Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-29
CHAPTER XIV.
The Ordeal.

The Ordeal.
For Allard that last summer of the
regency brought the hardest Of all things
for q loving heart to bear-to stand in
the shelter and watch a friend In the
storm. to be forced to witness where I'M
able to aid. No personal humiliation
could have affected him SO painfully as
to see Stanief under the emperor's sting
ing sarcasms and cold young insolence.
to note the furtive words and glances of
the men who still courted present power
while predicting its future fall.
Never after that morning OF the con-
test OF Wills between the cousins did
Adrians unforgiving sullenness lessen
or relent. Day after day the regent paid
his formal visit and endured the ordeal
with chill dignity. Day after day Adrian
received him In the presence Of Daimorov
or half a dozen young mobiles Of the
capital: usually on the point OF going
out. and so making the brief interview
mere farce. Only one courtesy the en-
peror conceded to the self-respect Of
both-never did he make the least hint
of menace or future reckoning except
when the cousins were alone or with AL
lard. BY inference alone could the rest
Of the court fo-etell the coming end.
ana DdlIOTOV was IdOIdul opoiC
figure actually dilated and gained weight
in these DAYS of victory. his eyeglasses
poised trif1e more superciliously before
his pale eyes. Stanief looked above and
past him with a certain lofty ind fer
enca but between Dalmorov and the chat
ing. aching Allard clash was inevitable.
AS they seldom met except when Adrian's
desire for both compelled, it was not sur
prising that in his presence that clash
occurred.
r. No, ,f+or ctop;af bod poasod an
especially difficult and trying hour with
the emperor. an hour which left Allard 8
nerves in quivering evaporation. when
at last the regent took leave. Adrian rose
dow with his nonchalant langour OF
movement
Bring me those glasses we were try
ing this morning. Allard," he directed.
Il want to see that ship entering the
river"
But Allard did nothing Of the kind
The fourth one present, Dalmorov. had
just moved aside from the door with an
indescribable smile and bow to the re-
gent.
Il have the honor to wish your royal
highness good morning. he said, sweetly.
Stanief glanced down at him. outward
ly unmoved by the neglect OF courtesy
compelled by every rule of custom and
etinuette; but before embarrassment was
POSSIBLE AlIard sprang forward and him.
self held back the door.
Thank you" Stanief. said only. but his
eyes met the gray ones in passing.
grow too absent minded" commiserated
Alla-d, softly. to his vis-a-vis "One
might have imagined you intended that
his royal highness should open the door
himself.
Since Monsieur Anard has become SO
learned in etiquette, he might observe
that the emperor is waiting" Dalmorov
retorted. viciously.
Allard shot a glance at Adrian. who had
turned round just in time to witness the
whole scene
AT least, If I offend, l am careful to
offend one who can retaliate. baron.
he flung back in an undertone. as he
moved in quest Of the article demanded
"Who can. and whom you are in no
-os.ton to provoke" Dalmorov sent after
him, incautiously raising his tone with
hitter significance, which the other failed
to comprehend.
When you are at leisure. gentlemen"
Adrian's voice interposed. coolly. "Dal-
morrow. would suggest that you follow
my cousin and explain your unfortunate
apse Of memory. Aliard. I believe
made q request.
There was little Allard could not have
forgiven to Adrian for sending Dali
morrow to make that apology.
IT beg a thousand pardons, SIRE he
answered, contentedly. as he crossed the
room.
After all Adrian did not look at his
ship. but remained leaning against the
window with his reflective gaze fixed on
the others face.
II wonder he remarked. when the
door had closed behind Da'morov. If
you do things like that because you are
an American
Surprised, Allard smiled involuntarily.
Perhaps, sire. we are rather sans
gene"
you misunderstood me-" he corrected.
II mean, do you act as the others would
not. because you are not my subject as
they are?"
Allard understood then, and the implied
accusation stung him to hot anger.
mo, sire" he flashed Il rave not
lived under your shelter and eaten your
bread to hide beneaLn another nag when
the scale turns. I am an American. yes.
but I do not use my nationality as q
cloak for cowardice. So far. have be-
service
Not until long afterward did Allard
read the slow. half-amused smile that
rose to the surface Of the emperor's da. X
eyes.
VERY good. we shall remember. Mon
sieur rAmericain.' he returned. quite IN
troubled by. the others indignation. do
not comp ain II some day 1 Interfere
with your affairs"
His affairs? Allard puzzled mentally.
But he received no further explanation.
and neither to him nor Dalmorov did
Adrian again mention the incident.
Stanief looked very grave when Allard
repeated the scene to him.
''You have made an active enemy Of
Dalmorov instead of a passive" was his
comment.
why should I care. monseigneur?
TnAN COMPANIES.