The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1907-04-02

Il II WIS uSSdlllHS me VIII now
Er=TS be understood. / would so
- force Michaers hand that he
must kill the king. was in a position
to bid him defiance and tighten my
grasp on the crown-not for its own
sake, but because the king of Rurl-
tania was to wed the Princess Flavia.
What Of Sapt and Fritz? All, but
man cannot be held to write down in
cold blood the wild and black thoughts
that storm his brain when an uncop-
trolled passion has battered a breach
for them. Yet, unless he sets up as a
saint, he need not hate himself for
them. He is better employed, as 1t
humbly seems 10 me, in giving thanks
that power to resist was vouchsafed
10 him than In fretting over wicked
impulses which Come unsought and ex-
tort an unwilling hospitality from the
weakness OF our nature.
1t was fine bright morning when
walked. unattended, to the princess
house, carrying A nosegay in my hand.
Policy made excuses for love, and ev-
.ry attention that l paid her, while it
riveted my own chains. bound closer to
me. the people of the great city, who
worshiped her. found Fritz's ina
morata, the Countess Helga, gather
ing blooms In the garden for her mis-
tress' wear and prevailed on her to
take mine in 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
Of Strelsau was known TO bear him.
"And that" she said, with mis-
ehlevous smile, your majesty has
made Of no moment. Yes, l will take
the flowers. Shall l tell you, sire,
what is the first thing the princess
does with themT
We were talking on q broad terrace
that ran along the back OF the house.
and a window above cur heads stood
open. w..-
"Madame!' cried the countess mer-
rily, and Flavia herself looked out.
I barred my head and bowed. She
wore a white gown, and her hair was
loosely gathered In knot. She kissed
her hand to me. crying:
Bring the king up. Helga: Ill give
him some coffee"
The countess, with a gay glance, led
/ the way and took me into Flayia'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-a most courteous request that
she would honor him by spending q
day al his castle Of Zenda, as had been
her custom once year In the sum
mer, when the place and its garden:
were In the height Of their great beau
~. threw the letter down In dis
gust, and FIavia laughed at me. Then
growing grave again, she pointed Il
the other sheet. .l
81 don't know who that comes from
she said. Read IT,"
knew 10 a moment. There was N
signature at all this time, but the hand
writing was the same as that which
had told me Of the snare In the sum
mer house. 1t was Antolnette de Mau
bans.
I have no cause 10 love you re ram
but God forbid that you should fall int
the power Of the duke. Accept no invita-
4 HN
Kuard-a regiment r. not too much {
make you safe. Show this IL you can {
him who reigns In Streisau.
"why doesn't 10 say the kingT" ask
ed Flayia. leaning over my shonlde
so that the ripple Of her hair played Of
my neck. rs II hoaxT"
AS you value life and more tina
life. my qtieen." said. obey II TO th
very letter. 4 regiment shall cam
round your house today. See that 20
do not 20 out unless well guarded"
IAN order. sireT' she asked. it'll
rebeIllous.
"Yes, an order. madame-lf you loy
me-"
"Ahg' she cried. And I could not b.
kiss her.
you know who sent IT, she asked.
IL guess said I. ut Is from a goo
friend~.and. fear, an unhappy w
man. You must be III Flavia. and vi
able TO go 10 Zenda. Make your 81
r cuses az cold and formal NJ you ike
I $50 you feel strong enough 10 ang'
} MichaeIY' she said. with proud smll
"Pm strong enough for anytbin
while you arc safe" slid /.
' Soon I tore myself away from he
and then, without consulting Sapt.
took my way to the house Of Marsh
o strakencz. had seen something ,
e the old general, and liked aud tr1istt
D him. sapt was less enthusiastic. but
had learned by now that sapt was be
}. pleased when he could do everythin
4 and jealousy played some part IN ,
u views. AZ things were now, ha
more work than Sapt aud FRITZ cou
4 manage, fog they must come with u
y 10 Zenda. and wanted man 20 guai
a what loved most IN an the world a.
g suffer me 10 set about my task Of :