The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-09-02
THE KISSING FETE.
BY ROBERT c. WARNER.

before the hour announced for the be-
ginning of the Festivities crowds Of
people were focking to Nne entrances
of the park. and during the evening
many thousands came and went. OF
these there were the young and the
older. married, the former as partici-
pants. the latter as spectators.
And what was the occasion of the
fete? An edict had gone forth that be-
tween the hours of s and ~ any young
man might kiss any girl in the park
provided he wore In his cap green
feather. This provision was introduced
to enable any girl opposed TO strange
embraces to take to flight on the APP
proach Of a would be kisser.
As the clock struck two young
girls entered the park arm In arm.
One was tall and stately. with very
black Dyes. cable Of plated black
hair. hanging down her back. The
other was smaller. a blue eyed beauty,
with hair of spun gold drifting In the
breeze. They had no sooner passed the
gate than green feathers began to
nutter in their, path. Many young
man approached. but was deferred by
a repellent glance from the queenly
brunette. For an hour the pair walked
about the park watching the others.
Now aud again some young girl would
suddenly dart away on seeing youth
approach whom she wished 10 avoid
or 10 appear 10 avoid. Here and there
would be heard suppressed screams
and glgcles. while smacks resounded
like pistol shots.
But the two girls walked untouched
Many persons noticed them. but no
one seemed to know them. II was sup
posed that they were OF high degree.
daughters Of noblemen who had come
10 witness the kissing without taking
part 10 lt. and 1t was even whispered
that they we're from the court. But
there were men present from the
court. and none of them had ever seen
the girls before. The people wondered
why these eallants dared not offer to
kiss two such beauties
Near midnight a man with a black
beard entered In company with one
who appeared 10 be his son. II was
apparent that both were disguised.
Passing the two girls. they turned and
looked nj Them. then. walking In cir.
Gle, met them again. Al this second
meeting the younger man darted to-
ward the blue eyed girl Seeing him
coming. she left her companion and
ran away Those watching these un.
known people then saw the older man
approach the girl who was left. They
expcsied that she would wither him
with glance. What was their sur
prise II see her after faint resist
ance submit 10 be kissed. Then when
he offered his arm she took Il, and
they walked on together
You are very bold" said the lady.
"such beauty as yours would inspire
holiness IN coward"
"You had no right to kiss me. You
do not wear the green feather"
"True. never thought Of that. But
such beauty as yours makes one for
get"
"You may have ladylove."
"such beauty as yours would win
me from her In spite Of my best reso-
luton"
"You do not deny that she exists"
II do not. Whatever or whoever ]
am. nm no liar"
"But would you break heart for n
strangery
III Is she who Il the stranger. !
have never seen her"
Never have seen her. What man.
ner OF man are you who wooes with
out seeing her you WOOL
II see her WOO. | have not seen
her I have intended TO make my
bride"
There comes my friend with your
boy. must rejoin her This Is hut
the adventure Of an evening. Fare
we'll"
1--WE Will not part without the pledge
or another meeting. Tell me when and
where may communicate with you
tomorrow"
"You may call upon me tomorrow
evening" She gave him the location
OF n villa where she said she lived
But you will not. You viii think Of
this affair overnight and resolve TO he
true 10 that which I surmise Is 10 your
interest
"waIt and see"
The next evening the stranger drove
M 20 the villa in question. lie was
ushered In by lackeys with every evi.
dence Of profound respect. Tie seemed
surprised. In a sumpiuous salon he
WIS received by the Indy who had 80
suddenly inspired him She was smil-
Ing nj him with an air Of triumph.
= am surprised 10 see your mai.
csty.' she began. but he interrupted
her.
Majesty
Eyes. You were known TO me from
the first
"who are your
First let me know your royal decl.
sion. For me will you break with the
Princess Margarety'
'The Princess Margaret! What do
ron know of fhe Princess MarUnrptpt