Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-05-01


must kill the king. was In position
TO bid him defiance and tighten my
grasp on the crown-not for it's own
sake, but because the king Of Ruri-
tania was to we'd the Princess Flavia.
What OF Sapt and Fritz? All, but a
man cannot be held TO write down in
cold blood the wild and black thoughts
that storm his brain when an uncon-
trolled passion has battered breach
for them. Yet. unless he sets up as a
saint. he need not hate himself for
them He is better employed, as il
humbly seems TO me, in giving thanks
that power 10 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 a fine bright morning when
walked, unattended, to the princess
house, carrying nosegay in my hand.
Policy made excuses for love- and ev-
cry attention that | paid her. while il
riveted my own chains, bound closer TO
me the people of the great city. who
worshped her. found Fritz's ina
morata. the Countess Helga, gather
ing blooms In the garden for her mis-
tress' wear ana prevailed on her to
take mine I'm their place. The girl was
rosy with happiness. for Fritz. in BIS
turn. had not wasted his evening and
no dark shadow hung over his WOO
ng save the hatred which the Duke
IF Strelsau was known 10 bear him.
"And that" she said. with a mis-
shievous smile your majesty has
made Of no moment Yes. | Will take
the flowers. Shall | tell you. sire.
what is the first thing the princess
does with themf"
We were talking on a broad terrace
that ran along the back o. the house.
and a window above our heads stood
open
"Madamer cried the countess NOR
rily. and Flavia herself locked oIt.
= barred my head ald bowed. she
wore q white gown. and her hair was
ioose.y gathered Ia a knot. She Kiss 81.
her hand to me. crying
Bring the king NJ. Hclea III e.ve
him some coffee
The countess. with O gay glance, lei
Tie way and taaE me into Flayia's
morning room. And. lcft alone. we
greeted one another $40 lovers are
won't Then the princess Laid two lct-
tcrs before me. one was freD BAG.
Mlchaol-a most courteous request thai
lie would honor him hy spcndiag 90
day at his castle OF Ienda. a. had been
her custom once ycar IN the sam
mer when the place ana iis garden
were In the height OF their great beau
~. | threw the letter down in DIS
gust. and Flavia laughed az me. Tloa.
growing lrave again. she pointed O.
he other sheet.
II don't know who that comes from
she said. "Hoad Il"
I knew Ia q moment. There was 10
signature az MI 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 Antoinette Dc Mau.
bans
I have ro cause % love YOU fit rauL
but God forbid that you should fan into
che power Of the duke Accept mo- invita-
uons Of his. Go nowhere without a large
guard-a regiment is not Too much 90
make YOU safo show this o. you can OIL
him who reirus in Sirclsau.
"Why doesn't IL say the kingY ask
ed Ilayia. leaning over my shoulder
SO that the ripple Of her hair played on
my neck as It "a hoax?r
AS you value life and more than
Hfc my queen. I said. "obey it TO the
very letter a regiment shall camp
round your house today See ihat sou
10 rot GO ori laless wen gusucd..r.