The new era. (Walden, Colo.) 1906-19??, 1908-08-27
the POISONED
ROSE
By a. N. Perkerson.

woman moved toward the retired cor
ner OF the ballroom where the diplo
mat and the swarthy little king were
standing. In one hand she swung q
wildly red rose
"A country farer's Offering, your
majesty" she said, extending the rose
cts from my own garden"
with such nurture 1t couldn't have
been otherwise than beautiful" the
little king replied CALAMITY. raising the
bloom toward his lips.
The diplomats fingers suddenly In
terposed. Your majesty" he e1
claimed
The little king smiled. ''Well?"
THE rose"
The little king looked with rueful
air toward the woman. you see how
1t is. He's an implacable despot. J
must humor him."
The woman nodded her head viva
ciously, but there was CLEAN OF an
ger in her smile.
The diplomat took the rose and
swung 1t down to his side.
But smell 1t, man; smell it, the
little king exclaimed. THE perfumes
its charm
Its a Rose Du Barry, isn't it," the
diplomat replied. II am particularly
fond of 1t, but 1t sets my head whirl-
ing worse than incense. I'll have to
enjoy its perfume by proxy"
"Then I'll be your proxy" the little
hing declared
mo. l want someone more impair
tial You are prejudiced, sire"
The diplomats eyes wandered round
the room. He beckoned, and 4
young man approached and bowed,
particularly pleased smile passing over
his face as he spoke to the woman.
He also flushed slightly, but her
cheeks grew suddenly pale.
I'm in an unfortunate position the
diplomat explained. "A rose and l
can't smell It. It's perfume goes to
my head. Won't you be the medium
Of my enjoyment"
The young man laughed. with
pleasure" He took the rose and raised
It toward his face.
mo, you mustn't" the woman sud
denly exclaimed. With an effort she
forced laugh. You see, 1t might al
feet you the same way-oppress you,
you know. 1t has that effect upon
many. Perhaps I'd better reclaim It."
mo, you shan't rob me of 1t So" the
diplomat declared gaily.
The young man walked away with
q laugh, and the woman followed him
with eyes that softened
to11 IN
the diplomat said, touching her arm
tightly. Il want to talk about
roses"
The woman started and turned pale.
But she allowed him to guide her
across the large room.
Idly swinging the rose in one hand.
the diplomat leaned against a rough
willow bench in the conservatory.
why did you join the revolution
lists? ?" he asked. softly.
What do you mean?" the woman
demanded.
Really, didn't know until yester-
day that you were in the ranks of the
enemy. And this" he bent his head
toward the rose. How could you
have attempted it? 1t was very fool
hardy"
The woman began to pick to pieces
q large yellow flower she had pulled,
What are you insinuating? 1t isn't
true. You are insulting"
81 thought poisoned roses and such
things ended with Catherine de
Medici," the diplomat went on.
How dare you!"
The diplomat suddenly turned to the
woman and held out the rose. "Will
you smell it?" She drew back, one
hand half raised to her face. And
your brown-eyed Pietro-you were
afraid it would Cypress him, were you
not? 1t would Cypress everyone but
the king" He raised his head and
pointed to a door that led into the
garden. 60. In "a hours I'll tell;
then this air wouldn't be very health
full for you. Don't ever come back"
The woman drew herself up and
set her white face into cold, frown-
ing expression
Don't try to sham" the diplomat
said In even tones. This Is proof.
He swung the rose slightly.
The woman's shoulders dropped and
she moved toward the door
Here, take your rose" the diplomat
said. He pitched 1t toward her. an
expression of disgust on his face.