Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-12

him on the cheek. think We were both glad when that was over! But neither in the face of the prin- cess nor in that of any other did see the least doubt or questioning. Yet had I and the king stood side by side they could F ve told us in an instant or at least on little consideration. But neither they nor anyone else dreamed or imagined that I could be other than the king. So the likeness served, and for an hour I stood there, feeling as weary and blase as though I had been king all my life, and ey- erybody kissed my hand, and the am bassadors paid me their respects, among them old Lord Topham. at whose house in Grosvenor square had danced score of times. Thank heay- en. the old man was as blind as bat and did not claim my acquaintance. l Then back we went through the 1 streets to the palace. and heard them cheering Black Michael, but he, Fritz told me, sat biting his nails like a man I in reverie. and even his own friends 1 said that he should have made brav- | CT show. was in carriage now. side by side with the Princess Flavia, and rough fellow cried out: And when's the wedding?" and as | he spoke another struck him in the face, crying, "LGng live Duke Michaelr' 1 and the princess colored-it was an ad- mirable tint-and looked straight in front of her.
 Now felt in a difficulty. because I had forgotten to ask Sapt the state of my affections or how far matters had gone between the princess and myself. Frankly, had been the king the fur ther they had gone the better should have been pleased, for am not slow blooded man, and I had not kissed Princess Flayia's cheek for nothing. These thoughts passed through my head: but. not being sure of my ground, said nothing. and in moment or two the princess, recovering her equanim- ity, turned to me.
 Do you know, Rudolf" said she, you look somehow different today"
 The fact was not surprising, but the remark was disquieting.
 You look," she went on. more sober, more sedate. You're almost careworn, and I declare you're thin ner. Surely it's not possible that you've begun to take anything seri. ously?'
 The princess seemed to hold of the king much the same opinion that Lady Burlesdon held of me.
 I braced myself up to the converse. ton.
 Would that please you?" I asked softly. ...... + =--@.
 "Oh, you know my views" said she, turning her eyes away.
 Whatever pleases you I try to do," l said, and as I saw her smile and blush thought that was playing the kings hand very we'll for him. So continued, and what I said was per fectly true:
 "I assure you, my dear cousin, that nothing in my life has affected me more than the reception I've been greeted with today" L.-
 She smiled brightly. but in an in- stant grew grave again and whisper. ed:
 Did you notice Michael?'' %
 "Yes,' said I. adding, He wasn't enjoying himself"
 Do be careful.. she went on. You don't-indeed you don't-keep enough watch on him. You know
 T know," said I. that he wants what I've got.'
 "Yes. Hush.''
 Then. and I cant justify it. for I committed the king far beyond what I had right to dol suppose she car. ried me ofy my feet-I went on:
 And. perhaps. also something which hsven't eo, yet, hut hope to win some day"
 This was my answer-had been the king I should have thought it encour- aging:
 Haven't you enough responsibilities VI" s"e hoi VhS uds. SOuslHs
 Bang, bang! Blare, blare. We were at the palace. Guns were firing and trimpets blowing. Rows of lackeys stood waiting, and, handing the prln. cess up the broad marble staircase. I took formal possession as a crowned king Of the house of my ancestors and sat down at my own table. with my cousin on my right hand. on her other side Black Michael and on my left his eminence the cardinal Behind my chair stood Sapt. and at the end of the table I saw Fritz von Tsrlenheim drain to the bottom his glass of champagne rather sooner than he decently should.
 wondered what the king of Ruri. tania was doing.
 ITn ha