Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-15

we had never yet spoken of. But I
 had an idea that in such case Sapt 1 meant to seat me on the throne of
 Ruritnnia for the term of my life He
 would have set Satan himself there
 sooner than that pupil of his, Black
 Michael.
 The ball was a sumptuous affair. I
 opened 1t by dancing quadrille with
 Flavia. Then valued with her.
 Curious eyes and eager whispers att
 tended us. We went in to supper, and
 halfway through I. half mad by then.
 fol, her glance had answered mine and
 her quick breathing met my stammer-
 ed sentences, rose in my place before all the brilliant crowd and, taking tho red rose that wore, nung the ribbon with its jeweled badge round her neck. In tumult of applause I sat down. I saw Sapt smiling over his wine and Fritz drowning. The rest of the meal passed in silence; neither Flavia nor could speak. Fritz touched me on the shoulder, and rose, gave her my arm and walked down the hall into . little room, where coffee was served to us. The gentlemen and ladies in at- tendance, withdrew, and we were alone.
 The little room had French windows opening on the gardens The night was fine, cool and fragrant Flavia sat down, and stood opposite her. I was struggling with myself. If she had not looked at me, believe that even then should have won my fight, but suddenly inyoluntarily she gave me one brief glance-a glance of ques- tion. hurriedly turned aside, blush that the question had overcome spread over her cheek, and she caught her breath. Ah. if you had seen her! I forgot the king in Zenda. I forgot the king in Strelsau. She was prlncess-and an impostor. Do you think I remem- bered that? I threw myself on my knee and seized her hands in mine. I said nothing. Why should I? The soft sounds of the night set my wooing to worthless melody as pressed my kisses on her lips. t.,
 She pushed me from her, crying sud denly:
 "Ah, is it true, or is it only because you must!"
 "It's true" said in low, smothered tones-"true that love you more than life or truth or honor.'
 She set no meaning to my words, treating them as one of loves sweet extravagances. She came close to me and whispered
 "Oh. if you were not the king, then I could show you how I love you! How is it that I love you now, Ru- dolf?"
 "Now?"
 "Yes-just lately. IT never did be- fore"
 Pure triumph filled me. It was L. Rudolf Rassendyll-who had won her! I caught her round the waist
 ''You didn't love me before?" asked.
 She looked up into my face, smiling as she whispered:
 ''It must have been your crown. I felt 1t first on the coronation day"
 Never besoreT' asked eagerly.
 She laughed low.
 "You speak as if you would be pleased to hear me say Yes to that" she said
 Would Yes be true?'
 "Yes," just heard her breathe. and | she went on in an instant: Be careful, | Rudolf be careful, dear. He will be | mad now"
 What, Michael? If Michael were the worst
 What worst is there?'
 There was yet chance for me. Con- | trolling myself with mighty effort, took my hands off her and stood yard or two way. I remember now the note of the wind in the elm trees out side.
 If l were not the king" I began. If were only private gentleman
 Before could finish her hand was in mine.
 If you were a convict in the prison of Streslau you would be my king" she said.
 And under my breath I groaned. Col forgive me-" and. holding her hand in mine, said again:
 If were not the king
 Hush. hush-' she whispered. 'I don't deserve it-I don't deserve to be doubted. An, Rudolf. does q woman who marries without love look on the man as I look on you:''
 And she hid her face from me.
 For more than a minute we stood there together. and I. even with my arm about her. summoned up what honor and conscience her beauty and the tolls that was in had left me.
 "Flavia." I said in a strange. dry voice that seemed not my own. "I am not
 As spoke-as she raised her eyes to was a heavy step on the gravel outside. and man appeared at the window. X little cry burst from Flavia as she sprang back from me. My half finished sentence died on my lips. Sapt stood there. lowing low, but with stern frown on his face. "A thousand pardons. sire" said he. but his eminence the cardinal has waited this quarter of an hour to offer his respectful sdieu to your majesty"
 I met his eye full and square. and I read in it an angry warning. How long he had been a listener I knew not.