Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-06

of the nation? His cOuntenance seem ed that of a courier rather than low born scapegrace. his bearing in conso- nance as, approaching the princess, he knelt near the edge of her sweeping crimson garment. Quietly the maid withdrew to a corner of the apartment where she seated herself on low stool, her fingers idly playing with the delicate carvings of a vase of silver containing water that had been bless ed and standing conveniently near the aspersorium.
 You come from the Duke of Fried wald, fool?' said the mistress, recov- ering from her surprise.
 "Yes, princess
 Louise smiled and looked toward the maid as if to say. "Why. he's a model of decorun!' but the girl continued regarding the figures on the vase, seemingly indifferent to the scene be- fore her.
 'T hear, Sirrah. but a poor account of your behavior last night" continued the princess. You must have care or shall send you back to the duke and command him to have you whip ped You have been here but over night, yet how many enemies have you made? The king. the admiral and, last, but not least. certain lady. Poor fool. You may have saved your neck, but for how long? Fie. what an ac- count must I give of you to your mas terr'
 "Ah madam" he answered quickly, "you show me now the folly of it all.' Let me See.' she went on more gently, "what we may do, since you are penitent. The king may forgive, the admiral forget, but the lady-she will neither forget nor forgive. For tunately, think she fears to disoblige me. and if let it be known you are an indispensable part of my house. hold"- She paused thoughtfully. Be sides, she has little secret she would keep from the king. Yes, the secret will save your' And Louise smiled knowingly as one who. although most devout. perhaps had missed few pa ters or credos in listening to idle world ly gossip.
 Madam" he said. raising his head. you Overwhelm me with your good neSS.'
 "Oh. like her not: a most designing creature" returned the lady carelessly. But you may rise. Hand me that em- hroidery," she added when he had obeyed. "How do I know the duke. my betrothed whom I have never seen. has not sent you to report upon my poor charms? What if you were only his emissary?"
 Princess" he answered. w am but q fool; no emissary. If were"-
 "WellT"
 She smiled indulgently at the open admiration written so boldly upon his face, and, encouraged by her glance, he regarded her swiftly, comprehen- sively-the masses of hair the fillet i'll confined; eyes soft lidded, dreamy as summers day; figure, pagan in gen. erous proportions; foot, however, petite, Parisian, peeping from beneath a robe. heavy, voluminous, vivid!
 "If you were?' she suggested, pass ing a golden thread through the cloth she held.
 'I would write him the miniature he has of you told but half the truth
 "So you have seen the miniature? It lies carelessly about, no doubt? Yet her tone was not one of displeasure.
 "The duke frequently draws it from his breast to look at it."
 And so many handsome women in the kingdom, toor' laughed the prin- cess. "A tiny, paltry bit of vellum!'
 Her lips curled indulgently, as of a person sure of herself Did not the fools glance pay her that tribute to which she was not a stranger? Her lashes, suddenly lifted, met his fully, and drove his look, grown overbOld. to cover. The princess smiled. She might well believe the stories about him. yet was not i'll pleased. Like master. like man, says the proverb. She con tinued to survey the graceful figure, well poised head and handsome fea- lures of the jester.
 "Tell me, sirrah." she continued, of the duke. SHalghtforwardly or I'll leave thee to the mercy of madam, the admirals wife. What is he likeT
 "A fairly likely man"'
 "'Tis what one says of man when one can say nothing else. He is not, then. handsome?"
 He has never been so considered.
 The princess needle remained sus' golden Cupid she was embroidering "Thc king hath played win me-" she murmurcd. He represented him as one of the most distinguished appear ing knights in the empcrors domains. Is he dark or light" she went on.
 Dark"
 .'Tall:"
 Rather short"
 His eyes?" said the lady after an oninoEs pause.
 Brown"
 His mannersf"
 Those of a soldier
 His speechT'
 That of one born to command"
 "Command" returned the princess ironically. ''Odious word.''
 You madam" quickly answered th, jester. "h- would serve
 A moment her glance challenged his coldly. proudly. and then her feature. softened. Tho indolent look crept into