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

| more than once meeting the Barcns as the re-
| frain rang through the lofty chamber the
| Margarine moved uneasily in her carved OAK
! chair feeling conscious that q mystery was on
| foot which even her astuteness could not rain
ON; and when the song ceased there was sig
nificant silence, which the Elector himself broke
| by leading the applause
The Princess sings we'll" he remarked 10 the
Baron. meaninglX.
Yes. sir" the Baron answered licking him
full in the face. and with great f'ellnS ana
true expression
For a moment the eyes of the two men met
the Electors inluiringly. the Baron's CON
tcmptuously. yet with lurking fear in tneir
depths.
You are an excellent critic. Baron" the Flee
tor said slowly. Her Serene Highn.ss sings
with true feeling as you say. But II Is not al
ways wise to express our feelings in pubic.
Then he joined the group gathered round the
Princess
TO He'd rich Won Egdy the brilliance and
warmth of thu superb room where the Court
was gathered suddenly grew gray and cold. y
momen. before. intoxicated by the acquiescence
of the Princess in a scheme ambition alone had
prompted and not the love h. Lad so ferVenty
protested he had allowed his gratitcd vanity 10
b"tray him. For a moment h. stood irresolute
bcreath the glowing candies on the pergass
Irud, nee counsollng the abando nmcnt of the
elopement. ambition urging It's attempt. Pru-
dence had conquered wlen the Countess Won
Nogel came up to him. and, whispering. AT
the private entrance at - tonight began 10
talk of Irrelevant matters. Baron Hederichs
his handsome face and superb figure in its tight
fitting uniform IN the mirror. his optimistic
dreams OF his futur~ the husband of the
Princess irene returned.
Even If the MargraVe refuses TO support us"
he thought, Irene l. rich, and once her hus
band but the Countess was asking him a
question, and his pleasant reflections were in
terrupted.
The clock in the great square Of tho Zatunhof
had scarcely struck miInigh, wher two yelled
and cloaked figures crept through the small
door of the private entrance to the palace and
silently red the waiting carriage which
was drawn up in the shadow of the portico.
The wheels moved nOisecssly over the thick
snow. but the rattle OF the horses harness
filed the two women with alarm. I'VE shall be
discovered whispered the Countess as the SEN
try stopped the carriage at the bronze gates Of
the outer court I'VE shall be discovered"
For answer the Princess Irene placed her hand
over the trembling woman's mouth and dragged
her back into the shadow. His EXcelency
Prince Schaumlnn is recalled 10 Elbersdorf"
said the coachman. The sentry hesitated. and
the Countess almost screamed with terror
The password?' the soldier shouted; but be
ere the coachm2n could reply ray of light
from the guardhouse fell upon the carriage
door.
Pass" cried the sentry salutng as he saw
the royal arms upon the panel: the massive
doors opened slowly. and the carriage rolled
swiftly into the snoWclad country.
Mile after mile slipped away. and the cold
grew more intense: twice the horses slipped and
twice the Countess implored her mistress to re-
turn But the Princess maintained an absolute
silence until. they nearing their des-
tnation, she said. II wonder what we shall do
/; We miss the train
Pray God that we do" moaned the Countess
from her corner. II hay. been fool"'
NO. said the Prin ass touching her hand
you have been an angel For perhaps YOU
have given me happiness instead of a crown"
But the Countess could not an odd smile
that played about the PrnCcss's mouth
The frost thckly ncrusted ON the car
rage windows that they had no idea they were
near IN" railway station until the horses drew
up with ERIK Mulling themselves closely
in their furs. they hurried tn the little waiting
room. when was empty say for a peasant.
whose face was hidden 10y the lappcts OF large
fur cap, and who was carefully inspecting the
advertisements with which the room was hung
After II few moments of breathess silence dur
Ing which the Countess could not rcpress her
violent trembling, Baron Hedcrich Won Egldy
entered hurredly, rush Of cold air following
him.
An | have kept YOU waiting he cried
casping the Prime ISIS hands I'm both his own
and frowning AZ the peasant. who stood with
his back To them My horse fcll, and was
delayed How good of you. Irene How shall |
ever prove my gratitude to you FOR Jour sacri-
hCe?'