Evening star., 1909-06-20


me of the Prince OF Bayreuth. If he is hideous,
shall not have him. If he was like you he
should never get away from me- Why were you
not born a Prince"
When | see your Highness looking so beau
titul and when YOU speak to me so graclously,
| do wish had been born Prince, though |
have no other reasons for so desiring. The life
of Prince is not all sunshine. | shall be at the
new fountain very early tomorrow morning.
"Ahl YOU are coming to me nicely, whls-
pered Don t Care laughing softly and Struggling
her shoulders in the belief that her charms had
at last driven caution from Fritz Henry s breast
and had captured his heart for her own uses and
purposes The small Princess was easily con-
V1nced that her charms were omn1potent, ana
her surprise not that Henry had yielded to
them. but that he had not surrendered at the
first onslaught.
The second meeting at the fountain was as
welcome to Henry the first had been repug-
nant. 1t would give him an opportunity to set
IN operation his plan, and Don't Care warn
ing against Grumkow was one to be needed.
SOON after the brief interview with Don't
- Care, Henry had the great happiness of
dancing cotillon with Wilhelmina, and IN the
brief rests the greater happiness OF exchanging
few words with her.
During the first rest, the Princess said My
note but poorly expressed nv gratitude for the
service YOU rendered my brother that night at
The Tabage. have heard none OF the partIcu-
lars except that Grumkow charged the Prince
with having uttered reasonable words against
the King and that YOU told Grumkow he lied.
Oh, it must have been grand | wish | could
have seen YOU. The King is always saving that
you do not fear the devil and ! believe he IS
right, for Grumkow surely is Satan incarnate
Sonnsfed tells me that you said you had been
with the Prince in his room all the evening, and
that my brother did not utter the words charged
against him. and could not have done So as
Grumkow asserted.
The Margrave and made a combined state
ment, regardless of truth, answered Henry,
who supposed the Princess knew that Their evl-
dence had been furnished to meet the needs of
the occasion.
When Henry said that his statement and the
Margraves S had been made regardless of truth,
WIhelmnas eyes opened in wonder, and she
CROPPED about for moment, seeking an explana-
ton. Suddenly her face lighted beautifully,
her ewes took on a softened luster and she said
under her breath, Then you told IA false
hood for my brothers sakeH'
" For Your sake interrupted Henry.
Nina glanced quickly to Henry's face, looked
quickly to the floor. and answered, II was
blessed lie. | did not know how great my debt
was. | don't know yet | can't measure it. |
can only feel that thank you. thank you;
for believe YOU saved my brothers life. How
came YOU to think of it so quickly"
The Margrave first uttered the black lie,
said Henry, laughing softly, and ! confirmed
it."
NO, no." protested the Princess MY
before anyone else had an opportunity to speak,
and denounced Grumkow's statement a lie.
How grand and beautiful you must have looked!
Fritz said he would give his right to the crown
to be tall and to look grand as you when
you bearded Grumkow and my father in their
den, and defied them for the sake of one who
had not always treated you kindly.
The Princess blushed before she had finished
speaking; for her enthusiasm had run away
with her tongue. Her eyes, too said great
deal more than she had intended. a great deal
that filled Henry's heart with JOY. He how
ever had too much good judgment to presume
the girls hasty words and unguarded
glances SO after long pause he said
supposed that you knew all that was done
and said at The Tabagie. In your kind note
you said that my words had sunk deep into
your heart. Therefore, | thought you knew
Henry angling, though his hook and
bait were cunningly concealed. He accom-
plished his purpose; for the beautiful girl
looked up to his face, instantly dropped her
eyes before his gaze, hesitated for moment,
and said in clear soft tones:
II did not mean the words you spoke at The
Tabagie.
Henrvs heart was filled with ecstasy; but he
restrained himself and said only =" / dare not
try to speak my gratitude; but you must know"
Yes said the girl softly. My greatest
grief is that ever doubted you"
They stood in silence for minute or two
and were glad when the dancing was resumed;
for they could not trust themselves to speak
again.