Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-04
Will consider your reputation the rest OF
ELEANOR NJ. INGRAM


the way"
This time they turned home. at a more
modest pace Again they ran the gaunt.
Allard's heart lost beat with each halt
made necessary by the crowd or each
glance from the knots Of men gathered
on the corners. At the sleepy garage
they at last arrived and left the automo.
bile.
It was but q short distance to the
palace, and they walked in silence unit
almost before the door, when Adrian
paused for an instant.
You guard me 30 carefully, with Sc
| much energy, my Inconsistent Allard,
| ne observed. the lighter manner OF thu
last hours hardened into his usual cold
ness Have you then not thought wha'
It would mean to your beloved regent II
Sire. IL I thought Of that 1t would b>
to guard you with double care" Allart
flashed. shocked and deeply wounded
| Surely I owe SO much And after q
moment, recovering a little. For that
matter, even the Baron Dalmorov ad.
mits the protection that the regent draws
around your imperial majesty. Sire. II
| the grand duke planned treason, has he
not had ample opportunities before
| now?''
Are you trying to convince me tina,
some one still exists who possesses a
| sense Of duty?"
Perhaps you will more readily credit
a sense Of honor, SIRE
perhaps. 30 It IL q point Of honor tc
| take care Of me?'
| Yes, SIRE
Adrian turned and went on without
comment. The guard at the door saluted
Allard without regarding the uninterest
Ing figure Of the chauffeur. and they
passed into the safety OF the palace.
When they were once more in the little
salon and had slipped of their wraps the
impression seized Allard that his com.
panion was rather pale and fatigued
excitement Adrian looked younger thar
usual as he stood pushing back the dark
hair disordered by his mask, and the
watcher was pierced by remorse and
something Of Stanief's wide pity for the
| one 30 warped by circumstance and en-.
vironment. Very kind to him the EN-.
peror had been. the emperor who next
week would send away the only two men
who cared for him and stand splendidly
desolate In his treacherous court. The
being transparent, Aliard's gray eyes be-
trayed the softened thoughts as they en-
countered the others.
Well?" Adrian questioned, as II to q
spoken phrase
You will not believe me, sire, butt
would guard you If nothing compelled"
Adrian made q movement Of surprise,
then smiled at Allard with almost his
cousins charming grace.
why should I not believe you, who are
truth itself? Thank you. Allard. Pray
come with me; 1t Is time to rest. I
fancy"
Allard hurriedly put away their motor
ing garments. and presently they went
from the room.
But the emperor was not one around
whom gentle illusions long could cling:
| swordlike he slipped through such gauzy
fabrics. AS they parted for the night he
regarded A11ard keenly. with even a sug-
gestion of amused cruelty.
IF you have found me indecorously
frivolous tonight" he said, remember
how near we are to next week. It will
be a robust sense Of honor that survives
next week. Allard. You cannot conceive
how earnestly desire my day for which
/ have waited so long,
Allard stiffened to the rigidity of self
control: compromising all the allusion
to Stanief. he found no reply he dared
give.
Go be continued tomorrow.)