Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-03-16

less safely stored away III the back or his head.
 Coming up to the group, Brandon took off his hat and, with graceful little bow that let the curls fall around his face, asked, "HaVe I the honor to find the Princess Mary among these ladies?'
 Mary, who know you will at once say was thoroughly spoiled, without turning her face toward him replied:
 "Is the Princess Mary a person of so little consequence about the court that she is not known to a mighty captain of the guard?
 He wore his guardsman's doublet, and she knew his rank by his uniform. She had not noticed his face.
 Quick as a flash came the answer: T cannot say of what consequence the Princess Mary is about the court. 1t Is not my place to determine such mat ters. I am sure, however, she is not here, for I doubt not she would have given a gentler answer to a message from the queen. shall continue my search" With this he turned to leave, and the ladies' including Jane, who was there and saw it all and told me of it, awaited the bolt they knew would come, for they saw the lightning gath ering in Mary's eyes.
 Mary sprang to her feet with an an gry flush in her face, exclaiming: "In- solent fellow, am the Princess Mary. If you have a message, deliver it and be gone" You may be sure this sort of treatment was such as the cool head ed, daring Brandon would repay with usury; so, turning upon his heel and almost presenting his back to Mary, he spoke to Lady Jane:
 ''Will your ladyship say to her high ness that her majesty the queen awaits her coming at the marble landing?"
 s'No need to repeat the message, Jane," cried Mary. Il have ears and can hear for myself" Then, turning to Brandon, If your insolence will permit you to receive q message from so insig- nificant a person as the kings sister, beg you to say to the queen that shall be with her presently"
 He did not turn his face toward Ma ry, but bowed again to Jane.
 May ask your ladyship further to say for me that if have been guilty of any discourtesy greatly regret it. My failure to recognize the Princess Mary grew out of my misfortune in never having been allowed to bask in the light of her countenance. cannot be- lieve the fault lies at my door, and hope for her own sake that her high ness on second thought will realize how ungentle and unkind some one else has been." And with sweeping courtesy he walked quickly down the path.
 'The insolent wretch?' cried one.
 ''He ought to hold papers on the piL lory," said another.
 Nothing of the sort" broke in sensi ble, fearless little Jane. T think the Lady Mary was wrong. He could not have known her by inspiration"
 "Jane Is right" exclaimed Marys whose temper, if short, was also short lived and whose kindly heart always set her right if she but gave it little time. Her faults were rather those of education than of nature. "Jane is right. It was what deserved I did not think when spoke and did not really mean it as 1t sounded. He acted like a man and looked like one, too, when he defended himself I warrant the pope at Rome could not run over him with impunity. For nonce I have found a real live man, kDll of manli- ness. saw him in the lists at Windsor a week ago, but the king said his name was a secret, and I. could not learn it. He seemed to know you, Jane. Who is he? Now tell us all you know. The queen can wait"
 And her majesty waited on girls curiosity.
 I had told Jane all knew about Brandon, so she was prepared with full information and gave it. She told the princess who he was, of his ter ribIe duel with Judson, his bravery and adventures in the wars, his gener- ous gift to his brother and sisters, and, lastly, "Sir Edwin says he is the best read man in the court and the bravest, truest heart in Christendom."
 After Jane's account of Brandon they all started by roundabout way for the marble landing. In few mo- ments whom did they see coming to- ward them down the path but Bran- don, who had delivered his message and continued his walk. When he saw whom he was about to meet, he quickly turned in another direction. The Lady Mary had seen him, how. ever, and told Jane to run forward and bring him to her. She soon overlook him and said:
 Master Brandon, the princess wishes to see you," then maliciouslyt s'You will suffer this time I assure you she is not used to such treatment. It was glorious, though, to see you re- sent such an affront. Men usually smirk and smile foolishly and thank her when she smites them"
 Brandon was disinclined to return.
 sI am not in her highness' com mand," he answered, land do not care to go back for a reprimapd when I am in no way to blame"
 "Oh, but you must come. Perhaps she will not scold this time.' And she put her hand upon his arm and laugh ingly drew him along. Brandon of course had to submit when led by so sweet a captor-anybody would So