Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-03-30

~2k
 JSsssssss A draft Of our Rhaetidn beer ,0tll do
 yOu more good than dnything." deprivation, as we're all true Rhae tians for our beer. But now on your account I'm sorry"
 Perhaps you have some milk?" sug gested Virginia. II love milk. And could scarcely count the cows, they were so many. as I came up the noun tain from Alleheiligen.'
 Its true there are plenty of cows about" replied her host and I could easily catch one. But If I fetch the beast here can you milk it?"
 Dear me, no. Surely you. a great strong man, would never stand by and let weak girl do that? Oh. I almost wish I hadn't thought of the milk ii I'm not to have it. I long for it so much"
 You shall have the milk. lady," re turned the chamois hunter. "I"-
 How good you are" exclaimed the princess. Tt will be more than nice of you. But-I don't want you to think that I'm giving you all this trouble for nothing. Here's something just to show that I appreciate it and to re. member me by"
 She would not look up, though she longed to see what expression the dark face wore. but kept her eyes upon her hand, from which she slowly withdrew ring. It fitted tightly, for she had had 1t made years ago before her slender fingers had finished grow. ing. When at last she had pulled of the jeweled circlet of gold she held it up temptingly.
 What I have done and anything may yet do is pleasure" said the hunter. But, after ell, you have learn cd little of Rhaetia if you think that we mountain men ever take payment from those to whom we've been able to show hospitality"
 "Ah. but I'm not talking of pay ment," pleaded the princess. q wish only to be sure that you mayn't forget the first woman who, you tell me, has ever entered this door"
 The young man looked at the door, not at the girl. Ut is impossible that I should forget" said he. almost stiffiy.
 Still. 1t will hurt me if you refuse my ring" went on Virginia. Please at least come and see what it's like"
 He obeyed, and as she still held up the ring he took 1t from her that he might examine 1t more closely.
 The crest of Rhaetia" he exclaim- ed as his eyes fell upon a shield of black and green enamel set with small but exceedingly brilliant white dia- monds. How curious. I've been wondering that you should speak our language so well''-
 Its not curious at all really. but very simple" said Virginia. Now" with a faint tremor fin her voice press the spring on the left side of the shield and when you've seen what's underneath I think you'll feel that you can't loyalty refuse to accept my little offering"
 The bronze fOrefnger found a pins point protuberance of gold. and. press ing sharply, the shield few up to re- veal a tiny but exquIsitely painted miniature of Leopold | of Rhaetia.
 The chaWois hunter stared at 1t and did not spAak. but the blood came up to his brown forehead.
 "You're surprisedT' asked Virginia. 'I am surprised because I'd been led 10 suppose that you thought poorly Of our emperor"
 Poorly! Now. what could have given you that impressionT'
 Why. you made fun of his opinion of women
 Who am I, pray. to make fun ot an emperor's opinion. even in a mat ter he would consider 50 uRImpOrtant! On the contrary. confess that I. like most other girls I know. am deeply L1NNAI5-EA AA s34A AAEaA AlENtsNlu AA only because I-we-vould be charita. blv minded and teach him better. As for the ring. they sell things more or less of this sort in several of the Rhaetian cities I've passed through on ny way here. Didn't you know thatT' NO. lady. have never seen one ike ft-7
 And. as for my knoSleize of Rhae- ian. I've always been interested in he study of lsnzusss< Languages Ire fascinating to conquer. and then be literature of your country ls so tPlendid one must be abe to read 1t # first hand Nov. youT have to say Yes to the ring won't voa. and keep | for your emperor's sake. if not for nineg-
 May I not keep It fer yours as rsWy
 CTo Ss ContiausdJ.