Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-26

pleases God to keep him in good
health and him from the mis-
cradle rascals who tried to assassinate him to-day
and their like. What you want, Michael is friend
who is not afraid to warn you. Now, for the hour,
kindly regard filling that useful capacity.
After twenty-five years Of extravaganza you have
managed / suppose to exhaust your excellent wfe's
fortune. You came to Degratz this morning for the
express purpose Of drawing fresh supplies from the
son yet; but when you suggest that he should begin
to impoverish his people to maintain you in idle
pomp in Paris, fancy you will find him adamant
That is not his theory of governing. If it was, he
would neither marry Joan nor be alive at this mo-
ment, since Heaven fit to intrust with the
control of both his bride and his life.
Zone thing more have to say, Michael and then
l have finished, unless you press too hardly. Let
us suppose Alec had fallen in to-day's attempt.
Whom do you think would succeed him? Michael v?
Not for five mnutes You know now, and l have
known all along, that the real nstgator of the May
outbreak Julius Marulitch and his Greek bear
leader Constantine Belian You were inspired,
Michael when YOU resigned your claims IN favor of
your son. Those two meant to put you forward as
their puppet and shove you to the wall as soon as the
pull the strings here in safety They never dreamed
that Alec, the careless, happy go-lucky boy, the
polo player and haunter Of studios, would prove
stumbling block in the path of royal progress You
a mere pawn, Michael. They counted on push
ing you out of the way easily if you were baby
in perambulator What was true month ago is
true now. Go down on your knees and thank
Heaven that it saw fit to preserve your sons life
this afternoon for his life alone stands between you
Nov, have spoken, and-name of a good little
gray man!-you don't seem to like the hearing But
do not forget what | have said, Michael. | have
poured forth stream of golden words. 1t will be
well for you you called to apply other
test to their value than your own judgment; for
the day dawns that you dream of reigning in
Delgratz, surely will you dig your own grave with
shovel lent by the devil.
DOLUSKI ceased and apparently expected
swer. He too went to window and gazed out
at the sunllt vista OF graveed courtyard and yellow
buildings.
Already there were long patches of shade; for the
day was closing. A foot regiment marched past the
palace gates and Prince Michael might have remem
bered that in Delgratz sentry with a loaded rifle
guarded each street after sunset But his bloated
face was curiously haggard, and his prominent eyes
looked at the soldiers with the unconscious aspect Of
man whose castle in Spain has suddenly proved
itself the most deceptive Of mirages. Perhaps for
brief space he saw himself Felix him, and
species of horror may have fallen on him at the
conceit that another man was able to peep into his
heart and surprise there the foul notion that had
seized him when John Sobiesk brought the tidings
of his sons desperate plight.
Be that as it may, Prince Michael belgrade offered
reply to the decrept poverty stricken artist who
had dared to unmask him IN such exceedingly plain
terms. Not word passed between them during
many minutes The shuffing tramp and dust of the
regiment died away and the thoroughfare beyond
the gates had resumed its normal condition, when
new animation was given to the courtyard by loud
order and the hurried assembly of the guard
Good" said Felix contentedly. Here comes
the King Your Excellency will now receive con-
frmaton of some of my statements. As for the rest
l proved right in respects, it will be first
rate idea to accept the remainder without proof.
belgrade shot balefu glance at the hunchback
but ignored his comment. If it is not ndiscreet of
parent to betray some interest in sons prospec
tive happiness may | venture again to inquire who
Miss Joan Vernon is?
Il think l answered YOU"
I'm general terms Feminine divinity and charm
should be the characteristics of all Brides but these
delectabe beings do enter the world fully formed
like Venus Aphrodite newly risen from the sea-.
l have known her whole year, during her student
life in Paris. in fact. Your smile well chosen