown Of gold, surmOunted by
ohaplet Of orange flowers rested on her
brow. At the altar stood the priest sur
rounded by the emperor and empress the
ambassador and court, waiting with eager
ness the coming Of the bride.
ttAh. nv daughter, " said the emperor
as the princess approached thou hast de-
laved oonainpP' And he led her forward.
The ambassador slowly knelt down,
averting his head from the guests, and the
princess followed his example, seemingly
unconscious of the presence of the court.
Suddenly her eyes met those Of the embas-
sadOr fixed upon her. and, turning deadly
pale she made a sign for the ceremony to
commence. The ring was placed upon her
finger and her small white hand rested for
one moment ia the en- bassadOr' S, the bless
ing was pronounced, the heads of both
were meekIy bent, and glancing timidly at
the still kneeling bridegroom, the princess
rose and knel6 to her father. He raised her
IN his arms and, turning to the empress,
presented to the court the youthful queen
Of Germany.
ssGod bless herl May she be happyl'
was the thrilling exclamation as the bridal
party left the salon followed by the
younger sisters Of the bride and the grace
full, Inirth loving courtiers.
stWhatl In tears2'' said the empress
kindly, when her daughter, Overpowered
by her concealed emotion, sobbed violently
on her mother's bosom. This is not
right, my child. Trust me- you shall hear
of us often, and though absent, we shall
never forget you. Let me dry away your
tears, for bark, I hear sOunds-foOtsteps
are approaching"
81 trust your majesty viii pardon me, -
said the EN- bassador, hurriedly retreating
on beholding the queen of Germany alone,
for the empress had retired Il was not
aware your majesty was here. This pavil-
ion is generally deserted"
$50 it would be now, but I have come
hither to see the sun set for the last time
in mine own land and to listen to the
sound of my favorite band, playing be-
meath these windows. You cannot blame
ne"
'AIy liego lady, would not dare to
breathe a word Of disrespec5 against one so
good and beautiful. Believe me, would
die to save you one moment' agony.'
Nay; is life so utterly valueless?''
utterly, for its only charm is lostl''
Impossible - said the queen softly.
"You have much to live for-faIne, wealth
and doubtless love are yours Say there is
another for whom you would die save
me-
NAY. but one-forgive me, liege lady,
but one. She cannot be mine. She is lost
forever to me"
Il pity you. - said the queen, tears rush
ing to her eyes. rs she wedded-this
false One2 Is she weddedF'
o Yes, oh, yes, but she was not false
did not dare to tell my love. I knel6 and
~ b
I have asked it for her, but she knows not
We're your situations in life equal?'
again said the queen.
ssNo. y he answered; .fshe was far above
me-too good, too beautiful for me-"
'fAh, had she not been welded could
have given you rank, wealth equal to hers
and bestowed her on you. Should you
have been happy?'
Lady, she did not-could not love me.
udge my feelings when unrepiningly she
gave her hand to another. Lady, you dc
not know my misery"
How cans6 thou tell thats" said the
queen, her cheeks turning lividly white at
she warmth with which he spoke IF
youth was exempt from trials, how could
we feel for others soTrowsg If I had none
Of my own, I could not this night weep
with you.
Trials. ladyP" said the ambassador.
eyes, bitter trials very bitter, but it
Is not meet thus to explain the secrets of
my heart. Let me bid you be happy and,
forever. farewell
Forever, FAREWELL Why, dearest lady,
whyf Say in aught have offended you.
Forgive me, I iInplore. Part not in
anger with me; turn and look kindly on
me again" And the kneeHng ambassador
caught the bottom of her robe. Believe
me, had not dared to tell you of MY
love, but when you spoke so kindly to me
No1E 0f Vunaffh and fRnn hat
was worth living for when I was losing
you?"
s'Oh, my God have mercy He returns
my Lowell Protect me, pity me- weak, sin
ful that I ami I whose heart is his-how
can meet his sovereign Saying which.
the queen fell PROSTATE to the earths sup
ported by the ambassador. Leave me,
leave, - she said when she opened her eyes
Leave me alone now, but oh do not
breathe to q single soul my weak COMES
sion of tonight"
'Never-never 1t would be an insult to
stay to Cypress you with professions of
love you may not return have caused
you this unhappiness, but do not reproach
me. Spare me, for your anger I cannot
bear. Keep this as memorial Of one who
loved you, one who must ever love you
my first, my last love. Farewell -
The queen gazed at the picture given to
her and, drawing from her bosom a cross,
placed it IN the hand of the ambassador.
He pressed the hand that offered it to his
lips and, rushing through the corridor, re-
turned no more. On arriving with the
youthful bride at the court Of Germany he
threw up bis diplomatic engagement and
quilted the court forever, but after the
night Of their mutual confession he never
saw the queen. She lived but few months
and died gazing on the picture of her
heart idol.
OF the ambassador little is known save
that monk of the order of La Trappe re-
quested when dying that masses might be
said regularly for his soul and the soul Of
her who presented to him that small ILL