The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-08-11
Tie POISONED
Rose

woman moved toward the retired cor
ner Of the ballroom where the diplo-
mat and the swarthy little king we're
standing. In one hand she swung
yiyidly red rose.
"A country farers Offering your
majesty she said, extending the rose.
Its from my own garden"
With such nurture it 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 ex-
claimed.
The little king smiled. "Well?'
THE rose
The little king looked with q rueful
ali toward the woman. You see how
It is. He's an implacable despot. ]
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 it down 10 his side.
But smell IT, man; smell it," the
little king exclaimed. The perfumes
It's charm
TITS Rose Du Barry, isn't it?" the
diplomat replied. Il am particularly
fond Of It, but It 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
king declared.
No. want someone more impair
tlal. Yon are preiudiced, sire"
The diplomats eyes wandered round
the ROOM He beckoned, and a
young man approached and bowed a
particularly pleased smile passing over
his face as he spoke TO the woman.
He also flushed slightly, but her
cheeks grew suddenly pale.
Pm in an unfortunate position" the
diplomat explained. "A rose and /
cant 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
II toward his face
mo, you mustn't" the woman sud-
denly exclaimed. With an effort she
forced a laugh. You see, it might af-
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 IL SC" the
diplomat declared gaily.
The young man walked away with
laugh, and the woman followed him
with eyes that softened.
May I talk to you a little while?'
the diplomat said touching her arm
lightly. y 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 rough
willow bench In the conservatory.
why did you join the revolutions
ists?" 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
a large yellow flower she had pulled
What are you insinuating? 1t isn't
true. You are insulting"
u thought poisoned roses and such
things ended with Catherine d,
Medici," the diplomat went on
How dare YOU
The diplomat suddenly turned to the
woman ana held out the rose. "Wil
you smell it?" She drew back, on'
hand half raised to her face ANT
your brown-eyed Pietro-you were
afraid 1t would Cypress him. were yol
not? 1t would oppress everyone bu
the king" He raised his head an'
pointed 10 a door that led into th'
garden. Go In "a hours I'll tell
then this air wouldn't be very health
ful for you. Don't ever come back"
The woman drew herself up ant
set her white face into cold, frown
ing expression.
Don't try to sham" the diploma
sad IN even tones. This is proof
He swung the rose slightly.
The womans shoulders dropped an
she moved toward the door
Here. lake your rose" the diploma
said. He pitched It toward her a
expression Of disgust on his face.