Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-14


He swallowed something. Her altered tone arose
from gratitude he told himself. Yet the situation
dangerous-for him
Certainly revertng only to earlier DAYS
in this same land he said steadily.
DO you know" she confded a. was living in
a sort of open-eyed nightmare until | heard your
voice in the dreadful chapel. That seemed to call
me back to life again. think if some one was to
thresh soundly for the folly which prompted
my visit to Bannofka l should feel quite happy
Not too hard threshing, you knov-just a slap
or two and a kiss to make friends again"
She was thinking of all the trouble she had caused
but Frank could not help saying:
On those terms might almost harden my heart
to chastise you
But you will be sure to remain near me if 1
have to be blndfolded?" she murmured
Her half-hysterical state accounted for her words
, 1t indeed marvellous thing to find this gracious
and stately young aristocrat in such mood. She
was wholly unconscious of the fact that the man
by her side might be stirred beyond bounds by her
complete surrender of rank to the feminine desire
for protection from threatened danger.
II promise, he said quietly, with a steady resolve
not to take advantage of the impulse of moment
But do not exaggerate precaution into a
peril. 1 honestly believe from what l have heard
that all these people wish is to quickly and
safely out of the country. They will settle things
with Prince Melnikoff in their way"
The mention of the Princes swung her
wandering thoughts into their former channel.
Il think that if l had married him, and my
parents wished to become his wife in reality
l should have killed myself" she said
"Oh you must not yield to morbid reflections
of that type
Il mean it. l am not to be coerced. feel
sure if loved a man, that 1 should worship him.
Prince Melnikoff wished to force to marry him.
yielded, because my pride had led Others into
danger But the chief ornament of my wedding
dress was loaded revolver Now that l am
aware of his highnesss methods and the value of
his promises, 1 fancy that l should have used it."
Not for the life of him would Frank Armstrong
utter word which could be construed into love
making. The girl pouring her heart to
him, and he respected her innocent intent.
Nevertheless, her confidence thrilling, delight
full and embarrassing in the instant. The
belief that she loved the Russian Prince had tor
tured him during many silent hour. To find now
that she had harbored other thoughts than
natural inclination to the dazzling social promi-
offered to the woman who became Prince
Menikoff's wife-an inclination expanded and
elevated by Ermyntrude's own lofty conceptions of
the duties attached to the position-caused Arm
strongs blood to Jingle with wild hope. The
dominant instinct in the was kindness He
of the old order of chivary, which taught that
to help the weak the first duty of knighthood.
And Fate had thrust him into medieval romance,
with all it's glamour and dangers.
He positively glowed with happiness That
seigh-ride into the gloomy ravines of Stenka
RAINS stronghold the Volga excursion
into Eysium. He drew his companion more
closely to his side, and his voice vibrated with
quiet joy as he said:
1--WE yet have far to go. Ernyntrude. Let me
arrange this fur over your face. There is fear
of frost-bite Close your eyes for little while.
Perhaps you might sleep for an hour two"
1t is good to hear ones language in
the mouth of FRIEND" she whispered dreamily.