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

leant back in his chair and placed a
hand on each arm. Mile. Xenia, it Is
an important message-the message Of
duty. | will net slight your intel!i-
SenCe by informing you that your
beauty has turned tho head Of my son,
but / will honor your intelligence,
mademciselle, by asking you to listen
to what have to say. Mademoiselle, "
he continued with more feeling,
would you do something for me?'
Il am grateful TO your majesty" re-
piled the girl. I feel deeply all the
many kinGnesses | have received at
Va1off.
And II you would requite these
these kindne5ses---- but stay, it is not
for kings to be satisfied with WORKS
alone. Accept this trifle,' and his
majesty handed her a sparkling ring
you woodland you could--offer a
return
eyes, sire
The king heaitated.
"You are surprised at something
sire?" the girl asked timidly, and her
fingers pressed The collet of the ring
NO, no, | am not surprised-not at
all surprised, mademoiseIle."
IF, sire, you would tell me what
should do. | lave received so much
Kindness here that ii would be leas.
ant to give any return"
That Is precisely the difficulty,
and inc king knit his brows.
"Tho difficulty, sire?"
He NODDED.
You have only to order me, your
majesty" faltereG the girl. "YOu
have only to order, will obey,
The king seemed to rouse himself
from a reyerie.
"Orer you, mademoiselle?" he said
ct last why, it is the last thing be
tore heaven that should wish tod o.
Come, let us talk for moment of
something else. Those are beautiful
pearls you are wearing"
Xeuia glanced down at the jewels
shining on her white throat and
smiled.
"Ihoy were given to me, sire" she
said, lightly,
All handsome gift. BY whom,
Intercepted the king, with an air Of
interest--"if | may inquirer" he add
ed graciously
"By the Duchess Marie Elizabeth,
sire
The monarch nodded. "Ah, It was
she, remember, who introduced you
to our court. Is It not SOP"
Yes your majesty" was the re-
Spouse Il owe much to her high
moss"
"And am profoundly grateful to
hor," said the king; and, mademoi-
sclle, it Is because | know that her in.
tcrest In You says everything for your
understanding that | appeal TO you
to your higher self. You must know"
and he leaut forward and took her
haud-"you must know that a mar
rIagc between my son and yourself is
out Of tho question, and yet do not
blame him for being blind. Therefore
II Is to You that | come. Mademoi-
sele, you must leave us-f0r Il time.
| The prince Is young he is uncertain
like our times, and in these days
more than ever the acts of kings are
watched more closely than of old.
VIII you do this for me? | ask II as a
friend, for wish to be your friend"
The Shl withdrew her hand quickly,
though the king endeavored to retain
1t, and she sank back in her chair,
while there was that in her COuntcn-
ance suggesting one who looked for
the direst and most melancholy news.
"Have | asked too much of you?"
said the king, sympathetically Per,
haps," he went on, gravely, much
sorrow would be spared YOU In the
years which are to come, Madcmoi-
selle, II YOU love my son-and YOU do
love him-you Will consent"
The girl burst into tears For 4
moment the king looked ut her, com
munlng with himself wondering
whether he was right in the step he
was taking, for. after all, life was life,
and wncre the gray SHADOWS of grief
could be avoided was 1t not right to do
500"
"Nc, size, she said at last; 1t is
right. You have not demanded too
much"
And YOU will forgive me-" he said,
with an attempt at gallantry. You
viii pardon what have doue?'
Il have nothing to forgive, sire. 1t
shall be as YOU wish she said,
mourufully,
THANK YOU" he said. earnestly
Il will so away" she said, tearfully
i will 20 away, As that is my duty,
1t shall be done"
You are greater than us ALL" eX
claimed the king. and he rose and
took her hand and kissed IT, Il owe
you much"
But the girl was transformed.
will It be so easy" she said, rts
ing, THE prince loves me, sire. He
has told me that many times, II 20
| I