The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-05
CHAPTER XIV.
The Episode of the Throne Room

The Episode of the Throne Room.
This is the throne room, Allode!"
The Princess Yetive paused before two
massive doors. 1t was the next afternoon,
and she had already shown him the palace
OF a queen-the howell OF pauper,
Through the afternoon not one word
other than those which might have passed
between good friends escaped the lips of
either. He was all interest, she all gra-
ciousness. Abode, the sturdy guard. swung
open the doors, drew the curtain, and
stood aside for them to pass. Into the quiet
hall she led him, a princess in a gown of
gray, a courtier in tweeds. Inside the doors
ne paused.
And 1 thought you were Miss Guggen-
slocker." he said. She laughed with the glee
OF a child who has charmed and delighted
through surprise.
Am I not a feeble mite to sit on that
throne and rule all that comes within its
reach?" She directed his attention to the
throne at the opposite end of the hall.
From its seat / calmly instruct gray
haired statesmen, weigh their wisdom and
pass upon it as il / were Demosthenes
challenge the evils that may drive mon
archs mad, and wonder if my crown is OF
straight"
Let me be ambassador from the United
States and kneel at the throne, your high
ness"
Il could not engage in a jest with the
crown my ancestors wore, Mr.. Lorry 1t is
sacred, thou thoughtless American Come,
we will draw nearer that you may see the
beauty Of the workmanship in that great
old chair"
They stood at the base of the low, vel
veted stage on which stood the chair, with
its high back, its massive arms and legs
ashimmer in the light from the lofty win
dows. 1t was Of gold, inlaid with precious
stones-diamonds. rubies. emeralds. sap
phires and other wonderful jewels-a relic
OF ancient Graustark.
II never sit I'm the center. Always at one
side or the other, usually leaning my elbow
on the arm. You see. the discussions are
generally so long and dreary that become
fatigued. One time-I am ashamed to con-
fess it, went to sleep on the throne. That
was long ago I manage to keep awake
very well of late. Do you like my throne
roOm?'
And TO think that it is yours!'
1T is this room that gives me the right to
be hailed with Long live the princess! =
Not with campaign yells and 'Hurrah for
Yetiver How does that sound? 'Hurrah for
Yetiver' She was laughing merrily
Dent say it! 1t sounds sacrilegious-re-
voltingr
For over three years-since was eight
een-I have been supreme in that chair
During the years of my reign prior TO that
time 1 sat there with my Uncle CaspaI
standing beside me. How often 1 begged
10 sit wit &c
much room and he certainly must have
grown tired OF standing. One time 1 cried
because he frOwned at me when persisted
in the presence of a great assemblage OF
mobiles from Dawsbergen. 1t seems that il
was a most important audience that 1 was
granting, but thought more Of my uncle's
tired old legs. I remember saying. through
my sobs of modification, that 1 would have
him beheaded. You are to guess whether
that startling threat created CONSERVATION
mirth."
What a whimsical little princess you
must have been, weeping and pouting and
going 10 sleep" he laughed And how Sc
date and wise you have become"
Thank you. How very nice you are. ]
have felt all along that some one would
discern my effort TO be dignified and Sc
date. They say l am wise and good and
gracious, but that is to be expected. They
said that Of sovereigns as far back as the
deluge, I've heard Would you really like
TO see me in that old chair?' she asked
"Ah, you are still a woman" he said,
smiling at her pretty vanity Nothing
could impress me more pleasantly"
She stepped carelessly ana impulsively
upon the royal platform, leaned against the
arm of the throne. and with the charming
blush of consciousness turned to him with
the quickness of a guilty conscience, eager
TO hear his praise but fearful lest he Sc
cretly condemned her conceit. His eyes
we're burning with the admiration that
knows no defining. and his breath came
quick and sharp through parted lips. He
invOluntarily placed a foot upon the bottom
step as If To spring 10 her side
You must not come up here" she cried.
shrinking back. her hands extended in flut-
tering remonstrance. Il cannot permit that.
at all"
II beg your pardon" he cried. that is
AL the humble plebeian can say. That I
may be more completely under this fairy
spell. pray cast about yourself the robe Of
rank and take I'D the sceptre. Perhaps ]
may fall upon my face"
And hurt your head all over again" she
said. laughing nervOusly. She hesitated FOR
moment, a perplexed frown crossing her
brow. Then she jerked "A rich robe from
the back OF the throne and placed it about
her shoulders as only a woman can. Tax.
ing up the scepter she stood before tn,
great chair. and with a smile on her Inns
held It above his head. saying softly:
"Graustark welcomes the American
prince"
He sank 10 his knee before the real prin-
cess, kissed the hem OF her robe and arose
with face pallid The chasm wa now end
less IN its immensely. The princess singerIy
seated herself on the throne placed her el-
bow on the broad arm, her white chin in