Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-02-02

grace any gathering. kingly or other
wise. My word was sufficient. knew
before l asked you that you would
come. Twenty-four hours from now
we-that is. you and will be on the
way to the French frontier. I shall be
ever in your debt"
Silence fell upon us. knew that |
loved her with love that was burning
me up. consuming me. And the adven-
ture was all so unheard Of for these
prosaic times! And so full Of the
charm of mystery was she that l had
not been q man not to have fallen a
victim. What possibilities suggested
themselves to me as on we rode! Once
across the frontier should be free to
confess my love for her. A princess?
What nr that? She would be only a
woman-the woman ! loved. ] trem-
bled. Something might happen so that
she would have to turn to ME. If the
king refused to forgive her, she was
mine. All. that plain carriage held a
wonderful dream that night. At length
too shortly for me-the vehicle drew
up in front Of my hotel. AS ! was
about to alight her hand stretched to-
ward me. But instead Of kissing it !
pressed my lips on her round white
arm. AS though my lips burned, she
drew back.
| Have q care. monsieur; have
care" she said icily. "Such kiss has
to be won."
l stammered all apology and stepped
out. Then heard low laugh. Good
night. Mr.. Hillars. You are brave
gentleman
The door closed, and the vehicle sped
away into the darkness. stood look
ing after it. bewildered. Her last
words were spoken in pure English.
With the following evening came the
dinner. and ! as guest-a nervous.
self conscious guest who started ut ev-
cry footstep. was presented to the
king. who eyed me curiously. Seeing
that wore a medal such as his chan
cellor gives to men who sometimes do
his country service. he spoke to me and
inquired how had obtained 1t. 1t was
an affair similar to the Balkistan. only
there was not an army. but a mob. The
princess was enchanting grew reck-
less and let her read my eyes more
than once, but she pretended not to see
what was in them. At dinner toast
was given to his majesty. 1t was made
with those stems showed you. Jack.
The princess said softly to me. kiss
ing the rim of the stein she held, My
toast is not to the king, but to the gen.
tlemanw had both stems bundled up
and left with the host together with
my address.
1t was not long after that the event
full moment for our fight arrived. l
knew that l was basely to abuse the
hospitality Of the king. But what is a
! king to a man in love? Presently we
two were alone in the garden, the prin-
cess and myself. She was whispering
instructions, telling me that l was a
man Of courage.
"It Is not too late to back out" she
said.
II would face thousand kings rath-
er," replied.
We could see at the gate the carriage
which was to take US to the station.
Now came the moment when | was
tried by the crucible and found to be
dross. l committed the most foolish
blunder Of my life. My love suddenly
overleaped it's bounds. In moment
my arms were around her 1.-the body;
my lips met hers squarely. After Ii
was done she stood very still, as if in.
capable o! understanding my offense.
But understood. was overwhelmed
with remorse, love and regret. l had
made impossible what might have
been.
"Your highness." cried, 81 could
not help it! Before God l could not!
1t is because love you better than
anything in the world-you cannot be
Of it-and all this Is impossible. this
going away together"
Her bosom heaved, and her eyes
flashed like heated summer sky.
II will give you one minute to leave
this place." she said. her tones as even
and as cold rs sudden repression Of
wrath could make them. 81 trusted
you, and you have dared to take ad-
vantage of what seemed my helpless
ness. 1t Is well indeed for you that
you committed this outrage before it
is too late. should have killed you
then. might have known. Could
ever a woman trust man" She
laughed contemptuously. You would
trusted YOU
"As God is my judge" | cried, my
respect for you Is as high as heaven
itself! love you. Is there nothing in
that? | am but human am not a
stone image. And you have tempted
me beyond all control. Pardon what
l have done. 1t was not the want Of
respect
"Spare me your protestations. be-
lieve your minute is nearly gone," she
interrupted.
And then-there was a crunch on the
gravel behind us. The princess and |
turned in dsmay. We had forgotten
all about the anonymous note. Two
officers We're approaching us and rap
idly The elder of the two came
straight to Inc. knew him to be as
ineXorable as his former master. the
victor of Sedan The princess looked
on mechanically.
Come" said the count in broken
English. 81 believe your carriage is at
the ratp"