The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1901-05-04
An Emperor's Daughter.
By LIEUTENANT MURRAY.

L~~~~~~A
Repining love is always the stillest
Like shaded spring flowers 1t avoids
the suns rays, and yet 1t absorbs the
whole heart where 1t exists, and mag.
ni6es everything.
Equality is not its rule more than
reason, and certain it Is that there are
no more unreasonable beings in exist
ence than lovers. Though the most
real and absorbing of facts, still love
is born in an atmosphere of romance,
and as the German poet says, Para
disc is always where love dwells."
In palace or in cottage it Is all the
same nor does 1t vary In its uniform
nature, often hoping and believing
where reason would despair. This SEN
timent bore all OF thees characteristics
in the heart Of Marie Nicoloewna, the
beautiful daughter of the Emperor of
all the Russias.
She was adored by her proud father,
and was the star Of his splendid court.
But nineteen years Of age, she was al
ready pronounced the handsomest and
altogether most lovely princess In Eu-
rope. Born at the foot Of one of the
most powerful thrones in the world,
and possessing such extraordinary at
fractions, 1t was not matter of sur
prise that hundred mobiles sought to
win even glance of approval from
those beautiful eyes.
It was source Of proud satisfaction
to the Emperor to see her sought by so
many heirs Of other sovereigns, for
though she was the very light of his
+, eyes. and he could hardly entertain
the thought Of ever parting from her,
still he knew that 1t was inevitable,
and that he must accept 1t as such,
only seeking so to direct the fate of
bis beloved child as to insure her hap
piness and sustain his own dignity at
the same time. So, calling the Prin-
cess Marie to his side one day, he kiss
Cd her brow fondly, and said:
my child. you are approaching the
age at which the members OF our house
are wont to join themselves In the
bonds of wedlock.'
Marie blushed, but said nothing.
i have selected the prince who is
% make you happy" continued the ia
her."
TO make me happy?" she echoed,
put with a sigh so magnificent as to |
nall reveal secret.
What am l to infer from this?" he
asked, with the first frown his brow
mad ever worn to her.
Speak. my father" she replied, see
ing his emotion, speak. and you shall
be obeyed."
Obeyed!" said the Emperor, lis 1t
only from duty. Marie, that you re-
celve husband from my hands?"
ne was answered in silence by a
tear!
Marie. is your faith pledged to an
other!'
sui only tears replied.
answer me, Marie"
On, my father, yes" .
! feared So"
my heart is no longer my own.-
Who is he?"
An, my father, it is given to one
VINO Knows 1t not, and who shall never
.aow It, II you command me to marry
e'sexnere." she replied.
Wnere have you met him."
.only few times, and then at dis
Aace. We have never spoken to each
sother." - W ~
It possible?"
me Emperor was aroused. He dared
~ Nv ssk the name OF this unknown who
:: s.u stolen his daughters heart from
M' After pacing the apartment in
seltation for a moment. he turned to
Aarle, and said:
ls he q king?"
NO. my father" K
"A Grand duke?"
NO, my father" ......
"A a russian nobleman?" {
NO. my father"
"A foreigner"
"Yes., ,
ae emperor sat down and covered a
= lace with his hands. He could not t
p,ess In words his disappointment. c
~ ae not loved his daughter with ex-
a.o'uinary affection he would not I
Deea thus annoyed. His sword
,.o,,. Jaw TO seventy-fiye millions of !
sp's' out what was all of his author
Snen the heart asserted it's power? /
i ten nc was the Emperor of Russia, /
su''u Was sovereign OF his heart.