The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-24
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suit to you. But forget them and for
give me. / did not know
"Of course you did not know replied
the exposed princess, with roguish
laugh. "That would have spoiled IL all
And you thought l was ungrateful all
along"
mo: / did not say IT," demonstrated
Wallace. Forgive me and go back to the
castle. Let me remember you as my pref
~ nurse"
"And not the Princess Marie?''
"Ah. no! There is too wide a gulf be-
tween US. AS my nurse you were more
my equal"
Tears gathered in Marie's eyes. Royalty
sat lightly on her young shoulders. yet
she understood it's rights and privileges.
For one brief moment l rejoice in my
position and the etiquette Of courts" she
said. She took his hand in hers and look
ed down into HIS eyes with an expression
that made the blood leap through his
veins as II had not done Since he fell
"As you say, l am a princess. While you
believed me a simple nurse. you spoke
words OF honest love. You have with
drawn them since you discovered my
identity. But IL was not because you had
ceased TO love me. was IL? II was because,
as the princess. YOU thought | would not
accept the love that nurse might ac-
cept"
yes. yes" said the half maddened
Wallace II could never cease loving you,
though thousand miles kept us apart"
"Then do not take back the words" she
said. II have been courted by princes and
men OF power soldiers and diplomats.
Not for myself, but because l was Prin-
cess Marie OF Deneslia. 1t is sweet--oh,
how sweet-to be loved for love alone.
And do you think | have learned nothing
each day we have been together | have
learned the same lesson of love. Now you
are my patient and my prisoner. / shall
write to Charles tonight"
The letter which Marie wrote to the
castle did not surprise her brother In
the least He had feared some such re-
suit of the madcap scheme Of his sister
by which she wished to show her graft
tude toward the brave American. Hc
had taken time by the forelock and had
'cabled long inquiries TO his representa-
tive I'm America In reply he received q
short cable message and letter follow
ing so IL happened that Prince Charles.
two days after ne got the note from Ma
rie. walked into Volner's house carrying
a large official looking epistle.
II have come 10 offer my congratula-
tions." he said mot TO one. but both
This AFFAIR promised something like this.
and took the liberty TO inquire as TO the
standing OF NJ Wallace In reply | get
word that he Is in every sense n gentle
man. Not only that, but be has been
searched for all over the earth-eXcept
I'm Deneslia IL seems his uncle has died
leaving him heir TO a vast American for
tune Marie. your prank has been provi-
dental I'm its fortunate ending. God bless
both OF YOU wherever you may have your
home II in Deneslia, a palace and park
shall be yours. And 1 make 10 my only
condition to your wedding that at least
five months in the year you live at
Trole."
lie shook Buokford's hand, kissed Marie
and strode out.
"AIarie-prlncess- love. my love-"
began Wallace. How can T.
Tut You are no longer poor. II is
who must beg. You are now the great NJ
wallace Shall take back my words?'
No answer was needed. He held out
both his hands, and she took them.
Did you ever!" said Volner's wife TO
Volner a few hours later. "rhat Amerl-
can Is getting well very fast now"
go would l." grunted Voner If I had
n sweet wife and fortune waiting for me.
Let them alone. They can take care OF
themselves IL makes me young again"
A few months later the castle al Trolle
was ablaze with lights. A grand wedding
took place Officers OF the army, members
of the diplomatic corps, visiting ng-naval-
commanders all were present. And the
bride was the beautiful Princess Marie
and the groom the handsome American.
lie wore no uniform and seemed soberly
dressed beside the brilliant officers. But
on his breast he wore a brilliant cross.
tho highest decoration in Dcntslla. and
every man within the palace gates envied
him his fortune and his bride.
THE END