Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-27
S O p H Y O F
KRAVONIA
Continued from page II


It'll be all over the country soon, said
Markart, with rueful smile.
We'll, after ALL NJ. Zerkovitch is a jour
nast and journalists don't spare even them
selves, you know. And you're not reticent
person, are you? Don't you remember all the
information you gave me once"
''Ah, on the terrace of the Hotel de Paris!
Much has happened since then, Baroness.
Much always happens, if you keep your
eyes open" said Sophy.
" If you keep yours open, nothing happens
for me but looking at them"
She laughed merrily-a compliment never
displeased Sophy, and she could bear it very
downright
But if were to shut my eyes, what would
you do them"
He looked doubtfully at her hooking face;
she meant little more than the idle words
naturally carried Il don't think you'll give
me the chance of considering, Baroness He
indicated her costume with gesture OF his
hand. You've entered the service, see"
YES, Captain Markart, the Kings service,
We are brethren-you serve him too?
{" have that honor" Markart flushed un
der her laughing scrutiny.
I'VE fight shoulder to shoulder then. Well,
not quite-I'm gunner, you see"
Minus your guns, at present"
Not for long" She turned round and
swept her arms out toward the lake and the
hills Its day to think of nothing-just
to go riding, riding ridingl' Her laugh rang
out in merry longing.
What prevents your"
my military duties, Captain. she an
swered. You're lucky-you have long ride;
don't spoil it by thinking
81 think? Oh no, Baroness. | only obey
my orders"
And they never make you think" Her
glance quick at him for an instant.
There's danger in thinking too much, even
for ladies" he told her.
She looked at him more gravely, for his eyes
were on her now with a kindly, perhaps a re-
morseful, look. " You mean that for me?"
she asked. But if l too only obey my or
ders?"
with all my heart I hope they may lead
you into no danger" he said.
There's only one danger in all the world:
losing what you love"
Not sometimes, gaining it?" he asked
quickly.
Still the only danger would be of losing it
"There's life too" he remarked, with
shrug.
"Sir, we're soldiersl" she cried in merry
repro0o,f.
your life, Baroness, in the interests OF a world
not too rich in what you contribute to it"
Sophy looked at him, a subtle merri1nent in
her eyes Il think, Captain Markart, that if
you were my doctor you'd advise me to try a
change of air. Praslok is too exciting; is that
it? But / found Slavna-wel, far from relax
ing, you know
THE kravonian climate as a whole, Bar
oness-'
"Oh, no, no, that's too muchr' she inter
rupted. Then she said: It's very kind of
you-yes, | meant that-and it's probably
l don't ltnow-but probably against your
orders, So l thank you. But l can face even
the rigors of Kravonia"
She held out her hand; he bent and kissed it.
"In fact, hadn't the least right to say it,"
he confessed" not the least from any point
of view. It's your fault, though, Baroness"
Since I'm party to the crime, I'll keep the
secret" she promised with decidedly kindly
glance To Sophy admiration of herself al
ways argued something good in a man; she
had none of that ungracious scorn which often
disfgures the smile of beauty She gave
| little sigh, followed quickly by a smile. We've
said all we possibly can to one another, you
| and |; more than we should, perhaps. And
now to duty!" She pointed to the door of
| the castle.
The Prince was coming down the wooden
causeway He too wore the Volsen sheepskins
| In his hand he carried a sealed letter Almost
at the same moment groom led Markarts
horse from the stables. The Prince joined
them, and after bow to Sophy handed the
letter to Markart.
For His Majesty. And you remember my
message for General Stenovics?"
Accurately, sir"
"Goodl He gave Markart his hand.
"Good-by A pleasant ride to you, Captain