Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1908-08-14


r. the time of his return
r. w -s'' - krohburG the chan
s..a cc!l"r would be as anX-
iOus to WriC-.e out Of
his propose. to visit the princes hunt
ing lodge ~ he had been to have II
accepted few hours before.
He shan't escape his humiliation,
though" the emperor told himself.
"IIe shall u, and he shall. beg forgive.
ness for his suspicious in sackcloth
and ashes. Nothing else can satisfy
NE now"
Thinking thus. Leopold looked sharp
~ from the window as his special
slowed into the central station at
kronburG along the track which had
been kept clear for Its arrival. No
other train was due at the moment
therefore few persons Were on the
coat, with lis face Swallowed by a
SLOUGH hat, was conspicuous.
The emperor had expected to see that
figure, but vaguely he wished there
were not so much briskness and self
confidence In the set of the massive
head and shoulders. The young man
believed absolutely in his love, but be
would have been gratified to detect q
something Of depression In the enc.
my's air which he might translate as
a foreknowledge Of failure.
Il hope your majesty will forgive
the liberty have taken in coming to
the station without a distinct invita-
ton to do So" were the chancellor's
first words as he met the emperor
"Knowing that you would almost GER
tainly arrive by special train. came
down from my house some time age
that I might be on hand without fail
when you arrived to place my electric
carriage ut your service. l thought II
probable that you would not have sent
to the palace and therefore 1t might
save you some slight Inconvenience IL
I were on the spot. If you will honor
my poor conveyance
Don't let US delay our business fol-
explanations or compliments. If you
please, chancellor" The emperor cut
him short brusQuely. II counted on
your being here with your carriage.
Now for the hunting lodge in the
woods"
As he spoke his eyes were on the old
mans face, which he hoped to see fall
or change. but there was no visible
sign Of discontinue, and Won Brett
stein made no attempt to excuse him
self from making the proposed visit.
Evidently nothing had happened dur
ing the hours since the message by tele-
phone to change the chancellor's mind.
Eyes. your majesty" came the
prompt response. Now for the hunt
ing lodge in the woods. l am ready to
60 with you there, as I always have
been and always shall be ready to
serve you when am needed"
1t was on Leopold's tongue to say
that It would be well If his chancellor's
readiness could be confined to those
occasions when 1t was needed, but he
shut his lips upon the words and walk
ed by the old mans side in frozen ST.
lence.
The carriage was waiting Just out
side the station, and the moment the
two men were seated the chauffeur
started noiselessly and swiftly.
Both windows were closed to keep
out the chill Of the night air, but soon
Leopold impatiently lowered one, for
getting the chancel1or's old fashioned
hatred Of drafts, and stared into the
night. Already they were approach
Ing the outskirts Of the great town,
and, flying past the dark warehouses
and factories Of the neighborhood, they
sped toward the open country.
The weather. still warm the evening
before-that evening Of moonlight not
to be forgotten-had turned cold with
morning. and tonight there was q
pungent scent Of dying leaves in the
air. 1t smote Leopold in the face with
the wind Of motion. and 1t seemed to
him the essential perfume of sadness.
Never again would he inhale that fra.
GRANGE Of the falling year without re-
calling this hour.
He was half mad with impatience to
reach the end Of the journey and con-
found the chancellor once for all, yet
as the swift electric carriage spun
smoothly along the white road and
landmark. after landmark vanished be.
hind tree branches laced with starr
something within him would at last
have stayed the flying moments had
that been possible. He burned to ask
questions Of Won Breitstein. yet would
have died rather than utter them.
1t was relief to the emperor when
after a long silence his companion
spoke, though a relief which carried
with 1t a prick Of resentment Even
the chancellor had no right to speak
first without permission from his SOY.
ereign.
"Forgive me, your majesty" the old
man said. "Your anger Is hard to bear
yet l bear it uncomplainingly because
Of my confidence that the reward Is
not far of. look for 1t no further ir
the future than tonight"
II. too, believe that you won't miss
your reward" returned the emperor
sharply.
Il shall have 1t, / am sure, not only
IN your majesty's forgiveness, but ir
your thanks"
I'm forgive you when you've asked
my pardon for your suspicious and
when you've found Miss Mowbray 70,
me-"
II have already found her and am
taking'yOu to her now"
Then you actually believe in you,
own story? You believe that this swee,
and beautiful young girl Is a fast &C.
tress. a schemer. a friend Of your no
toriously gallant friend and willing tc
risk her reputation by paying a late
visit unchaperoned to him at his hunt
Ing lodge In the woods? You are. afte.
oil. a very poor judge of character II
you dream that we shall see her there. II
Il shall see her, your majesty. and
you Will see her unless the madness
.oa call love has blinded the eyes OF
Your body as well as the eyes of YOU
mind. That she Is now at the lodge
know for the prince assured mo Will