The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1906-12-06

her ears had been his. Al slsnt ol
him loan unclasped her fingers from
the threat of the woman who mad
been her hostess and rose slowly to
her feet. The old man rushed for
ward and knct beside the PROSTATE
body of his mistress.
At the same moment there came
the sound of quick footsteps running
I'D the stairway. The door flew open
and Werner Won Urselh uurst in, also
sword in hand.
What is the meaning of this" he
shouted. who has dared to harm
my lady?"
GO down and bring cup of wine!"
commanded Joan as soon as he ap-
peared. And Werner Won Orseln de-
parted without word to do her bid
ding.
Meanwhile the Wordless Man had
raised his mistress up from the
ground. Garry your mistress to that
couch!" 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 a silver cup
in his hand.
Joan took it instantly and going for
ward she put it to the lips of the wom-
an on the bed.
Putting out her hands the woman
took the cup and drank it slowly,
pausing between the draughts to draw
long breaths.
Il must have strength" she said.
Il have much to say. Then, Joan OF
thee and mel
The color came slowly back to the
woman's pale face, and, after 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 / will speak. You have a double
right to know all. Shall it be told to
yourself alone, or in the presence of
this man."
She looked at Won Orseln as she
spoke
II have no secrets in my lite," 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 right to call myself of
Hohensteiu'-and your dead fathers
widow
In an instant the reserve of Joan'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 a 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 hel
action, came forward and took the kew
He went out of the room and after
an interval which seemed interminablf
he returned with a peculiarly shape(
casket The woman touched a sprins
! with well practiced hand, and a rol
of parchment fell upon the bed. Will
a strange smile she gave it to Joan
beckoning her with an upward nod I,
approach.
Joan took the cracking parchment
1t had three seals attached to II an,
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 q
the empire, Theresa Won LNnar
daughter of the Count Won Lynar n
Jutland. But this marriage shall NOT
by any Of its occasions or consequent,
affect the succession of my daugbte
Joanna to the Duchy of Hohenstei,
and the Principalities of Kernsberg AM
Marienfeld To which we subscrib,
our names as conjointly agreein,
thereto in the presence of His Higl
Eminence the Cardinal Adrian. Arch
bishop of Cologne and Elector of tn
Holy Roman Empire"
After her first shock of surprise wa
over Joan noted carefully the date
was one year after her own birth. an,
therefore the like period after IN
death OF her mother, the openly az
knowdged Duchess of Hohensteip
S Joan folded this parchment an
& handed it back, Then she stood silen
l. waiting for an explanation.
/ The woman took up her parabl
E calmly, like one who has long compr,
hended that such a crisis must on
u day arrive, and who knows her ma,