Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1901-02-20

CUT PRONE ana Ine lulCh COILS VI nSI
fair hair Her light riding gauntlets
were OF white deerslcn, and the
Princes admiration of the hand so
covered was only too evident by the
pressure he bestowed upon it.
He himself wore white undress uni
room that it would have been trying
in the extreme to an ordinary wearer
but seemed to set off his dark good
looking features with an air of dis
tinction,
Indeed, Prince Clement Sing was an
acquisition to society, both in personal
appearance and high intellectual stand
ing; and Lille would gladly have well
coined the diversion of his company
but that she was consumed by the fear
that his visit portended to matters con-
corning herself.
And she was not long in discover
ing such to be the case.
you did not honor the course, to-
| day, Miss Derwent. l looked for you
in vain," he said.
mo. was in a mood for solitary
ride" she answered.
81 trust that does not mean my pres
ence is inopportune, dear LADY,"
She smiled blushing slightly.
by no means, Prince, for now my
ride is over" was her polite reply
'"Then I may venture to invite my
self indoors, I hope" he queried
4 am not quite sure if you will find
Mrs. Franklin at home" she began
But Prince Clement Sing looked
straight at her, with glance from his
black eyes that brought the color flood
ing to her face.
"Your presence is all-suficient," he
said, bowling low, as he swerved his
horse aside to allow her to pass
through the gate before him.
Arrived at the bungalow, he waved
the attendant back and himself assisted
her to alight. condescension which
embarrassed her all the more, as the
prince took occasion to command that
Mrs Franklin should not be summoned
for the next quarter OF an HON, as II;
was with Lille herself he desired a
private interview.
Lille passed into the drawing room,
alarmed at what she instinctively knew
was to be the subject of that inter-
view; but fearful to give offense by re-
fusing it.
And when the prince joined her it
was apparent he meant to waste no
time in going straight to her mission.
He had left his sword and belt in
the vestibule and removed his gloves,
and now he took his hostess hand and
led her to a seat, with a deferential
ceremony.
"Ah, there is the evening gum" she
exclaimed, for the desperate sake of
saying something to break the strain.
I'm ten minutes more it will be dark"
"Ah, yes; we have no enthralling
twilight as you have in England Miss
Derwent" he answered softly, and with
a tone OF regret meant to be covertly
flattering to her nationality. well,
no matter, ten minutes will suffice me
to say what-ah, what would have
said to you long before today, but that
l feared to be precipitate.'
Then am sure, prince, it is best
left unsaid STILL" she answered, with
great earnestness.
Surely you do not forbid me to
speak?" He regarded her haughtily.
81 should not presume to do that"
she hastily rejoined. Il merely en-
treat"
WHAT" he asked, with cold dis
pleasure, for she had stopped short,
! flushing.
81 feel sure your highness means to
be kind and friendly and hattering; but
but" Again she hestated
Prince Clement Sing looked down,
frowning, and dark flush swept his
copper-tinted face.
But you do not esteem 1t an honor,
presume, that | should loye you?"
There was asperity in his voice.
TOO great an honor" she averred.
His frovn and flush passed He bent
towards her and took her hand
1.-THE honor is divided" he said gall
lantly. 'If l give you the crown of a
princess. you give me the fairest flow
er OF English maidenhood--a flower
that all the jewels In India could not
buy"
She tried to withdraw her hand,
"Your highneas natters me too much !;
but what you ask Is impossible, she
said, very low,
He rose with an air Of impatlenoe,
'Impossible, you say, and to meg"
She rose also,
u veptAre 10 hone TO retain Your
friendship, prince, as trust YOU vi