Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-25

Aol was aloHe, lOT tHe USnC tnat | came from pair of shaded candles on the mantelpiece was very dim. But | presently l discerned woman's figure ] standing by the window. I knew it was the princess. and I walked up to ! her, fell on one knee and carried the hand that hung by her side to my lips. | She neither moved nor spoke. I rose to my feet and, piercing the gloom with my eager eyes, saw her pale face ! and the gleam of her hair, and before l knew I spoke softly: "Flavia!"
 She trembled little and looked round. Then she darted to me, taking hold of me
 Don't stand. don't stand. No, you mustn't. You're hurt! Sit down. here, here"
 She made me sit on a sofa and put her hand on my forehead.
 "How hot your head is. she said, sinking on her knees by me. Then she laid her head against me. and heard her murmur. "My darling, how hot your head is..'
 Somehow love gives even to a dull man the knowledge of his lovers heart. I had come to humble myself and pray pardon for my presumption, but what said now was: J ..r, --.
 -'I love you with all my heart and soul"
 For what troubled and shamed her? Not her love for me. but the fear that had counterfeited the lover as had acted the king and taken her kisses with a smothered smile.
 with all my life and heart" said l as she clung to me. Always. from the first moment I saw you in the ca thedral. There has been but one wo- man in the world to me. and there will be no other. But God forgive me the wrong I've done you.'
 "They made you do it." she said quickly. and she added. raising her head and looking in my eyes: Tt might have made no difference if I'd known 1t. It was always you. never the king" And she raised herself and kissed me.
 "I meant to tell you" said I. "I was going 10 on the night of the ball in Strelsau when Sapt interrupted me. After that I couldn't-I couldn't risk losing you before-before-I must. My darling. for you I nearly left the king to die"
 ''I know. know. What are we to do now. RudolfT'
 put my arm round her and held her up while said:
 ''I am going away tonight"
 "Ah. no. no.' she cried. Not to- night.'
 "I must 20 tonight before more peo- pie have seen me. And how would you have me stay. sweetheart. ex- cept''-
 If I could come with you" she whispered very low.
 My Cod said roughly. don't talk about that And I thrust her a little back from me.
 Why not: love you. You are as good gentleman as the king"
 Then was false to all that I should have held by. for I caught her in my arms and prayed her in words that will not write 10 come with me. daring all Ruritania to take her from me. And for awhile she listered. with won- dering. dszzled eyes. but as her eyes looked on me I grew ashamed and my voice died away in broken murmurs and stammerings. and at last I was silent.
 She drew herself away from me and stood against the wall. while I sat on the edge of the sofa. trembling In er- cry limb. knowing what I had done. loathine It. obstinate not to undo it So we rested long time.
 T am mad I said sullenIy.
 "T love your madness. ,,esr.- she sn- svered.
 Her face was away from me. but caught the sparkle Of 6 tear on her cheek. [ ciutchei the sofa with my hand and he'd myself there.
 -Ts love the only thinzy- she asked fin low. sweet tones that seemed to h-ius a calm even to rsy vTuzg heart If love were the ouly thing. I could follow you-In rzes. if need be-to the worlds erd. for yo1 hold my heart Ia the hollow Of ycur hsnd. But Is love the only thingy
 I made her 10 answer. It gives me shame now to think that vould not belP her
 She came near ne sui laid her hand n my shosider- I put ny hand up and ,eh hers T kno- peorie write and talk e If |