Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-05-11
CHAPTER N.


10 bid him defiance and tighten my
grasp on the crown-not for its own
sake. but because the king OF Ruri-
tania was 70 wed the Princess Flavia.
What Of Sapt and Fritz All. but
man cannot be held 10 write down In
cold blood the Wild and black thoughts
that storm his brain when an uncon-
troiied passion has battered a breach
for them. Yet. unless he sets up as a
saint. be need not hate himself for
them. He Is better employed. as Il
humbly seems TO me. i'm giving thanks
that power 70 resist was vouchsafed
50 him than in fretting over wicked
impulses which come unsought and ex-
tort an unwilling hospitality from the
weakness Of our nature.
IL was fine bright morning when 7
walked. unattended. 20 the princess
house. carrying n nosegay in my hand
Policy made excuses for love. and ev-
cry attention that I paid her. while II
riveted my own chains. bound closer 70
me the people OF the great city. who
worshiped her. I found Fritz's ina
morata. the Countess HelCa. gather
ing blooms in the garden FOR her mis-
tress' wear and prevailed on her TO
take mine iu their place. The girl was
rosy with happiness. for Fritz. In his
turn. had not wasted his evening and
no dark shadow hung over his WOO
Ing save the hatred which the Duke
or Strclsau was known 20 bear him.
"And that" she said. with a mis-
ehievous smile. your majesty has
made Of no moment Yes. I will take
the flowers. Shall I tell YOU. sire.
what is the first thing the princess
does with themt"
We were talking on n broad terrace
that ran along the back OF the house.
and a window above our heads stood
open.
Madame cried the countess mer-
rily. and Flavia herself looked out.
I barred my head and bowed. She
wore n white gown. and her hair was
loosely gathered GA q knot She kissed
her hand 20 me. crying:
Bring the king up. Helga; I'll give
him some coffee"
The countess. with a gay glance. led
the way and took me into FIavia's
morning room. And. left alone. we
greeted one another as lovers are
wont Then the princess laid two let
tiers before me. one was from Black
Michael most courteous request that
she would honor him by spending a
day at his castle OF Zenda, as had been
her custom once n year ia the sum
mer. when the place and It's gardens
were IA the height OF their great beau
~. / threw the letter down Ia dis
gust. and Flavla laughed at me. Then.
growing grave again, she pointed 20
the other sheet
4 don't know who that comes from"
she said. Read f."
I knew In moment. There was no
signature az all this time. but the hand.
writing was the same as that which
had told me OF the snare In the sum
mer house. IL was Ant0inette de Mau-
bans
have no cause 20 love you M ranI.
but God forbid that YOU should fan into
the power o. the duke. Accept no invita-
lions OF his Go nowhere without "a large
guard regiment IS not too much 10
make you safe show this II YOU can 90
him who reigns On Strelsau.
''Why doesn't Il say the kingT" ask
ed Flavia, leaning over my shoulder
so that the ripple OF her hair played on
my neck els il hoaxf"
''As you value life and more than
life. my queen" l said. obey 10 10 the
very letter. a regiment shall camp
round your house today. See that you
do not 20 out unless well guarded"
''An order, sireT' she asked, little
rebeliious.
Yes, an order. madame-if you love
me"
''Ahr' she cried. And I could not but
kiss her
''You know who sent it?" she asked.
81 guess" said 1. 1T is from a good
friend-snd, I fear, an unhappy wo-
man. You must be III Flavia, and IN
able TO go 10 Zenda. Make your ex-
cuses as cold and formal as you like"
$50 you feel strong enough TO anger
Michael?" she said. with proud smile.
I'm strong enough for anything
while you are safe" said /.
Soon l tore myself away from her.
and then, without consulting Sapt
took my way to the house OF Marshal
Strakencz. 7 had seen something OF
the old general. and liked and trusted
him. Sapt was less enthusiastic, but
had learned by now that Sapt was best
pleased when he could do everything.
and Jealousy played some part In his
views. AS things We're now, / had
more work than Sapt and Fritz could
manage, for they must come with me
10 Zenda, and l wanted a man TO guard
what loved most in all the world and
suffer me to set about my task OF re-
leasing the king with quiet mind.
The marshal received me with most
loyal Kindness. TO some extent took
him into my confidence. I charged him
with the care OF the princess, looking
him full and significantly In the face
as / babe him let no one from her
cousin the duke approach her unless he
himself were there and a dozen OF his
men with him.
you may be right. sire" said be,
shaking his gray head sadly. 81 have
known better men than the duke do
4hfncr. tho. SAr< g.