The Elbert County tribune., 1906-04-12

| IQIebuOlQs u Cdnuit III ohC hoA&N --'
naked Sword in the other.
The terrible cry which had rung II
her ears had been his. At sight
him Joan unclasped her fingers IRON
the throat of the woman who hat
been her hostess and rose slowly u
her feet The old man rushed for
ward and knclt beside the PROSTATE
body of his mistress.
At the same moment there came
the sound of quick footsteps running
up the stairway. The door flew oper
and Werner Won Orseln burst In, also
sword in hand.
What is the meaning of this ne
shouted who has dared to harm
my lady?"
60 down and bring cup OF wine!
commanded Joan as soon as he ap
peared. And Werner Won Orseln de
parted without a word to do her bid
ding.
Meanwhile the Wordless Man had
raised his mistress up from the
ground. Garry your mistress to that
couchl" said the young duchess. point
| ing to the tumbled bed from which a
few minutes before she had so hastily
launched herself.
Whilst he was thus engaged Wer-
ner came in quickly with silver cup
in his hand.
Joan took 1t instantly and going for
ward she put it to the lips of the WON
an on the bed.
Putting out her hands the woman
took the cup and drank 1t slowly,
pausing between the draughts to draw
long breaths.
II must have strength" she said.
II have much to say. Then, Joan OF
Hohenstein, thou shalt judge between
thee and me-"
The color came slowly back to the
woman's pale face, and. after a little.
she raised herself on the pillows.
Joan stood motionless and uncompro-
missing by the great iron dogs of the
chimney.
you are waiting for me to speak,
and I will speak. You have double
right to know all. Shall it be told to
yourself alone, or in the presence OF
this MANI"
She looked at Won Orseln as she
spoke.
II have no secrets in my life," said
Joan. there is nothing that | would
hide from him. Save one thing!" She
added the last words in her heart.
There was an interval of silence
in the room, filled up by the hoarse,
persistent booming of the storm with
out and the shuddering shocks of the
wind on the lonely house. Then the
woman spoke again in low. distinct
voice.
Since it is your right to know my
name, am Theresa Won Lynar-who
have also a right to call myself of
Hohenstein'-and your dead fathers
widow!"
In an instant the reserve of Joau's
sternly equal mind was broken up.
She dropped her sword Gathering on
the floor and started angrily toward
the bed.
1T is lie most foul" she cried
my father lived unwed for many
years-nay, ever since my mothers
death. who died in giving me life. he
never SO much as looked on woman.
1t is thing well known in the
Duchy!"
The woman did not answer directly.
Max Ulrich. bring the silver cas-
ket," she said, taking from her neck
a little silver key.
The Wordless Man. seeing her
action, came forward and took the KEY.
He went out of the room. and after
an interval which seemed interminable
he returned with a peculiarly shaped
casket. The woman touched a spring
with well practiced hand, and a roll
of parchment fell upon the bed. With
strange smile she gave it to Joan.
beckoning her with an upward nod To
approach.
Joan took the cracking parchment.
1t had three seals attached to 1t and
the first part was in her fathers hand.
writing.
Il declare by these presents that
have married. according to the cus.
toms of Hohenstein and. the laws of
the empire, Theresa Won Lynar
daughter of the Count Won Lynar of
Jutland. But this marriage shall not
by any OF its occasions or consequents
affect the succession of my daughter
Joanna to the Duchy of Hohenstein
and the Principalities of Kernsberg and
Marienfeld. To which we subscribe
our names as conformity agreeing
thereto in the presence of His High
Eminence the Cardinal Adrian, Arch.
bishop of Cologne and Elector of the
Holy Roman Emnira"
After her first shock of surprise was
over Joan noted carefully the date. II
was one year after her own birth. and
therefore the like period after the
death of her mother. the openly ac
knowldged Duchess of Hohenstein.
Joan folded this parchment and
handed it back. Then she stood sileni
waiting for an explanation.