Evening star., 1909-06-27


swered Henry.
The Margrave was asking a greater favor
than he knew; but Henry promised to convey
the Margraves message to Wilhelmna intend
ing to keep his word to the letter and IN the
spirit nearly as possible.
ONLY the occurrences and events of the
evening bearing directly this history
will be given. Soon after the visitors arrived,
Fritz with his beloved flute went with Doris to
the harpsichord and at once was lost in music.
The evening was warm, and of course the Mar
grave suffered intensely from the heat He soon
left the room through open window, and
after wandering in the garden for time re-
turned
During lull in the music he turned to Will
helmina and Henry, saying There IS a beautl-
full summerhouse just by the window, where we
can hear the music and enjoy the cool air. Will
you come with me and sit there?"
All, the adroit Adolph! Leave him alone to
find the way when lady is to be won by sheer
force of intellect and witt
Wilhelmina hesitated: but when the Mar
grave insisted she looked inquiringly at Henry,
and seeing approval in his face rose, saying, II
believe it will be cooler there than In the house.
NV brother and Doris don't seen. to need us,
and we can hear the music thror gh the open
window. Let 60"
The three accordingly w. ut to the summer
house and listened to the music After few
minutes the Margrave-the adroit the know
ing Adolph-excused himself, rose, and
After long, awkward silence, Henry said,
Il deem it but right to tell you that you
here alone with me because of deep laid plot
on the part of the Margrave."
If my being here is the result of plot, |
should return to the house at once, answered
Wilhelmina. who quite naturally resented any
arrangement between Henry and the Margrave
relating to her.
You need not be afraid that / shall forget
myself There is no plot in the sense in which
fear h11tI I hell he sch
and his unique request for my services will in
terest you if you wish to remain and hear of
them"
I'm gladly remain" responded the Princess,
reSum1ng her seat " was startled by what
you said; but again find myself asking for
giveness. That seems to be my chief ocsupa-
ton where YOU concerned.
There is nothing for me to forgive, and
your H1ghneSS IS too kind to me-.
Please do not speak in that manner; for we
are friends
Henry hesitated as if trying to check words
that were on his lips; but he failed and said,
To hear you say that are friends is sweeter
to my ears than-than- But let me tell you
about the Margrave's plan"
IDENTIFY relieved to turn the subject.
THE Margrave asked me to make love to you
on his behalf" said Henry.
Wilhelmina laughed nervously and after
two or three false starts, said, : The Margrave
did not know what he was asking, did her
Again she laughed nervously. 1T certainly is
unique situation when one man asks another
man to make love for him to the lady with
whom the other man is himself-the other
himself"
She had not foreseen the end of what she had
set out to say, she stopped suddenly in con-
fusion. Henry did not show that he the
significance of the girls unguarded words, and
proceeded with his narrative.
He told me to tell you that for him you
were the rose, the trees, the grass As nearly as
! can remember he said you were also the sun
and the stars, bringing to his heart on the wings
of light their messages from the confines of in
finite space, aye, even from the heart of God.
Part of the time the Margraves love lies on his
breast as if it were the whole earth, and again it
bears him on the wings of seraphs to the foot of
the great white throne. | cannot remember all
he said, and feel almost guilty of bad faith in
ridiculing him; for he spoke beautifully, ten
derly, passionately. There IS no doubt that he
loves you with a rare, noble passion. The poor,
grotesque Margrave is not fool, and his heart
is that of gentle child | love him. | should
almost give my life if by SO doing could cause
you to love him"
You might as well wish that | could fly to
the sun, and you had far better wish that l
were dead" answered Wilhelmina.
AT times. almost wish that you could de-
returned Henry; "for the unhappiness before
you seems more than | can bear. One pang
that you will suffer will be a thousand for me,