The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-07-28
continual


Stanief obeyed, and Adrian sur
veyed his stately kinsman with ear.
nest, though doubling, intentness.
That night on the Nadeje," he
at last said, when you told me that
governed, 'but'-were you in ear
nest? 1t amused me to tell Dalmo-
rov-not all you said or when you
said it, of course-yet some of that.
told him you had promised to do
as | wished, and he insisted that
you played with me. Were you in
earnest. | wonder?"
absolutely in earnest Stanief
answered, to well trained in self
mastery to betray his irritation at
being discussed with his rival in the
game of the future.
But" Adrian repeated. and
sat silent for an instant Were you
ever in love with woman, cousin?"
The question was so unex-
pected that Stanief started and re-
piled almost at random:
"No, sire"
"Dalmorov says that you were,
long ago"
"Dalmorov," the other began.
then checked himself, his tone chill
ling. "The incident to which Baron
DalmOrov doubtless refers, sire,
hardly answers your question. Ten
years ago, when l was less than %,
was briefly attracted toward a
1nd1r 90 thu vt Tho oPfoir dtnd
In its birth, on my discovering that
mademoiselle was acting as the
paid spy of the emperor, your
father. Since then I have thought
Of more important matters"
Adrian leaned back, his slim fin
gers twisted together.
THAT was the Countess Sophia
Mirkoff," he supplemented calmly.
whose husband you pardoned from
the Two Saints last month; Dali
morrow informed me. Was that be-
cause you still care?"
mo; because 1 would not have
her imagine ! remember enough for
prejudice" Stanief answered, with
glacial Indifference.
The approving fire shot across
the boys lowered eyes, his pride
sprang to comprehension Of the
others.
81 am glad 1t is So" he said Sc
dately. 81 have been arranging
your marriage, cousin"
II the terrace had crumbled be-
meath them, Stanief could have
been no more astounded than at
this.
81 beg your pardon" he gasped.
"Why not? 1t is my privilege"
Adrian returned, not moving.
Stanief opened his lips, and
closed them again. The green and
gold garden, the blue river and
white city spread below, swan In a
dazzle of color. He had never been
more deeply annoyed or more fur
iously angry with Dalmorov. But
habitual self control again aided
him.
Il have no desire to marry, or
time to give to such distraction at
present, sire" he answered.
"You would marry sooner or
later. cousin"
"Then permit it to be later. After
your coronation. if you still insist"
Adran's small mouth set In a
firm line rivaling the regents own
81 wish 1t now. l have arranged
that you shall marry the Princess
Iria of Spain"
"Sire, forgive me if I presume to
remind your imperial majesty that
I have the right of questioning an
order so personal"
The steel hard anger of Stanief's
voice struck fire from the flint OF
Abrams determination.
$50 l rule you," he flashed tenn.
pestuously. $50 you meant your
pretty phrases! Dalmorov was
right, right. You played with me
and I will never pardon you, Feodol
Stanief."
Stanief drew back, realizing al
the trap prepared for him.
you are severe, sire" he re
torted with dignity. Perhaps re
Election upon how unexpected thi:
IL, upon how serious to me is thu
amusement which to you signifIe,
nothing. may win your indulgence
My life Is full to overlooking; Their,
is no place in it for a wife"
"You refuse"
Stanief bit his lip.
mo. sire: ] protest"
! Adrian stood up. and the othe
perforce rose with him.