The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-07
NXNIII.
The Maid of era ustark.


Expectancy. concern, the dread of uncer-
tainty marked the countenances of Graus-
tarks ministers and her chief men as they
sat in the council chamber on the day fol-
lowing. awaiting the appearance of their
princess. at whose call they were unex-
pectedly assembled. More than two score
eyes glanced nervousIy toward the door
from time to time.
All realized an emergency. No sooner
were they out Of one dilemma than another
east its prospects across their path. Great
ing the fear that rejoicing would be short.
While none knew the nature of the bust
ness that called them together. each had a
stubborn suspicion that it related to the
stirring declarations of the day before. Not
one in the assembly but had heard the
vivid. soulful sentence from the throne.
Not one but wished in secret as Gaspon
and Halfont had wished in open speech.
When the princess entered with the prime
minister they narrowly scanned the face so
dear TO them. Determination and coward
ice were blended in the deep blue eyes.
pride and detection i'm the firm step,
strength and i'm the loving smile
she bestowed upon the faithful counselors.
|. After the greetings she requested them to
AAdW o. aDOuA IA RltdL 0SdllDS
herself I'm her accustomed seat, she gazed
over the circle of anxious faces and real
lied. more than at any time in her young
life, that she was frail and weak beyond
all comparison. How small she was to rule
over those strong, wise men of hers; how
feeble the hand that held the sceptre.
My lords" she said. summoning all her
strength Of mind and heart. Il am gratifed
70 IND xr,.t 80 roa1~ a., raoDo,J 20 tho oaN
Of your whimsical sovereign. Yesterday
you came with heart bowed down and in
deepest woe. To-day 1 assemble you here
that may ask your advice concerning the
events of that strange day. Bolaroz will do
as he has promised. We are TO have the ex-
tension papers this afternoon, and Graus-
tark may breathe again the strong, deep
breath of hope. You well -emember my at
titude on yesterday. You were shocked,
Mortified, amazed by my seemingly ignoble
effort 10 preserve my preserver's life. We
will pass over that. however. 1t is To dis
cuss my position that I have called you
here. To begin, 1 would have sacrificed my
kingdom. Is you know. to save him. He
was innocent and 1 loved him. If. on yes
terday, / would not let my kingdom stand
between me and my love. I cannot do so to-
80 ~0"NL - ANAA ~ wi NR0s III
lords. that / have promised TO become the
wife OF the man who would have given his
!, life for you and for me-that love as a
woman. not as a princess.
The silence Of death stole into the room.
Every mans eyes were glued upon the
white face of the princess and none could
break the spell. They had expected il. yet
the shock was overwhelming: they had
feared it. yet the announcement stupefed
them She looked straight before her,
afraid 10 meet the eyes of her subjects,
knowing that sickening disapproval dwelt
IN them Not a word was uttered for many
seconds. Then old Caspar's tense muscles
relaxed and his arms dropped Imply from
their crossed position on his breast
NY child. my child, he cried. HfelessIy.
'-You cannot do this thing.
But the people, cried Gaspon. his ewes
cleaning. You cannot act against the win
OF tile people. our laws. natural and other
wise. prescribe the very act YOU have i'm
mind. The American cannot so upon our
throne; no man. unless he be OF ROYAL
blood. can share il with you. II YOU marry
him the laws OF our l~and-you know them
well-will prohibit Us from recognizing the
marriage"
Knowing that, my lords, / have come to
ask YOU 10 revise oar laws. Ny throne will
not be- disgraced 10y the man I would have
share IL with me. She spoke a. calmly as
n sine were making the most trivial re-
quest instead OF asking her ministers 10
overthrow and undo the laws and customs
OF ages and 81 dynssties.
The law Of nature cannot be changed
muttercd Caspar, a. il 20 himself.
In the event that the custom cannot he
changed. I shall be compelled to relinquish
iny right 20 occupy the throne and TO de-
part from among you. It would break my
heart, mE lords. TO resort 20 this mon
slIots sacrifice, but I love one man first.
my crown and ms people after him.