Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-04-03
girl who loves him.
 T have not? When did you guess the truth--yesterGay or'-


 pold digested the answer and its full meaning. He remembered the bread and ham, the COW he could not milk, ! the rucksacks he had carried He re- membered everything and laughed.
 You knew at Alleheiligen? Not on the mountain when"- "Yes, guessed even then. confess Oh, l don't mean that I went there ex- pecting to find you. I didn't. think l shouldn't have gone had 1 known. Every one believed you were at Me | linabad, but when tumbled down and you saved me I looked up and-of course I'd seen your picture, and one reads in the papers that you're fond of chamois hunting. couldn't help guess ing. Oh, I'm sorry you asked me this" "WhyY
 Because ono might have to be afraid of an emperor if he were angry
 Do I look angry?'' Their eyes met again, laughing at first, then each finding unexpected depths in those of the other which drove away laughter. Something in Leopolds breast seemed alive and struggling to be free from restraint, like a fierce wild bird. He shut his lips tightly, breathing hard. Both for got that question had been asked, but it was Virginia who spoke first, since it is easier for woman than a man to hide feeling.
 q wonder why you kept the ring after my-impertinence."
 q had a good reason for keeping it."
 "Won't you tell me?'
 You're quick at forming conclu- sions, Miss Mowbray. Can't you guess?"
 "To remind you to beware of strange young women on mountains
 "No."
 Because your own picture is in. side:'
 Ut was better reason than that"
 Am l not to ask it?"
 chose. All the more should you do so now, since there's nothing I could re- fuse you"
 Not the half of your kingdom, like the royal men in fairy stories?'
 As soon as the words were out Vir ginia would have given much to have them back. She had not thought of a meaning they might convey, but she tried not to blush lest he should think of it now. Nevertheless he did think of it, and the light words, striking a chord they had not aimed to touch, went echoing on and on till they reached that part of himself which the emperor knew least about-his heart.
 Half his kingdom?" Yes, he would give it to this girl if he could. Heav. ems, what it would be to share it with her!
 "Ask anything you will," he said as man speaks in dream.
 "Then tell newly you kept the ring
 Because the only woman I evei cared-to make my friend took it from her finger and gave it to me-"
 Now the emperor is pleased to pay compliments
 "YOu know I am sincere"
 But you'd seen me only for an hour. Instead of deserving your friendship, I'm afraid r.
 For one hour? That's true. And how long ago is that one hour? A week or so, I suppose, as time counts But then came yesterday and the thing you did for me. Now I've known you always"
 If you had, perhaps you wouldn't want me for your friend"
 q do want you"
 The words would come. It was true already. He did want her. but not as a friend. His world-a world without women, without passion fiery enough to devour principles or traditions-was upside down.
 It was well that the ten minutes grace between dances was over and the music for the next about to begin. A young officer. Count von Breitsteins half brother. who was to be Mise MOwbray's partner, appeared in the distance looking for her. but stopped, seeing that she was still with the en- peror.
 'Goodby." said Virginia while her words could still be only for the ears of Leopold
 Not goodby. We're friends"
 "Yes. But we shan't meet often" 'Why? Are you leaving KronburgT "Perhaps-soon. I don't know"
 'I must see you again. I will see you once more, whatever comes"
 "Once more, perhaps. I hope SO but
 After that
 'Who knows!"
 "0nce more-Once morer' The words echoed in Virginia's ears. She heard them through everything. as one hears the undertone of a mountain torrent. though a brass band may bray to drown its deep music.
 Once more he would see her. what ever might come. She could guess why it might be only once. though he would faln have that once again and again repeated. for this game of hers, begun with such a light heart, was more difficult to play than she had dreamed.
 If she could but be sure he cared. if he would tell her so in words and not with eyes alone. the rest might be easy. although at best she could not see the end. Yet how in honor could he tell Miss Helen Mowbray that he caredr And if the telling were not to