The Newark journal. (Newark, Ark.) 1901-1959, 1903-07-31

HtAUs WINS EbR1 A1i AhfS t'ANh sum a
one as this prince should be sent TO
her.
When their eyes net a swift electric
fash thrilled them both. at is Ges-
tined" he murnured to himself.
She refused the secretary CURLY,
when he pleaded for dance, and look
Of hatred and hurt pride followed her
and her prince, as they moved toward
the ballroom, a stately couple in their
youth and perfect physical beauty.
He danced as only an Austrian can,
end after their third waltz together.
with eloquent eyes he bent his beauti-
full head down and whispered: You
waltz diyinely, as no American | have
ever seen. One would think you were
an Austrian"
She was indignant at herself. as she
felt the color mount into her cheeks,
and knew that he, too, saw it, for he
murmured low: you are beautiful
blush rose in that gown. which is ike
d bit Of sunset cloud. Come in here,
where it IS COOL and he lead her to-
ward the great, dimly-Hghted con
seryatory.
The air was heavy With the fra
GRANGE ef lilies ard roses, fountain
tinkled and splashed softly into a
marble basin. From the ballroom
floated dreamy music, softened by the
distance. Among the palms was seat
of carved ebony, and there, in the dim.
rose-celored light. they sat down.
Caroline was swayed by an emotion,
Of which she had never thought her
self capable, as the princes glorious
eyes were bent adoringy on her face.
She had laughed at love before as ar
idle fancy. mere imaginary fantasy
Of poets. She had never dreamed Of
the power that it could WELD.
How long they sat there she did not
know, or care, as he told her of his
Austrian home, of his hopes and fears
and ambitions, poured them all out in
boyish longing for contidante. As
the moonlight shone softly down upon
them, through the clear glass, the
prince was back in his loved home
land, in the semitropicai night. Sud
denly he stopped, confused.
Il know not why | tell you this, Miss
Rothbilt,' he said. Il am not aceus-
toned to talking thus solely of myself;
you must forgive me. l have never
told anyone these things before, but
you understand. think | have known
you always. ] am sure that cur souls
played together in Paradise in the long
ago. / want you for a friend. | will
tell you something about myself"
Heroseand stood before her, looking
down at her in certain masferful
way that she both loved and feared,
IF | want a thing, Miss Rothbilt.
would go through hell itself to get it.
| want your friendship-or love" His
voice trembled and was full of lin
gering sweetness. - need it. You lit
tie know what / would 90 for love of
this rare kind, such as yours would be.
I know of no torture on earth, nor
can conceive of any in hell. that I
would not laugh at, while enduring it,
if ! knew it would bring me to YOU"
Caroline listened with downeast
eyes, as the musical, imprisoned
voice went on and then ceased. She
was swayed by a feeling stronger than
anything she had ever known. Men
had made love to her before, but no one
had ever had this masterful, compell-
ing sweetness. She was half afraid.
and yet she, too, felt this strange ia
miliarity about him, as though some
where she had known him before.
Something had come into her life. a
new unknown force, and whether be
were prince or peasant it would have
been the same to her.
She trembled, as she raised her eyes
TO his, eyes full of tears, and held out
her hands to linn. He fell upon one
knee beside her and clasped the little
hands, pouring out his love and fealty
in broken words
Il know not who you are" he said
Il know nothing about you, except
that love you as few women are ever
loved. l knew it the moment looked
into your eyes. I am nothing l have
little to offer you. am poor, but what
l have l lay at your dear feet"
She laughed lightly. "Ah, you say
that to me-" she said. Nothing to
offer. when you hold all power in your
hand! You are jes ting-prince"
The man started to his feet \ look
of surprise and despair stole into his
dark eyes.
"Ah. carita," he cried. with passion
ate sadness. You have made a mis-
take. l am the princes secretary. He
is the prince"
He pointed into the ballroom, where
the other, weak, sensual, leering, was
bending over his hostess, who was
smiling upon him, as though he were
one of the gods come down from
Olympus.
You are not the prince" cried
Caroline, slowly, looking from one to
the other. while he. dropping despair
ing. sank down upon a seat at a little
distance, and buried his face in his
hands. Then a great light shone in her
eyes. as she rose and went to him and
raised his bowed head.
1 care not whether you ere of royal
blood or not" she said. You are a
man-and love you"