Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1905-10-05
Fiction

But The girl spoke as though she
had something she wished to hide
some sad chapter which the world was
mot to read.
But" unused The king, Germany is
vast realm. Is that all? One may
come from the north or from the
south"
Il waa last at Vienna, sire"
you act delightfully."-" said the king,
You charmed us all tonight" he ado
ed, with sympathy
Il am grateful, sire"
1T is the truth"
The girl bowed low.
"Tour singing pleased me much"
The monarch went on.
Your majesty Is very good"
at is no empty compliment, scorn
sucn," said the king, gravely, But
as to your life Are there not hard.
ships In It? There should not be to
you"
The girl bowed again. "Oh, yes,
| sire, VIC nave ou1 sad days"
You have beauty madenoisellc--
great beauty" and tho king eyed her
scarchlngly rs If he could read her
soul; aud you have also talent, and
with those two things one should go
for In this world | wish you good
| fortune and large measure Of happi.
ness" and with these words the mon.
arch turned away.
For 4 moment Xcnia was lost in
thought, and then voice at her elbow
spid, gravely.
Il claim this dance, mademoiscIie."
She started and drew back as if
frightened, but then recovered herself.
Prince Paul was facing her and bow.
Ing low. II have alarmed you" he eX-
claimed, with a note of concern in his
voice.
NO no." she slammered. but
YOU look so terribly serious, so wo2bc.
gone. what calamity are you fear.
ing"
"You will danco?" he said. pleading.
", dilrogardng her remark, "'fhe
calamity would be your refusal, You
Will dance?'
YES, yes If you wish It," she an.
sweIel, with smile, But you are
tragic, prince You brighten me-"
III wish It," no exclnimed-pas,
sionately you ask that-you.
Why -
on" she began, In protest, and a
scoord later they were circling the
room
You are pale tonight, prince she
said suddenly, trying to give a light
turn to thought but he did not heed
her remark
Then as they yalsed on he looked
lardCntly into her eyes. You will not
forget your promise?" he said, earnest
Nv
II ought to forget IL, she responded,
ANA thore was a note Of melancholy in
aor tome 1T Is my duty to forget all
about It,"
but YOU viii conner" he urged, We
hemontly.
The gml hesitated moment longer,
an en- hours time" no went on.
Yes. she said at last, Il will be
there"
THANK YOU thank you!" he cried,
Eassionately.
The cameo had only just ended
when an aide de camp asked leave to
speak to the prince, who was called
away, and suCn after chamberlain
came up tn where Nenia was sitting,
He was tall, good-looliing func,
tlonnrl, modest OF bearing, however,
lor his position at court was SO great
that he did not need to remind anyone
Of It's Importance
"Ma6emoiselle." he said, courteous.
! ly, Il have to beg You to follow me-"
Whore to-" she asked, curlouslN
but rising as She spoke.
TO The king, mademoisclle"
His majesty wishes to see me-"
she exclaimed, WONDERFULLY.
"Nes, mudemoisclle; the king de-
sired me to inform you that he wished
to speak with YOU
1T Is strange" she said, half to her
self. tor the king did me the honor to
speak to me but half an hour ago"
The officer bowed. 1T is not trou-
bic to madomoiSelle% he said. polite
ly,
She smiled. as II no answer were re-
ouisite 60 such question. One the
contrary. It Is great honor" AMI she
followed the chan hcrlaiu through the
brilliant ballroom to the kings recep.
ton chamber. whilst as they passed
people turned and looked on inquir.
Imgly, feeling sure that the great ar
tiste who had charmed all that even
ing was on the way TO receive royal
thanks for what she had done.
III.
1T Is here. mademoiselle," said the
chamberlain. courteouSly, as he
stopped before curtained doorway at
which stood an officer Of the body
guard. who drew back and saluted
The curtain parted and Xenla found
herself for second time in the space
of an hour In the nresence of the king,