Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-06-02
By c. N. and A. M. WILLIAMSON,
Authors of "6< Lightning Conductor" "Ro,
nary In Search Of . Father" Etc. -


that even had your conclusions moi
been lame ones"
The old man accepted this rebuff In
silence. But It was not the silence OF
absolute hopelessness; 1t was only such
pause as prize fighter makes be-
tween rounds.
"Your majesty will not be in toe
great haste, ak all events, / trust" he
said at last-"at least little refiec
tion, little patience, to cool the blood
have not laid down all my cards yet. ,
'It's often bad policy not to lead
trumps," replied Leopold.
"Often, but not always. Time and
the end of the play will show. Is your
majesty's indulgence for the old man
quite exhausted"
"Not quite, though rather strained, /
confess" Leopold tempered his words
with a faint smile.
"Then I have one more important
question to ask, venturing to remind
you first that I have acted solely in
your interest. II such step as you
contemplate should be MY deathblow
it is because Of my love for you and
Rhaetia. Tell me, your majesty. this
one thing. If 1t were proved to you
that the lady you know as Miss Now
bray was not only not the person she
pretends to be, but In all other respects
unworthy of your love, what would
you do?"
"You speak Of impossibilities."
"But If they were not impossible
ties"
"In such a case I should do as Othe!
men do-spend the rest Of my life in
trying to forget a lost IDEAL
II thank your majesty. That is all l
ask. / suppose you will continue your
Journey"
Eyes. as far as Felgarde, where I
hope to find Lady Mowbray and her
daughter"
"Then, your majesty, when I've ex-
pressed my gratitude for your for
bearance, even though I've failed tc
be convincing, I'll trouble you no long
er."
The chancellor rose painfully, with a
reminiscence of gOut, and Leopold
stared at him IN surprise. What do
you mean?" he asked.
"Only that, as l can do O-no further
good here, with your permission will
get out at the station we are coming
to and go back home again"
The emperor realized what he had
not noticed until this moment-that the
train was slackening speed rs it ap
preached the suburbs Of town. His
conversation with the chancellor had
lasted for an hour, and he was far
from regretting the prospect of being
left in peace. More than once he had
come perilously near to losing his tem-
per, forgetting his gratitude and the
old mans years. How much longer he
could have held out under continued
strain of prOvocation he did not know.
So he spoke no word Of discussion when
Count Won Breitstein picked up his soft
hat and buttoned his gray coat for de-
parture.
'T've passed pleasanter hours In your
society. I admit" said Leopold when
the train stopped. But l can thank
you for your motives. If not your max
inns, and here's my hand"
ut would be most kind Of your maj
esty to telephone me from Felgarde,"
the chancellor exclaimed, as if on Il
sudden thought, while they shook
hands, merely to say whether you re-
main there or whether you go farther
or whether you return at once. | am
too fatigued to travel back immediate
ly to Schloss Breltstein and shall rest
for some hours at least in my house
at Kronburg, SO a call will find me
there"
81 will do as you ask" said the en-
peror. Again he pressed the chancel-
lor's hand, and 1t was very cold.