The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-05-20

by the side of her husband. Had she no,
already one foot on the road 20 her moth
ers home. the road over which she the
separated wife. would never return again
to schonwerthF And yet she aid not seem
to think II would appear more becoming
bands arm
You will he glad 10 And yourself hack
In quiet Rudisdorf." the duchess remark
ed. as she gave an angry side glance az
the sloved hand still resting on Msinaus
arm.
II have given up my intention OF visit
ing Rudisdorf. your highness replied
Lame with an effort for IL psinsd her 10
be obliged 10 speak thus openly on this
subject yet seeing the necessity for Civ
Ing truthful answer TO a direct question.
The duchess started as II she had been
stung. and the hand which held the costly
fan dropped suddenly 10 her side.
What Do you remain behlnd7' she
asked. her lips curling In sacastic
smile. "Ah. 10 be sure" she added re-
covering her elf-poss esion, and gracious
~ moving her head toward the old cour-
tier. who had drawn near "You are ami
able and kind and won't leave our good
Hofmarschall quite alone IN the old cas-
tic"
II was now the Hofmarschali's turn 20
frown and look startled, and placing nj.
II must protest against any such in
situations, your highness. Your devoted
servant has nothing at all 10 do with this
determination"
That is quite true. Uncle has had no
voice at all in the matter" broke in Raoul
In calm but somewhat loud VOICE. as n
he wished every one present 10 hear what
he was saying as we'll as the duchess.
However much I could wish him 10 be
cared for by his nearest relations. Just
now II IL not In my power 10 do so. And
as could not bear the thought of being
separated from my wife, entreated her
10 take compassion on me, and 70 with
me"
He spoke earnestly quietly. and In n
tone OF certainty that carried conviction
10 the hearts OF all those who listened
and few would have imagined that the
grave. serious lips which had just made
this startling announcement were capable
a times OF uttering sarcastic pleasantries
nay. had even more than once been per-
fectly ,ilent when a few words uttered in
her defense would have rendered the
graceful wife at his side her due rank and
dignity before the eyes OF the townspeo-
Pile.
Another caprice, Baron Mainau?"
said the duchess. forgetting herself so far
an 10 slightly raise her voice, and 10
speak In n warm, sarcastic tone. adding
as she nervously opened her fan and
swaYed IL 10 and fro as IL the room had
become suddenly TOO close; Hitherto you
have always arranged to have yourself the
centre OF attraction as an interesting
traveler-to be the fairy prince alone
and now all of sudden you mean Ia ap-
pear by the side OF a second Lady STAN
hope-not bad idea Everyone will be
dumfounded-snd astonished beyond meas
ure"
But not for long. your highness." re.
piled Raoul. quietly laughing. "as and
my Lady Stanhope are not going 10 travel
TO the East; We are only going as far az
my place, Blsnkenaw, In Franconia,
where we intend living in retirement for
n time"
Her highness turned quickly and gave
the signal for the concert 10 commence.
Those who knew her best, and were
obliged 10 remain I'm her vicinity, trem-
bled. for they knew that when her large
eyes were dilated as they were then, her
lips and cheeks as coloriess "a
marble, and her chin drawn in that fixed
attitude, that no mercy was 10 be expect
ed from Der. and that no boon would be
granted from their beautiful duchess |
however great the need might be- or how |
ever urgent the request.
Cro be continued)