The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-02-16
CHAPTER III.

on the high road between the little
fishing village and the town. one OF the
court carriages came dashing along. con-
tanning a gentleman on the back seat,
with a box OF croquet implements In
front OF him. Just as the horses turned
into the forest. a pedestrian appeared
from under the shadow of the thickiy
hanging trees.
"Iialloo, Mainau. there you are at last!
called out the gentleman In the carriage.
as he caught sight Of him. Then. order
ing the coachman to stop, he continued;
It's too bad of you: there have been
waiting anxiously for yoG and You are
coolly and quietly going the longest way
The linden must be planted long ago do
YOU remember the proud tradition or your
family. that Il was a Manau who held
the tree once long ago while Friedrich
XXI shoveled the earth2"
Then henceforth my picture Will have
TO be covered with a mourning veil
The gentleman seated in the carriage
lightly opened the door and motioned
his companion To enter.
Invite the devil there Rudger-in-
side?" answered the other. I'm pretended
no gout. Drive on in proud consciousness
Of your mission. Have you been to fetch
the forgotten croquet mallets? Enviable
horo or"
f'he gentleman sprung TO the ground,
closed the door OF the carriage, told the
coachman TO drive on. and then turned
VITA MS friend into the little footpath.
which WAS shorter cut through the
brushwood up to the village.
There was a great contrast between
these two men as they walked side by
side The one called Rudiger was short
and stout while his companion was so
very tall that he was constantly Obliged
10 stoop his head out Of the way OF the
overhanging branches. He was striking
looking man, every movement and gesture
betokening an intense, passionate nature.
which-although u could he as soft and
tender as a woman's-could. when pro-
voked. be a very demon OF anger and
fiery wrath The little fellow who had
just now given way 10 such a fit OF pas
sion over there by the lake. resembled
him feature by feature almost TO the alb
surd point
Let us walk then" said Herr Won
Rudigcr; unfortunately we can't arrive
too late for dinner today? H'm-puddings
and sweets OF all kinds But snail escape
reproof. and have nothing to fear as
bring you with me. Apropos. you have
been away for couple OF days. your boy
Leo was telling the duchess"
II was awayL-yes"
This laconic reply was too provoking
for the little stout man, who had It on
his tongue to inquire "Where?" But Just
at that moment the two reached an open
space. and could see before them a portion
of the lake and the whole OF the tiny
village.
Under the trees several tables were laid.
and In one Of the little houses the pal o.
cook. In white cap. was standing before
the fire. intent on his duty. while hither
and thlther hurried the royal servar.s
preparing the dinner. and evidently
anxious to have IL ready soon.
The excitement Leo's burst OF childish
passion had created was past and for
and playing with the children-gracefui
maids OF honor. elegant young officers
old gentlemen with stiff legs and stinfer
stout asthmaticsl old governor OF the
town with string OF titles attached 10
his name too long Tor daily use. managed
to waddle through the game. and clap his
hands as we'll as the children.
The young duchess was standing so
near 90 the lake that ~ appeared as ~
ful figure was reflected in the clear shin
ing water. and two or three young ladies
had crowned her With garland of the
Wild vine and flowers. the tendrils OF
Which hung I'm light wavy beauty over
her lovely throat and bosom.
"Ophelia" cried Baron Mainau. half
aloud. and with an indescrfbable sercasm
infected I'm his voice.
Now. really. Mainau. that's too much
you are only acting" said Herr won Ru-
dlger. turning round quickly. That's all
very well before the ladies who worship
your every look hut to me-bah'" and
putting his hands IN the pockets of his
light overcoat he shrugged his shoulders
and began. laughingiy: There was once
very beautiful hut very poor princess
who loved handsome. dashing young
officer. and was loved In return by him.
The princess had promised to put aside