Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-13
Sophy of Kravonia

the arms of the present, to beclon gladly to
the future No more than this had yet
emerged into consciousness; she was not yet
asked how, for good or evil, she stood or was
to stand toward the Prince. Fortune had
done wonderful things for her, and was doing
more yet. That was enough, and beyond that
for the moment she was not driven.
The mixture of poetry and drilling suited
her to perfection. She got both when she
rode over to Volseni with the Prince Crisp
snow covered the ground, and covered too,
the roofs of the old gray hillside town-long
sloping roofs, with here and there a round
tower with a snow-clad extinguisher atop.
The place was no more than one long street,
which bayed out at the farther end into a
rnarket-pace. 1t stood with its back against
a mountain-sde defended on the other three
sides by sturdy wall which only now, after
five centuries, began to crumble away at the
top. At the city gate bread and salt were
brought to the Bailiff and his companion,
and she and he rode side by side down the long
street to the market-place.
Here were two or three hundred tall fine
fellows, waiting their leader. Drill had not
yet brought formality; on the sight of him
they gave cheer and ran to form ring about
him Many caught his hand and pressed or
kissed it.
But Sophy too claimed their eyes She was
at the pitch of pleasure and excitement, and
in a moment a quick-witted fellow OWNED
The lady who saved himl'' he cried at the full
pitch of his voice.
The Prince drew himself up in the saddle
and saluted her. Yes, the lady who saved
me- he said.
Sophy had the cheers now, and they mounted
to her head with fumes of intoxication. 1t
may be guessed how the Red Star glowed
And you'll save him, if need bel" she cried
indiscreetly.
The Prince smiled and shook his head, but
the answer was an enraptured cheer. The
hatred of Slavna was a recommendation to
a match to its fiery enthusiasm
"A favor, Baliff, favor! cried a young
man of distinguished appearance. He seemed
to be well-known and to carry weight, for
there were shouts of g Hear Lukovitchl Hear
Lukovitchp' And one called with laugh
AYE, listen to the wofi''
What is it, Lukovitch?" asked the Prince.
MAKE the lady of our company, Bailiff. "
New cheers were raised. Make her lieu
tenant of our artillery.
Sophy laughed gaily.
Il have His Majestys authority to choose
my officers said the Prince, smiling Bar
oness, will you be lieutenant and wear our
sheepskins in place of your furs there?"
1t is your uniform, monseigneur," Sophy
answered, bowling her head.
Lukovitch sprang forward and kissed her
hand. For our Bailiff's preserver as for our
Bailiff, men of Voseni!'! he cried loudly.
The answering cheer brought tears to
Sophy's sparkling eyes. For moment she
could not see her Prince nor the men who thus
took her to their hearts.
Suddenly in the midst of her exultation,
she saw face on the outskirts of the throng.
A small spare man stood there, dressed in I'M
obtrusive tweeds, but making no effort to con-
ceal himself: he was just looking on, a stranger
to the town, interested in the picturesque
little scene. The face was that of Lieutenant
Rastatz. She put out her hand to touch the
Prince and ask his attention; but at the last
moment decided otherwise. She watched
the drilling of the gunners and then rode back
with the Prince, escorted beyond the gates by
a cheering throng, which had now been joined
by many women Dusk was falling, and the old
gray city took on a ghostly look; the glory
of the sunshine had departed.
Sophy shivered little beneath her furs.
"Monseigneur, did you see Rastatz?" she
asked.
mo, l didn't see him, but knew he was
here. Lukovitch told me yesterday"
And not in uniform"
He has leave, no doubt, and his uniform
wouldn't make his stay in Volseni any more
pleasant"
What's he there for?" she asked fretfully.
"Ah, Baroness, you must inquire of those
who sent him, | think" His tone was light
and merry.
ITO spy on you, l suppose! I hate his
being there, He-he isn't worthy to be in
dear Volseni."
You and Volseni have fallen in love with
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