The Lamar register., 1900-04-18

~ PNhit anu tnc IhlSh COILS OF her
fair hair. Her light riding gauntlets
were Of white deerskin. and the
Princes admiration OF the hand so
covered was only too evident by the
pressure he bestowed upon 1t.
He himself wore white undress uni
form and a sun hat. so like a mush-
room that it would have been trying
in the extreme to an ordinary wearer,
but seemed to set of his dark. good
looking features with an air of dis
tinetion,
Indeed. Prince Clement Sing was an
acquisition 10 society, both in personal
appearance and high Intellectual stand
ing: and Lille would gladly have well
coined the diversion Of his company
but that she was consumed by the fear
that his visit pOrtended to matters con-
cerning herself.
And she was not long in discover
ing such TO be the case.
You did not honor the course. to-
day, Miss Derwent looked for you
in vain he said.
mo. was In mood for a solitary
ride" she answered.
u trust that does not mean my pres
cnce Is tuopportuns. dear LADY,
She smiled, blushlng slightly.
by no msans. Prince. for now my
ride Is over vas her polite reply.
Then | may venture to invite my
self indoors. hope" he queried.
I am not quite sure II you will ind
Mrs, Franklin at home" she began.
But Prince Clement Sing looked
strnight at her. with a glance from his
black eyes that brought the color food
ing To her face
Your presence Is all-sufieient." he
said. bowling low, as be swsrved hts
horse aside to allow her to pass
through the gate before him
Arrived at the bungalow. he waved
the attendant back and himself assisted
her to aIiEht, a condGseension which
embarrassed her all the more. as the
prince took occasion TO command that
Mrs. franklin should not be summoned
for the next quarter of an hour, as IT
was with LILLE herself he desired a
private Interview.
Lille passed Into the drawing room.
alarmed at what she instinetiyely knew
was 20 be the subject OF that inter
view; but fearful to give onense by re-
fusing IL.
Ans when the prince Joined her It
Was apparent he meant to waste no
time In going straight to her mission.
He had left his sword and belt in
the vcstibuIe and removed his gloves.
and now he took his hostess hand and
led her 10 seat, with deierential
ceremony
"Ah, there is the evening gun'" she
exclaimed. for the desperate sake Of
saying something TO break the strain.
In ter minutes more it will be dark. /"
"sh, yes; we have no enthralling
twilight as you have in England, Miss
Derweut." he answered softly, and with
a tone OF regret meant 10 be coyertly
flattering TO her nationality. We'll,
no matter, ten minutes will suffice me
TO say what--ah. what | would have
said to you long before today, but that
/ feared to be precipita;e."
Then I am sure, prince, II is best
left unsaid STILL" she answered, with
great earnestness.
surely you do not forbid me to
speak," He regarded her haughtily.
Il should not presume to do Tint
she hastily rejoiBed. Il merely en-
treat"
"what2'' he asked. with cold dis
pleasure. for she had stopped short,
flushing.
II feel sure your highness means to
be kind and friendly and fiattering; but
but" Again she hesitated.
Prince Clement Sing looked down.
frowning. and dark flush swept his
copper-tinted face.
But you do not esteem it an honor,
/ presume. that l should love you?
There was asperity in his voice.
TOO great an honor" she averred.
His frown and flush passed. He bent
towards her and took her hand.
THE honor is divided he said gal
lantly. III | give you the crown of a
princess. you give me the fairest flow
er of English maidenhood--a flower
that all the Jewels in India could not
buy"
She tried to withdraw her hand.
Your hignness fiatters me too much;
but what you ask is impossible" she