The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-07-30
(Continued.)

ture mistress. The first lady OF the
empire Iria would be, until Adrian's
distant marriage; her friendship
might be valuable.
Monsieur Allard has then in
jured his arm?" she remarked, on
the third day of the voyage.
Madame, in an act of devotion
most remarkable" the admiral re-
piled. Imagine that week before
We sailed, an insane tsudent made
an attack upon the emperor. His
imperial majesty was driving, with
Monsieur Allard seated opposite,
when the criminal leaped on the
step of the carriage and attempted
to plunge knife into the emper-
or's heart. Monsieur Alard flung
himself forward and caught the
blow on hsi own arm, undoubtedly
saving the emperor's life at the ex-
pense of dangerous wound to him
self. Drenched with blood, he held
the assassin's wrist until aid ar
rived"
Iria shuddered, yet listened
thirstily
81 heard-a little of this" she
said breathlessly. But l thought
1t was his Royal Highness the Re-
gent who was hurt"
The Admiral blushed at his own
forgetfulness; courtier should
never forget.
Certainly; he also. madame"
he fastened to assure. He was
beside the Emperor and so at dis
advantage. but he sprang to aid
Monsieur Allard in holding the
man and received slight wound
in disarming him. All Europe rang
with the story. and Monsieur AL
lard was decorated with the Grand
Stair of the Order of st. Rurik.
The justice of the Regent is swift;
the criminal was tried and execut-
ed the next day"
Iria glanced down the deck to
where Allard chatted with two
young mobiles of the court, the sun
striking across his bright hair and
laughing face.
"The Regent" she began shyly,
then relapsed into silence with her
ready change of color.
But little later she caught AL
lard's eye and summoned him by
scarcely perceptible movement of
her hand. He came with pleasure
and saluted her with that direct
friendliness of regard which had
carried him safely past many
shoal and undercurrent during his
continental life.
1.-The Count Donoseff has been
telling me the history of your
wounded arm, monsieur" she said.
Let me add my poor admiration
to all you receive, realizing that
you saved the Emperor, soon to be
my sovereign, also"
"You are too gracious, madame
Allard protested lightly. Gaiety
came very easily to him since that
day when he had saved Adrian's
life and Stanief's honor. 1t seemed
to him that John Allard had not
only paid; he had re-earned the
right to existence, justified his lib
erty.
''lf all the world knows of it.
ooh, pardon; l only meant to say
that the Grand Duke was present
and did as much as l."
Something in the words brought
her soft smile.
''ls not the Grand Duke usually
where you are, monsieur" she
queried.
Il am with him whenever he and
my service of the Emperor will
permit, madame"
"Only them" she doubted.
Surprised, he shrugged his
shoulders laughingly.
''Some one has been telling tales
of me, Princess. l confess am
with him more than is strictly
warranted"
81 have heard so much Of his
coldness, his severity" she VEN
tured, her lashes sweeping her
round young cheeks. "He, he cares
for nothing, no one, they say"
"Oh, no, madame" Allard denied,
warmly enlisted in the defense.
THAT is most unjust. Consider
ports come; there IL no one living
who has more undeserved enemies.
/ know him capable of love; l have
seen 1t, felt it, lived 1t. And he
works, madame; how he works!
The country under his rule gains
new life, new hope. Madame, II l
might presume, l would implore
you to believe nothing of him ex-
cept what he himself will show
YOU"
She crimsoned before his fervor,
but her delicate face expressed no
anger at the daring
II will not" she assented, still
with that strange timidity. II was
frightened at first, but not now,
not any more. The Regent Is fair.
with gray eyes, is he not. mon
.sieur?"
{ "No, madame; he is very dark"
he assured her hastily his thoughts
ON Stanief's much-loved face.
,>-fria smiled, bending her head
still lower.
"He IL perhaps-fanciful, mon
sieur2 He might do something
quite useless and romantic, just for
a caprice?"
Hardly, madame. I think he
does nothing without purpose.
He---I believe he has not been very
happy. Princess"
"And, is he .now?" she asked
family.
Allard recalled himself to gal
lnntrv with charming grace