Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1901-03-22
CHAPTER MY.

'IAl En- NV.
A bar of sunlight suddenly pervaded
the room-red sunlight-lighting in its
passing ta5leau shall never forget.
Gretchen stoo1 at her fun height. her
arms held closely to her sides and her
hands clinchcd. On her face there was
that half smile called consciousness OF
triumph. Hil!arS was gazing at her
with his soul swimming in his eyes.
And II had a wild desire to throw
Over the hard set visage of the inn
keeper the bar of sunlight Travelled,
over the sccwling countenance of the
prince, over the puzzled brow of the
count, and, going, left a golden purple
in its wake, which in perceptlbly deep
ened. The prince was first TO speak.
IL protest" said he,
against what" asked Gretchen.
at Is the kings will that you become
my wife. He will not tolerate this at
,itude of yours Your principally is in
jeopardy. let me tell you"
"DoeS the fact that ! have promised
the king to become your wife dctract
from my power? Not a jot. Till You
are my husband l am mistress here
and after"
"As to that we shall see" said the
prince. "Then you intend TO keep your
prorl'sef''
as there man or woman who can say
that ever broke uncI'
Your highness, what are your com
mandst' 1t was the innkeeper who
spoke His fingers We're twitching
about the hammer of his carbine He
nodded approvingly toward me. My
assault upon the prince had brought
me again into his good graces.
Gretchen did not answer him. but
she smiled kindly.
"Ah. yes said the prince, This
is tina. Brcunner fellow"
The innkcrper made movement.
The prince saw it. and so did |. Prince
Ernst Of Wortumhorg was never so
near dcAih in all his life as at that
moment He knew it too,
"Your highncss has n very good
memory" said the innkeeper dryly.
There are some things it We're best
to forget" replied the prince.
Il am pleased that your highness
shares my opinion returned the old
fellow. The muzzle of the carbinc
was once more pointed at the ceiling
The rest of us looked on, but we I'M
devstood nothing of these passes. Even
Gretchen was in the dark,
I'VE met long ago" said the inn
keeper.
"Yes. bot | have really forgotten
what the subject of our discussion
innkeeper through half closed lids
perhaps he can explain
at is very kind of your highness,'
said the innkeeper, laughing mali
ciously. But | am old, and my mem
DRY serves me i'll"
The prince shrugged. But we hav,
drifted away from the present matter
Your highness, then. promises to benz
to the will of the king?''
YES" said Gretchen. Il gave til,
king my promise because | hat
wearied of resistance. having no on'
to turn to-then | shall marry you
though | detest you. But | shall b.
your wife only in name and not in tn,
eyes of God"
THE latter sacrifice was not asked
of you" smiled the prince.
Il shall depart this day for the CAPT
tai" continued Gretchen. Il warn 70,
not to intict your presence upon M
during the journey. Now go. The nj
while you remain is somewhat Difficult
to breathe"
The prince surveyed the mcnacin!
faces which surrounded him. thcl
gathered up his hat and gloves.
II see that your highness will be
dutiful wife," lie said, smoothing til
silk of his hat with his elbow II
blew into his gloves and carefully dreN
them over his hands. "A pleasant JON
ney to your highness,' he added
Come. count And theseT' wavin
his hand toward Hillars and me.
'They have my fullest protection"
He smiled villainously, then wake
to the door with measured tread, A
the door he turned. There was tas
Of rage in his eyes, but he quickly sui
dued it.
"Auf wiedeiSehenw with sweepn
glance which took in all of us and pal
ticularly me.
He passed out. the count follown
him sobcrly. The two cavalsyme
thrust their sabers into the scabbard
with clank and made rs though
follow.
"Wait," said Gretchen. 81 shall hay
need of YOU You will escort me to I'll
station. Now you may GO
They saluted gravely. They apr
cated the situation. The princess VIZ
their bread and butter.
Your highness," said Hillars, ''thel
has been nistaka'