New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-14

Won vogel Have YOU seen the Elector? but
her fingers We're nervousy closing and unclos-
Ing upon little not. hidden in her mun.
NO. madam" the Countess replied. looking
nauringly at her mistra -. Il heard that dis
patch had come from the capital and proha-
lily but the Princess had glided over to her
| mother. to whom she repeated her question.
The Margarine looked arNouslN AT her
daughter but answered her lightly You must
lot b. too cXacting, Irene. The Prime Minis
ter arrived after luncheon. and Augustus is
probably deep in politics.
His Serene Hghn"SS y not skating TINS
afternoon" said handsome young man stand
irs behind the Margravines chair. There is
question of a new tax to be settled, | believe
The Princess smiled brightly. More taxes.
she cried. lin this weather? There will be- a
revolution What a pity she added, to her
mother. turning the hidden rote in her fingers
that Augustus should lose this afternoon; the
ice Is i'm splendid condition, Baron Hederich."
turning to the young man who had spoken
will you teach m that new figure YOU were
De sciihing ycsterday?'
Baron Hed~rich Won Ecidv bowed. and, slip
ping IN his skates. Joined tho Princess They
passed among the other skaters. and after sev-
cra turns gradually made their way to re-
mote pant of the Lake. until at length they
stopped beneath tn" shadow cast by overhang
ing trees that grow down to the waters edge
They had scarcely spoken and now there
silence which Baron Hederich broke his hith-
erto courticr-like manner giving way 10 the tone
and bearing Of a lover.
Did my note reach you. Madam" he asked
softly in French. taking her hand.
Yes. the Countess Won Nogel was a truStV
messenger" the Princess replied. frOWnng. but
she did not withdraw h"r hand.
"Then--then may still have hope"
"Hopc,-Whcr" would your hopes lead you?'
she asked coldly. taking tine note from her muff
and tearing it into little pieces and scattering
them on the ice.
beyond tn. limits Of audaclty." he answered.
smiling into her eyes. for can scarcely believe
that you discourage MEOW"
Again there was silence the Princess skating
I'm widening circles round ana round a tWig
frozen in the ice. like homing pigeon that hest
tatcs 10 acht upon the cote Suddenly above
their heads came the sound of an axe struck
hcrc"!y upon tree, the ring of the metal vi
bratng through the still air shall we skate
on Baron fIederch asked, still I'm French,
the broad shoulders Of n peasant showed for
moment between the trunks of the trees.
NO. the Princess replied decidedly. "A bright
color flaming in her checks. 1t is much safer
here, and besides she added, meaningly. he
will not understand
Irene" cried the Baron raising her hand to
his lips. my darling
"Oh, am already weary Of my bondage" said
the Princess ignoring his caress. but her voice
to the Baron seemed louder than was it's won't.
II am only "A human chattcl 10 be handed over
To the highest biddcr-a creature to hc sacrificed
To- political eXpedient-d puppet To Ice made to
marry. 10 bear children. ana to die perhaps. At
the bidding Of a statesman
Then let me free you" cried Baron Hederch
passonatcly "'The Elector neglects You. even
YOU madly for three years. your future seems
living death. Think
Il have thought. have thought. and want
love. to give love. To he loved. If woman has
made a mans life happy. whether he be- prime
or peasant. she has not lived in vain. and but
how can | expect love. | whose marriage has
been made. not ordained?
BY making my life happy. Irene whispered
the Baron "A love song To the end. Ever since
| joined your fathers suite have loved no other
woman save. yourself. but have never dared 10
speak until we came to Xatun. and thought YOU
seemed to care for me"
The Princess shivcrcd. But how Is II posi-
BILE" she muImured.
"To-nEht.' replied the Baron. "a carriage VIII
10 waiting outside The private entrance To the
palace, near which you know there SEN
tries and the men al the outer gates Will be told
the Prime Minister Is returning suddenly to the
city. If you can arrange to leave at midnight.
we can catch the train Tor Paris at n small sta
ton outsid. Flhersdorf. where | shall be wait
ing for You and then, Ircne'--
II understand" said the Princess slowly II an
to sacrifice everything"
III YOU will have it 80. Yes. Lee answered with
an odd narrowing Of his eyclids. But YOU gam
what You CraVc-loVc."
The Princess looked up the bank. "Nesi' she
cried suddenly. as she saw the CLINT of the peas
ants blue dress through the trees. yes. sacri-