Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-09

sNUs o0ss w UVSD 'sssOs~ WI 'sssSV "Then they're friendsy' 'None better" said the old lady. But my rosy damsel tossed her head again. She was not to be repressed for long. and she broke out again:
 Aye, they love one another as men do who want the same place and the same wifew
 The old woman glowered. but the last words pricked my curiosity, and I lnterposed before she could begin scolding:
 "What, the same wife too! How's that, young lady?" "All the world knows that Black Mi chael-well, then, mother, the duke would give his soul to marry his cou- sin, the Princess Flavia, and that she is to be the queen"
 "Upon my word," said I, T begin to be sorry for your duke. But if man will be younger son, why, he must take what the elder leaves and be as thankful to God as he can," and, think ing of myself, l shrugged my shoulders and laughed. And then thought also of Antoinetts de Mauban and her journey to Strelsau.
 "Ie's little dealing Black Michael has with"- began the girl, braving her mothers anger, but as she spoke a heavy step sounded on the floor and gruff voice asked in threatening tone:
 "Who talks of Black Michael in his highness' own burg?'
 The girl gave a little shriek, half of fright-half, I think, of amusement.
 "You'll not tell of me, Johanny" she said.
 ''See where your chatter leads," said the old lady.
 The man who had spoken came for ward. ,-...s
 "We have company. Johann." said my hostess. and the fellow pluckcd of his cap. A moment later he saw me, and to my amazement he started back step, as though he had seen some thing wonderful. Y.
 "What ails you. JohannY' asked the elder girl. 'This is gentleman on his travels, come to see the coronation"
 The man had recovered himself, but he was staring at me with an intense, searching. almost fierce glance.
 Good evening to you." said I.
 Good evening. sir," he muttered. still scrutinizing me. and the merry girl began to laugh as she called:
 "See. Johann. 1t Is the color you love! He started to see your hair. sir It's not the color we see most of here in Zenda."
 .T crave your pardon. sir," stammer- ed the fellow, with puzzled eyes. T expected to see no one"
 "Give him a glass to drink my health in, and I'll bid you good night and thanks to you. ladies, for your cour- tesy and pleasant conversation"
 So speaking. I rose to my feet and with a slight bow turned to the door. The young girl ran to light me on the way. and the man fell back to let ne pass. his eyes still fixed on me. The moment I was by he started step forward. ask.ug:
 Pray. sir. do you know OUT kingT
 q never saw him." said I. T hope to do so on Wednesday" He said no more. but I felt his eyes following me till the door closed be- hind me. My saucy conductor, look ing over her shoulder at me as she pre- ceded me upstairs. said:
 There's no pleasing Master Johann for one of your color. sir"
 "TIe prefers yours. maybeT sug- gested.
 "I meant, sir. In a man." she answer ed. with coquettish glance.
 What" asked I. taking hold of the other side of the caudlestick. -does col or matter in a manr
 "Nay. but I love yours-it's the Elph- berg red"
 "Color in a man. said I. is mat. ter of no more moment than that- and gave her something of no value. God send the kitchen door be shut.' said she
 "Amcn." said I and left her. Tn fact, however. as l now know, color Is sometimes of considerable mo- ment to a man tTo b. r,,.s,-ss