Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-06-18

you may see the beauty OF the work.
manship in that great old CHAIR
Th.y stood at the Base of the low,
velceted stage on which stood the chair,
with its high back, its massive arms
and legs a-shimmcr in the light from
the lofty windows. 1t was Of gold. in
laid with precious stones diamonds.
rubics cmeralds, sapphircs and other
wondrous jewels-a relic of ancient
Graustark.
II never sit in the center. Always at
one side or the other, usually leaning
my elbow on the arm. You see, the
discussions are generally so long and
drcary that I become fatigucd. One
timc-I am ashamed to confess it
went to sleep on the throne. That was
long ago | manage to keep awake
very well Of late. DO you like my
throneroomi'
And to think that it is yours"
ut is this room that gives mo the
right to be hailed with Long live the
princess" Not with campaign yeils
and ITurrah for Yetive" How does
that sound? 'Hurrah for Yetive"" She
was laughing merrily.
Don't say it. 1t sounds sacriicgious,
revolving"
For over three yoars-since I was
cighteen-I have been supreme in that
chair During the years of my reign
prior to that time | sat there with my
Uncle Caspar standing beside nc. How
often l begged him to sit down with
me. There was SO much room. and he
certainly must have grown tired Of
standing. one time I cried because he
frowned at me when | persisted in the
presence of Il great aSsemblage of no.
blcS from Dawsbergcn. 1t seems that
1t was most important audience that
| was granting but l thought more of
my uncle's tired old legs. | remember
saying through my sobs of mortitica-
ton that | would have him bchcadcd
You are to guess whether that startling
threat created CONSERVATION or mirth."
what n whimsical little princess
you must have been. weeping and pout-
Ing and going to sleep he laughed.
And how scdate and wise YOU have
become"
THANK you. How very nice you
are. | have felt all along that some
ono would discern my effort to be dig
nilicd and scdate. They say am wise
and good and gracious, but that is 10
be expected. They said that Of soycr-
eigns as far back as the delugc, I've
heard. Would You really like to see
me in that old chair" she asked.
"Ah. you are still woman he said.
smiling at her pretty vanity. Moth
ing could impress me more pleasantly"
She stepped carelessly and impulsivc-
ly upon the royal platform, leaned
against the arm of the throne, and with
the charming blush of consciousness
turned TO him with the quickucss of Il
guilty conscience, eager TO hear his
praise, but fearful lest he secretly con-
dcmncd her conceit. His eyes We're
burning with the admiration that
knows no defining, and his breath
came quick and sharp through parted
lips. He inyoluntarily placed a foot
upon the bottom step, rs if 10 spring
to her side.
You must not come up here" she
cried, shrinking back, her hands ex-
tended in futtering rcmonstrance. Il
cannot permit that at all"
II beg your pardon" he cried, That
is all the humble plebeian can say.
That l may be more completely under
this fairy spell, pray cast about your
self the robe of rank and take up the
scepter. Perhaps l may fall upon my
face"
And hurt your head all over again"
she said, laughing nervously. She hes
itated for moment, Il perplcXed frown
crossing her brow. Then she jerkcd a
rich robe from the back of the throne
and placed it about her shoulders as
only a woman can. Taking up the
sccpter, she stood before the great
chair and, with smile on her lips,
held it above his head, saying softly:
"Graustark welcomes the American
prince"
He sank to his knqe before the real
princess. kissed the hem of her robe
and arose with face pallid. The chasm
was now endless in its immensely. The
princess gingerly seated herself on the
throne, placed her elbow on the broad
arm her white chin III her hand, and
TRANQUILITY surveyed the voiceless Amer
lean prince.
You have not said Thank you,'"
she said finally, her eyes waverng be-
meath his steady gaze.
Il am only thinking how easy it
would be to cross the gulf that lies be-
tween us. With two movements of my
body | can place ii before you, with
third | can be sitting ut your side. 1t
is not SO difficult after ALL" he said,
hungrlly eying the broad chair.
mo man, unless a prince, ever sat
upon this throne" she said
You have called me a prince"
"Oh, jested," she cried quickly, com
pretending his intention. Il forbid
you"
Her command came too late. for he
was beside her on the throne of Grau-
stark, She sat perfectly rigid for a
moment, intense fear in her eyes.
"Do YOU know what you have 6one"
she whispered mlserably.
s'ITsn",pI tbn tlfppnn bo ran1i,.l