Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-04-08

IIC ufOtc uNOthti UJttH HC StHHCo LCUs the ChanlOis Hunter" more than enough to assure the accom- plishment of his purpose had he been | dealing with subject. Unfortunately, however, Helen Mowbray was not a subject and had exhibited no sign of suhjection. It was therefore futile to prophecy whether or no she would choose to grant his request.
 Revolving the pros and cons. he was forced to conclude that she probably would not grant it-unless he had some new argument to bring forward. Yet what had he to urge that he had not already urged twice over? What could he say at this eleventh hour which would not only induce her to await his coming at Felgarde, but justify him in making last appeal when he came to explain it in person?
 As he stood pen in hand suddenly he found himself recalling fairy story which he had never tired of reading in his childhood. Under the disguise of fancy it was lesson against vacilla- ton, and he had often said to himself as a boy that when he grew up he would not. like the prince of the story, miss a gift of the gods through weak hesitation.
 The pretty legend in his mind had for hero a young prince who went abroad to seek his fortune and receiv. ed from one of the fates to whom he paid visit three magic citrons. which he must cut open by the side of cer tain fountain. He obeyed his instruc tions. but when from the first citron sprang an exquisite fairy maiden. de- manding a drink of water, the young man lost his presence of mind. While he sat staring the lovely lady van. ished, and with a second experiment it was the same. Only the third citron remained of the fate's squandered gifts. and when the prince cut 1t in half the maiden who appeared was so much more beautiful than her sisters that in adoring wonder he almost lost her as he had lost the others.
 My knife is on the rind of the last citron now" Leopold said to himself Let me not lose the one chance I have left"
 Last night he had believed that there would not be room in a mans heart for more love than his held for Helen Mowbray: but. realizing to the full how great was the danger of losing her. he found that his love had grown beyond reckoning.
 He had thought it q sacrifice to sug- gest morganatic marriage. Now a voice seemed to say in his car: "The price you offered was not enough. Is love worth all to you or not:" And he answered: Tt is worth all. I will offer all. yet not count if A sacrifice. That is love. and nothing less is love-
 A white light broke before his eyes like a meteor bursting. and the voice fin his ear spoke words that sent a fams through his veins.
 'I will do lt." be said. Who is there among my people who will dare say No to their emperor's Yes? I will make q ne~ law. I will be q law unto myself"
 His face. that had been paie. was flushed. He tore up the unfinished telegram and wrote another. which he signed Leo. the ChamOis Hunter" Then. when he had handed in the message snd paid. there was but just lime to buy his ticket. engage a whole arst class compartment for himself and dash into it before his train vas due to start
 As it moved slowly out of the big station LeOpold's brain rang with the noble mHsic of his great resolve. He .ould see nothing. think of nothing. put that His arms aehed to clasp his ove- His lips. cheated last night. d. ready felt her kisses. for she would give them now. and she would sive herself He was tresding the past of sn empire underf0Js h the hope of q future with her. and every throb of the engine was taking him nearer to the threshold Of that future.
 But such moments os supreme ex- sItztiOa coue rzrsly ia a 1ifedze- The h.zrt of man or woman could nst beat