Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1896-10-22
princess to honor his mansion with her

princess to honor his mansion with her
presence
The admiral had calamity given up
his coach for the accommodation Of
the princess and her attendant, while
he himself escorted them on horse
back.
1t was lovely summer afternoon,
and when they emerged from the dark,
wooded vale and assembled the high
grounds lying between it and the sea-
coast, nothing could be more ami
mated than the sudden change of scene
from deep shadow and circumscribed
view to open sunshine and boundless
landscape. The princess and her at
tendant enjoyed it exceedingly, and
despite all adverse circumstances, felt
their spirits rise accordingly.
The admiral frequently rode up to
the side of the carriage to point out
some object of interest IN the land
scape, such as the bright little lake,
Eden, lying like clear mirror in the
bosom of it's green valley, and reflect
ing in its deep waters it's lovely, en-
bracing hills, and it's browning villa Of
Edenlawn.
And upon these occasions the admi-
raj ever addressed his illustrious guest
with the profoundest respect as ''yorlr
highness," until at length the princess,
with a sweet and mournful look and
tone, said:
tDo not mock me with that title,
best friend 1 am widow and fugi-
tive, dependent on your bounty for the
roof that shelters my head and the
bread that maintains my life. Do not
mock me, therefore. with any titles of
honor. 1 am poor Gentilescha Pezzil-
mi; no more than that. l do not even
permit my servants to address me by
any other title than the simple one Of
madame, that matron Of any rank
may BEER
MADAME, 1 am the humblest Of your
servants. and must obey you" said the
admiral, bowling deeply as he fell be-
hind the carriage.
"a duesed fine woman! I'm glad that
she is a widow, and fugitive, and
the rest Of it. wonder-humph-"
thought the admiral, falling into a
day-dream, in which the fair person of
MADAME Pezzilini formed the princi-
pal figure.
Clearly, "that thoughtless boy was
in danger of forming an indiscreet at
tachment!
While they passed slowly over the
beautiful downs, the bright sky be-
came gradually overcase, and low NUT
terings of thunder reverberated around
the horizon.
Once more the admiral approached
the carriage window to say:
I'VE shall have q storm, madame.
Shall 1 order your coachman to drive
faster?"
Certainly, Sir Ira. only desired to
be driven slowly that we might enjoy
the lovely afternoon, but since it
grows dark and stormy, let us get on
by all means, especially as you are ex-
posed to the weather. Had you not
better get into the carriage and let my
servant Antonio take your horse?" in
quired the princess.
II thank you, madame; and should
the storm really overtake us, will
gladly avail myself of your permission
to do so; but hope we shall get under
shelter before it breaks upon us" re-
piled the admiral; and then calling to
the coachman, 'Drive like the deuse,
Ned" he again fell behind.
The sky grew darker and darker, the
thunder rolled louder and nearer, and
though Ned really drove his horses as
if the Evil One were in chase of him,
he had only made the half circuit of
the park wall, and turned into the cir
cular avenue of elms leading to the
house, before the black, overhanging
canopy of clouds was suddenly broken
by binding fash Of lightning, fol-
lowed by stunning crash of thunder
and falling deluge of rain.
The admiral spurred his steed, the
coachman whipped his horses, and in
two minutes they reached the house.
The admiral spTang from his horse, as
sisted the princess to alight from the
carriage. and led her into the house,
just in time to escape another flash of
lightning, peal of thunder and whirl of
rain.
They were met by the two old ladies,
who had come out iato the hall to do
honor to their guest. They were two
fine old danes, tall, thin, fair-faced,
and grey-haired like their descendant,
the admiral. They were both dressed
similarly in black satin gowns with
white muslin neckerchiefs and white
lace caps; and looked very much alike,
except that the elder had more flesh
and less hair than the younger. They
stood smiling and courtesying with
pleasing, old-fashioned aifability.
Madame Pezzilini," said the admi-
raj with formal courtesy, twill your
hislness permit me to present to you
my grandmother, Mrs. Stilten, and my
mother, Mrs. Brunton, who both feel
highly honored to receive your
''That we d." said the elder. >,
eyes. I'm sure" added the other.
Ladies, kind friends" said the 1tal-
ian, you see before you no princess,
but poor widow, stranger and q
fugitive, who seeks only temporary
asylum under your hospitable roof"
You are kindly welcome, madame,
either as one or the other" said Mrs.
Stilton, heartily, offering her hand.
".Ah, that indeed you are" chimed in
Mrs. Brunton, extending hers.
The princess received and pressed the
venerable hands, and was about to ex-
press her thanks when broad glare
Of lightning, accompanied by deafen-
ing roll of thunder and shock of
wind and rain that seemed to shake
the house. made them spring apart.
The effect Of this burst Of the tenn
pest was felt with the more force from
the fact that all the window shutters
were still open.
Good gracious, Iry! said the oldest