Evening star., 1909-06-13
CHAPTER X.
The Marerave's Blessed Lie

V/HEN Henry and the Margrave entered
w The Tabagie they noticed the King IN
earnest consultation with Baron Grumkow and
Field Marshal Seckendorf in a corner of the
room apart from other members of the parlia-
ment The Crown Prince was standing by him.
self the King end of the table. The Ia
bagians were scattered in groups about the
room and everyone but the little Prince was
talking
The kindly Margrave at once went to the
Crown Prince. spoke to him. and received
sullen response to his greeting Fritz Henry
had stopped two or three yards from the Prince.
and. pitying him. hoped that the little fellow
would make some kindly sign of recognition.
The Crown Prince caught Henry's eyes: but
turned away with well defined sneer on his
face Henrys sympathy was so great. and his
sorrow for the boys unhappy lot was so keen.
that the Crown Princes contempt aroused only
feeling of pity The unfortunate young fel-
low enjoyed the high privilege of being brother
to the girl to whom Fritz Henry had just
spoken his love. and from whom he had re-
ceived an answer that was as nearly an ad1nls-
sion of love the Princess could give All
these considerations made 1T easy for Henry to
overlook the Princes frownS and to render the
little fellow great service later in the evening
Notwithstanding Adolphs persistent kind
ness. the Crown Prince ignored his advances.
and with no effort to conceal his contempt and
ill temper moved two three steps away from
the Margrave. and again stood alone. scowling
on all about him. The gentle Margrave. too.
feeling only pity for the Crown Prince. smiled
broadly when his advances were repulsed. re-
turned to Henry. shrugged his shoulders. and
said
What does 1t matter Is he not the brother
of the Princess'"
The Margrave soon had an opportunity to
heap Goals Of fire on the Princes head and like
a man he did it Did you see him run from
me- he asked. looking open eyed up to Henry's
face
Yes" answered Henry smiling and did
you see him turn his face from me when was
about to speak, am very sorry for the boy
and am sure that if | were in his place, my
temper would be worse than his.
do you know" said the Margrave, 1T is
very broad and very generous in you to feel as
you do toward the Crown Prince. who owes you
so much and treats you unkindly. 1t Is
easier for me to forgive him than it is for you to
overlook his ingratitude and faults He is Will
helmina's brother. and love her You don't.
tell you my friend. if you loved the Princess,
you would love anyone with her blood in his
veins You would love Old Stumpy There
would be times when-Iieber Himme{ ves'-
when you would want to kiss him >
"No, MOI" cried Henry. laughing.
Perhaps not returned the Margrave SER
ously but could could kiss anything.
When 4 mans in love don't you know. if he
doesn't watch himself. why he loves-he loves
the very devil himself You don't know how
wonderfully love softens the heart
Henry thought he knew: but he did not en-
tighten the Margrave. He turned the subject
Of discussion back to the Prince
Il am very sorry for him. said Henry
Nothing that he could do would arouse my re-
sentiment He is hardly responsible for his
acts His trouble. l know. would unbalance
my mind .
SUDDENLY the Margrave evinced signs of
~ excitement. tinged with alarm. The King