The National tribune., 1906-10-04
But turned awav from him. thank

But turned away from him, thank
full that he could not see what my heart
held, but only be witness to the deeds
that my hands were to do.
Yet even he did not understand, for
he had not dared to lift his eyes to the
Princess Flavia, as 1 had lifted mine.
Our plans were now all made, even
as we proceeded to carry them out, and
as they will hereafter appear. The
next morning we were TO start on the
hunting excursion. l had made all ar
rangements for being absent, and now
there was only one thing left to do-the
hardest, the most heart-breaking. AS
evening fell 1 drove through the busy
streets to Flavia's residence. I was
recognized as 1 went, and heartily
cheered. I played my part, and made
shift to look the happy lover. In spite
of my depression 1 was almost amused
at the GOODNESS and delicate hateur with
which my sweet love received me. She
had heard that the King was leaving
Strelsau on a hunting expedition.
Il regret that We cannot amuse your
Majesty here in Strelsau." she said.
tapping her foot lightly on the floor.
Il would have offered you more enter
tainment, but 1 was foolish enough to
think"
We'll, what?" I asked, leaning over
her?
THAT for just day or two, after
after last night-you might be happy
without much gayety;" and she turned
pettishly from me, as she added, Il
hope the boars will be more engross-
ing"
I'm going after a very big boar"
said /; and, because / could not help
it, / began to play with her hair, but
she moved her head away
Are you offended with me?" I asked
in feigned surprise, for I could not re-
sist tormenting her a little. 1 had never
seen her angry, and every fresh aspect
of her was a delight to me.
What right have / to be offended ?
True, you said last night that every
hour away from me was wasted But
very big boar! that's a different
thing
Perhaps the boar will hunt me-" I
suggested. Perhaps, Flavia, he'll catch
me-"
She made no answer.
You are not touched even by that
danger?"
Still she said nothing: and I, stealing
round, found her eyes full of tears.
You weep for my danger?"
Then she spoke very low:
This is like what you used to be;
but not like the King-the King II
have come TO lOveI"
With a sudden great groan I caught
her to my heart
my darling." I cried, forgetting
everything but her, did you dream that
left you to go hunting?"
What then, Rudolf? All! you're not
going"
Wen, it is hunting. 1 go to seek
Michael in his lair"
She had turned very male
SO you see, sweet. 1 was not so poor
a lover as you thought me. I shall not
be long gone"
You will write to me. Rudolf?"
] was weak, but I could not say a
word to stir suspicion in her.
'Tll send you all my heart every
day." said l.
And you'll run no danger?"
None that / need not"
And when will you be back? All,
how long it will be.''
when shall l be back" 7 repeated.
"Yes. yes! Don't be long dear. don't
be long. I shan't sleep while you're
away"
II don't know when I shall be back"
said I.
Soon, Rudolf, soon?''
God knows, my darling. But if
never"
huSH, HUSH! ana Sne pressed ner
lips to mine.
"If never" I whispered, "you must
take my place; you'll be the only one
of the House then. You must reign
and not weep for me-"
For moment she drew herself up
like very Queen.
''Yes. l will" she said II will reign.
will do my part. Though all my life
will be empty and my heart dead, yet
I'll do itt''
She paused, and sinking against me
again, walled softly:
Come sooni come sooni"
Carried away, I cried loudly:
"As God lives, I-,es. I myself-will
see you once more before 1 diei"
What do you mean?" she exclaimed
with wondering eyes; but I had no an
swer for her, and she gaZed at me with
her wondering eyes,
/ dared not ask her to forget: she
would have found it an insult L could
not tell her then who and what 1 was.
She was weeping, and 1 had but to dry
her tears.
Shall a man not come back to the
loveliest lady in all the wide world ?"
said /. "A thousand MichaelS should
not keep me from youI'
She clung to me little comforted
You won't let Michael hurt you?"
mo. sweetheart"
"Or keep you from me?"
mo, sweetheart"
Nor anyone else?"
And again I answered:
mo, sweetheart"
Yet there was one-not Michael
who, if he lived, must keep me from
her, and for whose life I was going
forth to stake my own. And his fig
1.-the, buoyant figure I had met
in the woods of Zenda-the dull, inert
mass I had left in the cellar of the
lodge-seemed to rise, double
shaped, before me, and to come be-
tween us, thrusting itself in even where
she lay. pale. exhausted, fainting. in my
arms, and yet looking up at me with
those eyes that bore such love as / have
never seen. and haunt me now, and will
till the ground closes over me-and
twho knows?) perhaps beyond.
Ito be continued.)
Compliments.