The Sauk Centre herald., 1901-03-21

clutched the chair, for my legs trem-
bled. To lose after all!
"Ah." said the prince, 81 thank your
majesty. "The favor l ask is that you
will postpone this marriage-indeinite
ly."
"Whatv' cried the king. He was
amazed. "Have l heard you Alright, or
do my ears play me false"
1T is true. l thank your majesty
again." said the prince, bowling.
"But this is beyond belief" cried the
king in anger. 81 do not understand.
This marriage was at your own re-
quest and now you withdraw. Since
when." proudly, twas the hand of the
Princess Hildegarde to be ignoredT"
1T is a delicate matter" said the
prince, turning the ring on his finger.
ut would be impolite to state my rea-
sons before her highness. Your high
ness, are you not Of my opinion that
as matters now stand marriage be-
tween us would be rather absurdY'
"Now, as at all times," retorted Gret-
chen scornfully. "It has never been my
WILL" furtive glance at the king.
"But'- began the king. He was
wrathful.
"Your majesty" said the innkeeper,
"you are a great king; be generous
one."
All looked at him as though they ex-
, pected to see the king fly at him and
demolish bim-all but l. The king
walked up to the bold speaker, took his
measu&t, then, with his hands clasped
behind his back, resumed his pacing.
After az lille he came to standstill.
"Your highness," he said to Phyllis,
"what shall I do with this man who
has so grossly wronged you?
"Forgive him."
The king passed on. 1 was not look
ing at him, but at the innkeeper. I saw
his lip tremble and his eyes fill. Sud-
denly he fell upon his knees before
Phyllis and raised her hand to his lips.
"Will your highness forgive sinner
who only now realizes the wrong he
has done to you?"
Eyes, forgive ycu," said Phyllis.
"The only wroIg you have done to me
is to have made me a princess. Your
majesty will forgive me, but it is al! SO
strange to me who have grown up in
foreign land which is dearer to my
heart than the land in which l was
born"
felt thrill of pride, and l saw that
Mr.. Wentworth's lips had formed into
God bless herv
"It is a question now," said the king,
"only of duty"
''And your majesty's will regarding
my marriage?" put in the prince, hold
ing his watch in his hand. 1t was 10
o'clock.
well, we'll! 1t shall be as you de-
sire" Then to me: 81 thank you in
the name Of their highnesses for your
services. And you, Mr.. Wentworth,
shall always have the good will of the
king for presenting to his court so ac-
complished and beautiful a woman as
her highness the Princess Elizabeth.
Hermann Breunner, return to your inn
and remain there. Your countenance
brings back disagreeable recollections.
l shall expect your highnesses at din
ner this evening Prince, l leave to
you the pleasant task of annulling your
nuptial preparations. Good morning.
All, these womenw as he passed from
the room. '"They are our mothers, so
we must suffer their caprices."
And as we men followed him we saw
Gretchen weeping silently on Phyllis
shoulder.
The innkeeper touched the prince.
81 give you fair warning" he said.
"If our paths cross again, one Of US
shall go on alone"
Il should be very lonely without
you," laughed the prince. However,
rest yourself. AS the king remarked,
your face recalls unpleasant memories.
Our paths shall not cross again.
When the innkeeper and the chan
cellor were out of earshot, said, "She
is miner
"Not yet" the prince said softly.
"On Tuesday morn shall kill you.''
Continued