Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-01-30

that the world had changed In an In
credibly short time. | tried to smoke,
and for the first time In my life tobac-
co was tasteless was falling In love
with a princess confess that it did
not horrlfy me. On the contrary, |
grew thrilled and excited. There was
a spice here which hitherto had been
denied me- The cost was unspelled.
I fell as far as | could fall. The un-
certainty Of the affair was In itself an
enchantment.
Well. the next day strolled up the
Avenue of Legations and saw her on
horseback She was accompanied by
an elderly man with face like an
eagles. There were various decora-
tions on his breast. AS the princess
membered me. That was all that was
necessary for my transportation. Lat
er l was Informed that her escort was
Prince Ernst Of Wortumborg, who
was destined to become her lord and
master. did not care who he was.
1 knew that hated him.
For q week fingered on. | met her
time and again, alone on horseback, at
the various embassies and at the
opera. At these meetings learned a
great deal about her. She was known
to be the most capricious woman at
court, and t. at she was as courageous
as she was daring, and that the prince
might consider himself lucky If he got
her, kings will or no kings will. She
had little liking for her intended. She
treated him contemptuously and held
his desires in utter disregard. One
fine morning l was told that the prince
was beginning to notice my attentions,
that he was one Of the most noted pis-
tol shots and swordsmen on the CONT
nent and that If | had any particular
regard for my epidermis would cease
my attendance on the princess at once.
This Of course made me more attentive
than ever, for can hold my own with
any man when it comes to pistols. and
I can handle the rapler with some sue
cess.
It was one night at the opera that
the climax was brought about. l sat
in one of the stalls diagonally across
from the royal box where she sat. She
saw me and gave me the barest nod OF
recognition. Perhaps she did not wish
to attract the attention Of the royal
personages who sat with her, for the
nod struck me as clandestine. Between
the first anu second acts a note was
handed to me. 1t was not addressed,
neither was it signed. But 1t was for
me. The bearer spoke my name. As
near as l can remember the note con-
tanned these words:
"a carriage will await you two
blocks south. 1t will be without lights.
You will enter it exactly ten minutes
after the opera Is ended"
That was all, but 1t was enough.
When I returned to my seat, | found
the princess gazing intently at me.
made an affirmative gesture and was
rewarded with smile which set my
blood to rushing. | made little out or
the last act. | could not dream what
the anonymous note had behind 1t.
suspicioned an intrigue, but what use
had she for me, an American, very
nobody? Something unusual was about
to take place, and I was to be wilt
ness or a participant Of 1t. That was
as far as my talent for logical deduc-
ton went. Promptly at the stated
time | stood at the side Of the carriage.
It was the plainest sort Of an affair.
Evidently it had been hired for the oc-
casion. The door opened.
"Step in, monsieur" said q low voice
In French. obeyed. The horse start
ed. AS we spun along the pavement
light flashed into the window. The
princess sat before me. There was a
ringing in my ears, and l breathed
quickly. But said no word. 1t was
for her to speak first.
Monsieur Is an American" she be-
gan. "The American is Of chiValric
race"
"That should be the aim of all men,"
replied.
But 1t Is not 30. Monsieur, l have
been studying you for the past week.
Tonight place my honor and my fame
In your hands. 1t is for you to prove
that you are a knight. trust you.
When | have said what shall say to
you, you may withdraw or give me
your aid. as you please"
81 am grateful for your confidence
your highness." said |. what is It
that you wish me to doT'
Have patience. monsieur, till the
ride is DONE" she said. do not SPEAK
again till permit you. must think
The journey was accomplished IN
half an hour.
"It is here. monsieur, that we alight'
she said as the carriage stopped.
was glad that her opera cloak was
of dark material and that she wore
veil.
The building before which we stood
WAS on the outskirts of the city. Far
away to my left could see the flicker
ing lights of the palaces. A yellowish
haze hung over all. Once within the
building noted with surprise the lux
urious appointments. Plainly 1t was
no common inn, q resort for the middle
and travelling classes. Whether 1t was
patronized by the nobility | could only
surmise.
1--WE shall continue to speak IN
French" she said as she threw back
her cloak and lifted her veil. Mon
sieur has probably heard that the Prin-