The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-11

cupied by lofty throne, which at the
moment was empty. Near it on the ele-
walton stood the three archbishops Of
Treves, Cologne and Mayence, on the
other side the Caunt Palatine of the
Rhine with the remaining three electors.
The mobiles of the realm occupied places
according to their degree. AS the stall
wart count came in buzz of converse
ton swept over the hall like breeze
among the leaves of a forest. A mallg-
nant scowl darkened the countenance
of the archbishop of Treves, but the
faces of Cologne and Mayence expressed
a certain Christian resignation regard
ing the contumely that had been en-
dured by their colleague. The count
stood stolidly where he was placed and
gaZed at the vacant throne, turning his
eyes neither to the right nor the left.
Suddenly there was a fanfare Of trum-
pets and instant silence SmJt' the as
sembly First came officers of the inn
perial guard in shining armOr, then the
immediate advisers and councillors Of
his majesty. and last of all the emperor
himself. robe of great richness clasped
at his throat and trailing behind him,
the crown tf the empire up)1 his head.
His face was pale and stern, looking
what he was, a monarch and a man.
The count rubbed his eyes and could
scarcely believe that he stood now in
the presence of one who had chatted
amiably with him but a few moments
before.
The emperor sat on his throne and
one of his councillors whispered for
some moments to him then the emperor
said in a low clear voice that pene-
trated to the farthest corner of the vast
apartment:
lis the Count of Winneburg here"
YES. your majesty"
LET him stand forward
The count strobe two long steps to
the front and stood there, red-faced and
abashed The officer at his side whis-
pered:
"Kneel, you fool, kneel."
And the count got himself somewhat
clumsiy down upon his knees, like an
elephant preparing to receive its burden.
The face of the emperor remained inn
passive, and he said harshly:
Stand up
The count once more upon his feet
breathed deep sigh of satisfa ction at
finding himself once more in an up
right position.
Count of Winneburg," said the en-
peror slowly, 'it is alleged that upon
the occasion of the last meeting of the
council Of state for the Moselle valley,
you, in presence of the mobiles there as
sembled, cast a slight upon your over
lord. the archbishop of Treves. Do you
question the statementT The count
cleared his throat several times, which
in the stiffness of that vaulted room
sounded like the distant booming of
cannon.
IF to cast the archbishop half the
distance of this room is to cast slight
upon him, l did so. your majesty"
here was simultaneous ripple of
laughter at this instantly suppressed
when the searching eye of the emperor
swept the room.
''Sir count" said the emperor severely,
"the particulars of your Outrage are
not required of you; only your admission
thereof. Hear then my commands. Be
take yourself to your castle of Winnie
burg. and hold yourself there in read
mess to proceed to Treves on a day APP
pointed by his lordship the archbishop,
an cector of this empire, there to humble
yourself before him, and crave his par
don for the Offense you have committed.
DiSoDey at your peril.
Once or twice the count moistened his
dry lips, then he said:
Your majesty. 1 will obey any COM
mand you place upon me-"
I'm that case continued the en-
peror. his severity visibly relaxing, II
can promise that your over-lord will not
hold this incident against you; such. l
understand. is your intention, my lord
archbishop" and the emperor turned
toward the prince of Treves.
The archbishop bowed low. and thus
yelled the malignant hatred in his eyes.
Eyes, your majesty" he replied, pro
viding the apology is given as publicly
as was the insult, in presence of those
who were witnesses of the counts fool
ishness."
''That is but just condition" said
the emperor Remember that the
council will be summoned to Treves to
hear the counts apology And now,
count of Winneburg you are at liberty
to withdraw"
The count drew his mammoth hand
across his brow and scattered to the
floor the moisture that had collected
there He tried to speak, but apparent
ly could not, then turned and walked
resolutely toward the door. There was
an instant cutlery at this. The chamber
lain of the court, standing in stupefed
amazement at a breach of etiquette
which exhibited any mans back to the
emperor. but a smile relaxed the en-
peror's lips and he held up his hand.
do not modest him." he said, as the
count disappeared. HE is unused to
the artificial manners of a court. In
truth, l take it as a friendly act, for
am sure the valiant count never turns
his back upon a foe" which imperial
witticism was well received, for the say
ings of an emperor rarely lack applause
The count, vending his long way home
by the route he had come, spent the
first half of the journey in cursing the
archbishop. and the latter half in think
ing over the situation. BY the time he
had received his castle he had formu-
lated a plan, and this plan he proceeded
to put into execution on receiving the
summons of the archbishop to come to
Trcves on the first day of the following
Continued on Twelfth Page.J