Oxford Democrat., 1908-04-21

Ing ruffian? Can't you see he intends
to steal your rucksacks or-or black
mail you or something? Is there no
manservant about the place whom the
landlady can call to help her.
All four of the actors on the little
stage glanced up, aware for the first
time Of an audience, and had the
grand duchess eyes been younger she
might have been still further puzzled
by the varying and vivid expressions
5f their faces. But she saw only that
the dark brOwed peasant man who had
glared so haughtily at poor Frau Ior-
van was throwing off his burden with
haste and roughness.
81 do hope he hasn't already stolen
anything of value" cried the grand
duchess. Better not let him go until
you've looked into your rucksacks.
Remember that silver drinking cup
you would take with YOU
She paused. not so much in Difference
to Virginia's quick reply as In amaze
mcat at Frau Yorvan's renewed ges-
ticylntons. Was 1t possible that the
woman understood more English than
her guests supposed and feared lest
the brigand. perhaps equally well in
structed, might seek immediate re-
venge? His bare knees alone were
evidence against his character in the
eyes of the grand duchess. They save
him a brazen, abandoned air. and a
young man who cultivated so long
space between stockings and trousers
might be capable OF any crime.
"Oh. mother, you're very much mis-
takenr Virginia was protesting. "rhis
man is great friend Of mine and has
saved my life. You must thank him.
If it were not for him l might never
have come back to YOU
At last the meaning of her words
penetrated to the intelligence OF the
grand duchess through an armor Of
misapprehension.
"EIe saved your life" she echoed.
"Oh, then you have been in danger!
Heaven be thanked for your safety.
and also that the mans not likely to
know English or l should never for
give myself for what I've said. Here
is my purse, dearest. Catch it as
throw and give 1t to him just rs it is.
There is at least f20' in ii. and !
only wish ! could afford more. But
what is the matter, my child? You
look ready to faint"
AS she began to speak she snatched
from a desk at which she had been
writing netted silver purse. But
while she paused, waiting for Virginia
to hold out her hands, the girl forbade
the contemplated act of generosity
with an imploring gesture.
"IIe will accept no reward for what
he has done except our thanks. and
those | give him once again" the girl
| answered. She then turned to the
| chamoiS hunter and made him pres
| ent of her hand, over which he bowed
with the air of a courtier rather than
the rough manner of a peasant And
the grand duchess still hoped that the
emperor might be at the window, as
really 1t was pretty picture and, 1t
seemed to her. presented pleasing
| phase of Virginia's character.
She eagerly awaited her daughters
coming, and, having fingered at the
window to watch with impatience the
rather ceremonious leave taking, she
FASTENED to the door of the improvlsed
sitting room to welcome the noun
taineers as they returned to tell their
| adventures.
"My darling, who do you think was
| listening and looking from the win
| dow next ours?" she breathlessly In
ouired when she had embraced her
newly restored treasure, for the secret
| of the adjoining room was too good 10
keep until questions had been put.
Cant YOU guess? I'm surprised at
that since you were so sure last night
of a certain persons presence not far
away. Why, who but your emperor
himself!'
The princess laughed happily and
kissed her mothers pink cheek. Then
he must have an astral body said
she, "since one or the other has been
with Inc all day. and it was to him
or his doppelganger-that you offered
your purse to make up for accusing
him of stealing"
The grand duchess sat down, not sc
much because she wished to assume
sitting position as because she expert
enced sudden uncomfortable weakness
of the knees. For moment she was
unable to speak or even to speculate
but one vague thought did trail dimly
across her brain: Heavens. VIVA
have done to him? And maybe some
day he will he my sOn-in-law."
Meanwhile Frau Yorvan-a strange
| " subdued Frau Yorvan-had droop
incly followed the chamOis hunter int
the inn.
"My dear old friend, you must learl
not to lose that well meaning head o
yours" said he in the hail.
"Oh, but, YOUR majesty
"Now. now, must l remind you again
that his majesty is at kronbnrg o
Petersbruck or some other Of his resi-