The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1897-03-06

selling the abandonment of the elope-
ment, ambition urging its attempt. Pru-
dence had conquered when the Countess
yon Vogel came up to him, and. whis-
pering, AT the private entrance at Il
tonight began to talk of irrelevant
matters. Baron Hedcrich's courage re-
turned, and catching Il glimpse of hi
handsome taco and superb figure III Its
tight fitting uniform III the mirror his
optimistic dreams CT lis future rs the
husband Of tho Princess Irene returned.
Even if the ma-grave refuses 10 sup
port MS" he thought, Irene il rich.
and exec her husband But tic
countess Wa asking him question ;li''
lis pleasant K Aectiors We're interrupted
Tie clcck i'll the great sCJarr II tic
Eatunhof had scarcely struck midnight
whep two yoiled and eloakcd fgEles
clcps through the small door cf tic lri-
vate entrance to the palace ard as silent.
" entered the waiting outrage which
was drawn up III the shadow cf tie ror-
ticc. Tic wheels moved Eoiscicssly ever
the thick siow, but the rattle of tlc
horses harness filled the two wCmcr
with alarm. Eve shall be discovered,
whispered the countess as the sentry
stepped the carriage 1T thc bronze gates
Of the cutter court. eve snail he Giscov-
cred"
For aEswer the Princess Irene ILlced
her hard over the trembling woanan's
mouth and dragged her lack into tie
Shc6oE HEic cxanIIcucr p,;,oo ssc1,,,
mann is recalled To Elbcrstiorf. :" said
the coachman. The sentry hcsitatcd. and
the countess almost screamed with ter
rOr.
"The password" the soldier shouted.
But before the coachanan could reply q
ray of light from the guardhouse fell
upon the carriage door.
"Pass!' cried the sentry. saluting as
he saw the royal arms upon the panel.
The massive doors opened slowly, and
the carriage rolled swiftly into the SNOW
clad country.
Mile after mile slipped away, and the
cold grew more intense. Twice the
horses slipped and twice the countess
lmplored her mistress to return. But
b princess maintained an absolute
silence until, as they were nearing their
destination, she said, II wonder what
we shall do if we miss the train:''
Pray God that we do" moaned tho
countess from her corner. Il have been
q fool"
No" said the princess, touching her
hand, you have been an angel, fer per-
haps you have given me happiness IL
stead OF a crown" But the countess
could not see an odd little smile that
played about the princess mouth.
Tho frost was SO thickly incrusted on
the carriage windows that they had no
idea they were neal the railway STATEN
until the horses drew up with q Jerk.
Muffiing themselves closely in their
furs, they hurried to the little waiting
room, which was empty save for a peas
ant, whose face was hidden by the lap
pets Of g large fur cap, and who war
carefully inspecting the advertisements
with which the room was hung. After
q few moments OF breathless silence,
during which the countess could not re-
press her violent trembling, Baron
HeGerich vca Egidy entered hurriedly,
q rush Ct cold air following him.
'Ah, | have kept you wait.ng!'' he
cried, ~clasping TIE princess hands i'll
both his own and frowning at the peas
ant who stood with his back to then. /,
My horse fell. and ] was delayed. How
good Of YOU, Irene! How shall I ever
prove my gratitude to you for your sac
rifice::"
by taking the train for Paris, barcr,
that is due III ten minutes and remain
ing IN that pleasant city, said q voice |
behind them. And, turning, they both
recognized n the peasant the elector of
Inselland.
Won Egidy started back with an oath.
but the princess made a profound courte-
sy, saying mcckingly, "Since when
has your serene highness added the role
OF detective to your many accomplish
ments?"
Since | have found it necessary to
protect my honor and yours, madame .
was the answer, and the princess flushed
and bit her lip.
There was a painful silence, only
broken by the unrestrained sobbing Of
the countess. The baron fidgeted with
the cap he had taken off when he reccr-
nlzed the elector and threw implorins
chances at the princess. whose eyes were
resolutely fixed upon the floor. but her
lips Were smiling. The elector regarded
the baron with open contempt.
J 1.-The carriage is waiting" he said at
length, offering his arm to the princess,
but turning to Baron Hederich she said.
What do you advise one to do?"
i think, madame, that you had
better return, replied the baron weakly.
to his bewildered mind it seemed