The Washington times., 1902-10-05

] were the himsieSt slabs. l heard som
animal scratching and whining in tn
next chamber. On the post-road, how
ever. we had not always wall betwix
ourselves and the dogs.
The palace in Mittau stood conspicu
Gus upon an island in the river. AS W
approached, 1t looked not unlike cop
of Versailles. The pile was by n
means brilliant with lights, as the cour
J of king might glitter. finding reflection
; upon the stream. We drove with
J clatter upon the paving, and sentine
challenged us.
l had thought of how should Obtain
access to this secluded royal family. AM
Skenedonk was ready With the queen''
jewel-case in his hands. Not on an!
account was he to let 1t go out of then
until took it and applied the key; bu
gaining audience with Madame d'Angou
leme, he was to tell her that the bearer
of that casket had travelled far to see
her. and waited outside.
Under guard the Oneida had the great
doors shut behind him. The wisdom Of
my plan looked less conspicuous as time
went by. The palace loomed silent
without any cheer of eourtiers. The
horses shook their straps, and the pos
tilion hung lazily by one leg. his figure
distinct against the low horizon still
lighted by after-glow. Some Mittau
noises came acroos the Aa, the rumble
of wheels, and barking OF dogs.
When apprehension began to pinch my
heart of losing my servant and my whole
fortune in the abode Of honest royal
people, and felt myself but poor out
cast come to seek princess for my sis
ter, guard stood by the carriage,
touching his cap and asked me to fol-
| low him.
We ascended the broad steps. He
gave the password to sentinel there,
and held wide one leaf of the door. He
took candle; and otherwise dark cor
ridors and ante chambers, somber with
heavy Russian furnishings, rugs hung
against the walls, barbaric brazen ves-
sells and curious vases, passed like a
half-seen vision.
Then the guard delivered me to
gentleman in blue coat, with o red
collar, who belonged to the period OF
the Marquis du Plessy without being
adorned by his whiteness and lace. The
gentleman staring at me, strangely po-
lite and full of suspicion, conducted me
into a we'll Lighted room where skene-
donk waited by the farther door. holding
the jewel-case as tenaciously as he
would a scalp.
I entered the farther door. 1t closed
behind me.
A girl stood In the center Of this in
ner room, looking at me. / remember
none of its fittings. except that there
was abundant light, showing her clear
blue eyes and fair hair. the
transparency of her skin, and her
high expression. She was all
in black, except floating muslin cape
or fichu, making beholder despise the
fnery of the Empire.
We must have examined each other
even sternly, though felt sudden CIV
ing way and Leaving in my breast. She
was so high, SO sincere! II ! had been
unat to meet the eyes of that princess
I must have shriyeled before her.
From side to side her figure swayed,
and another young girl. the only at
tepdant in the room, stretched out both
arms to catch her.
We put her on a couch, and she sat |
supported by the lady in wait
ing. Then the tears ran down her face,
and l kissed the transparent hands. my
own flesh and blood, believed that hour
IS l believe to this.
20 Louis-Louis.''
The wonder of her knowledge and ac
,eptance of me, without claim being
tut forward, was around me like
loud.
"You were so like my father as you
TODD there-I could see him again as he
,arted from us. What miracle has re-
tored you? How did you find your way
lere? You are surely LOUISE"
I sat down beside her, keeping one
and between mine.
Madame, ] believe as you believe,
hat am Louis Charles. the dauphin of
rance. And ! have come to you first,
S my own flesh and blood. who must
ave more knowledge and recollection !,
f things past than I myself can have.
have not long been walked out of ,
he tranced life formerly lived"
81 have wept more tears for the little
in intellect and exiled ,
,rther than we-than for my father and
lother. They were at peace. But you. :,
oor child. what hope was there for
GU? Was the person who had you in
is charge kind to you? He must have
cen. You have grown to be such man :,
5 / would have you'll"
Everybody has been kind to me. my =
ster.'
, unkind? All the thousand questions ;,
have to ask must be deferred until !,
lie king sees you. l cannot wait for -
m to see you! Mademoiselle de Ghoisy, v
nd a message at once TO the king!" a.
The lady in waiting withdrew TO the
'or, and the royal duchess quivered b
Ith eager anticipation. y, :.
I'VE have had pretended dauphins, TO ,r
Id insult to exile. You may not take ~
g king unaware as you take me! He .,
III have proofs as plain as his Latin p
rse. But you will find his majesty all
at father could be to us, Louis!
ink there never was man so un-