The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-08-28

;In all your life?"
You know what I mean. dearest.
Just consider did not even know IL
you were alive or dead"
lie kissed her. grateful for her soil
cit1de. Her troubles were in his mind
Before his own.
Women are always anxious at the
wrong time; they DO not measure the
probabilities. If you had been a poli-
tician. you would have known better.
My death would not have served Old
Xavier as well as my life. A popular
sentiment IS a dangerous thing: il for
gives much to a man who is dead. and
there are his heirs to consider. My
brother, Prince Ferdinand. would have
appealed 10 France As il is. the old
toN VIII find the better way. Oh, yes,
see II quite clearly. There viii be a
mock trial at the Hotel de Vile; l shall
DC accused Of state offenses: the Duke
VIII pose as my friend-a new kind Of
devils ADVOCATED If he can work the
people UP to it, he may strike at my
met depends upon his pluck and the
French Government I do not care
ng for Punishment now. Esther; but I
should be a coward 10 give up my
country without struggle That is
where the danger lies. must call my
friends 10 my side and the issue viii be
the sword. 1t cannot be anything else
you would be the last TO wish it,
She surrendered to the spirit OF this
masterful confidence. There is nothing
that a woman so much admires in a
man as courage; and whatever else he
lacked, Arthur Of Cadi was never
charged with a craven's part. She her
self knew so little OF his people or Of
their affairs that much which he de-
bsted left her perplexed and hesitating
II Ehe had z premonition, it was that
one who was brave and headstrong
pitted himself against the subtle craft
OF the diplomatist and the schemer;
and when she permitted herself to
think Of this she trembled for his
safety.
The last, the very last TO wish II.
dear husband she said with unwonted
earnestness. Promise me that what
ever happens il shall not be-well, be-
cause you love me. Oh. know what
this costs you Sometimes ] could say.
let me so away. forget me. forget that
have nVed- Is not your happiness
sufficient for me"
He did not permit her TO continue;
but clasping her suddenly in his arms
fotbade the promise
NO he said. not that Will not
hear d., II j have learned TO play
mans part, was it not your lesson7
Shall I give up the most precious thing
IN life for q chimera. a pretense Of
place and power So empty that. but FOR
you, I.W0uld turn my back on it for
over? ~. no, dearest wife. we will face
the world together. The nearest ray Of
sunlight that falls on me shall light
your sweet face too, Let the end be
well or 3D.. my home is here, in the
heart of the woman I love-"
She did not argue with him, nor had
Size The courage To insist. His passion
are love for her had been so much the
dictator Of her actions since Doctor
-. Xavier 1T her in Paris that the day
sar.caj 70 have passed when she could
neither Withstand or deny il. She
lEew that De spoke the truth. that she
'.as az TO him, and that without her
..e had no gift
Il have no viii bur yours. dearest"
ss;e said. God help US TO do that
n1fch IS right, And yet I must answer
-l.-a to-day-ah. what shall I say?
S. han shall tell them?"
That they are towards TO send my
wife 10 me-that I laugh at their
threats and deny their authority. Tell
sUhem that. Say that I count upon my
friends and the honor Of my country,
and that ! shall know how TO defend
those who are faithful 10 me. If any
one insults you. remember his name.
for I swear that he shall answer me-
can you remember that little Esther
7 remember nothing but your love"
she pleaded.
The appointed hour drew swiftly to
its close Lovers still in the first dream
OF surrender, they lost themselves in
the promise OF to-morrow and brushed
aside so lightly the reality Of to-day
Each in his own heart said, The worst
cannot be: We shall find a way" Lips
pressed 10 lips, hands locked in hands,
they were like children Of springtime,
hoping ever and faithful 10 the dawn
ing summer. II Esther remembered
the shadow. II the truth came frown-
ing IN the sunshine. eyes were closed TO
n and ears deafened. It could not be
that destiny would so deal with them,
saying, Here must the eternal fare
well be spoken" When Colonel Varez
surprised them. their laughter echoed
ID Inc LDA- - a. n EolAlNcAs AAc SdAOs
would have named the picture price
less.
He was a man OF traditions doing his
duty stubbornly, and yet not incapa-
bic, when duty were done, Of enthus-
issras and the recreation OF the parti-
San. His fidelity TO the Prince was Just
Zuch as the law OF his country pre-
rnitted. He carried the Councils au-
thority and never questioned It ODE
oience to the letter Of the law was his
guiding principle-he returned to the
courtyard when sixty minutes exactly
had expired. and asking no questions
nor permitting any, he bade Esther
follow him and drove straightforth to
the palace.
The city was awake by this time, and