Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1908-08-07
NO. Al.
care much for the prince. He's too con-

curo hucn Tor the prince. Hes too con
ceited."
Il beg your pardonp he exclaimed In
astonishment 81 never heard How
on earth could you get such an idea
into your head~ he demanded.
Doesn't he 90 from one country to
another. expecting all girls of suitable
age and birth to be trotted out for his
inspection, just like selecting n neck
ter indignantly. "If I were a prin-
cess ! would positively enjoy having
him ask me to marry himv'
He could not take his gaze from the
flushed, piQua.n face.
IF | were prince I should be
broken hearted If you treated my pro-
posal with such scorn." he said fer
vently.
The princess rose hurriedly.
thiat must see IL the princess
.,ys..t I, 49,, \ me YOUR zame," he
asked. standing with his head uneo,
cred, "and that am to have the pleas
ure Of seeing you later in the day"
81 am afraid-I must not" she fal-
tered, "and please, please do not men-
ton that you have met any one here.
want to be free to come here again."
she added innocently.
His face suddenly lost its doieful
look.
would l be much In the way II
happened to be smoking my cigar here
when you come~ he suggested boy
ishly.
mot in the least-if you can get
away from the prince" she said as
she started down the path.
On the last day of the princes visit
she came into the rose garden a tribe
earlier but he was there, just az sho
had found him for the last three morn
ings.
"You are leaving this afternoon, I
hear" she said In greeting.
"And am to leave without knowing
your nameT he asked gloomily.
The princess eyes were wistful.
"Its best to let It remain simply--an
episode" she answered, with a refiec'
ton of his dependency.
but must know-I will known He
seized both her hands and held them
firmly.
81 can't tell you--now," she gasped,
"but If the prince is to be at the regat-
ia next month, perhaps I'll be able to
see you then, know our princess is
going"
The gloominess lifted from his face.
an see you'll find YOU'LL defy
all the powers that be--for your And
he suddenly took her in his arms and
kissed her.
For moment the princess did not
stir; then she gave startled exclama-
ton and slipped from his embrace.
Two days after the departure Of the
prince and his retlnue she found her
self well enough to go to the room
that the minister considered his own
special den. Her curiosity could no
longer be restrained, and the minister,
having always proved wax In her
hands, laid surely be induced to tell
all he knew about the late visitors.
While talking her glance fell upon a
small photograph lying on the table
before her. Her eyes widened and her
breath came faster.
"Who's thatl" she demanded eagerly,
stopping the minister In the middle OF
what he considered well chosen re-
mark.
Don't you know" he asked In aston
ishment. 81 believe 1t Is. though, tho
first photograph taken with full
beard. It's the prince, your hlghness,
and he graclouSly put his signature on
1t for me-"
The princess took the picture In her
hand, looked at 1t lntently, then gave
way to peal Of hysterical laughter
which caused the old man to lean over
her anxiously.
"Shall ring for one of the maids,
your highnessT he asked her perplex
eddy.
The princess sat up and wiped her
eyes on a dainty lace handkerchief.
mo, mol Don't ring! never felt bet
ter in my life have an inspiration.
I don't want to have marriage ar
ranged for me. There Is no romance
In such procedure If you will only
leave me free until after the regatta
promise to arrange for myself mar
rage that will please every soul In the
country. Give me freedom for one lit
tie MONTH" she coaxed. standing before
him and placing an eloquently per-
suasiye hand on each shoulder.
He looked into her eyes holplessly.
II shall never be able to understand
the feminine mind" he said dolefully.