Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-26

1t was a few weeks later, when the
tardy spring was awaking reluctantly
from its long sleep. that Stanief's cloud
drew nearer and gained darker SUBJ
| stance. Abrams increasing restiveness
took the form OF active interference with
the government. and not wisely. All that
was possible Stanief was willing To
yield. If he might keep peace, but finally
the impossible was asked.
1t was question of taxes which made
| the first rift between the cousins, ques-
ton with which the young emperor had
nothing to do. The tax had been i'm
posed during the period OF readjustment:
now, owing to the regents skilled gov
eminent, twas no longer necessary and
he proposed to remove 1t. To the amaze
| ment of all concerned. Adrian chose to
object
Plainly enough Stanief saw Dalmorov's
influence behind the opposition. and saw
himself bound to persistence both by
policy and an implied promise to the
people. Not as yet had the tax been
| removed. but he most courteously had
| reminded Adrian that no one possessed
the power of interference with the meas
ure. The result had been inevitable;
Adrian sulked and the regents enemies
furtively rejoiced.
So opened the last year of the re-
gency If on the first night OF the flrse
year Stanief had claimed check OF his
opponent, now. gazing across the half
cleared board, Dalmorov could return
| the cry.
Meanwhile the suite of the sullen young
sovereign suffered much from his ca
prices, until finally Iria and Allard were
the only two his caustic tongue spared
and his nl-humor passed by. They alone
did not dread the honor Of attending
him. And at last he even contrfved to
give Allard the sting of many rewak-
ened memories.
"Allard" he remarked one morning.
you never told me more than just that
you were an American. From what
state are your
They were alone together, two learned
and exhausted professors having just
taken leave OF as trying listener as
book-strewn table Adrian contemplated
the other. meditatively at ease.
1T am a Californian, SIRE was the
reply.
pour samuser. Your California is not
small, IL I recollect."
AIard came over obediently and found
the map, pointing out the city remem-
bered SO well and SO ,h sadly Iyt,,s n.x ou-
place lay beyond the town; We called
the house Sun-Kist."
1.-The house was near the bay?"
VERY near. We used to sail and Ash
there. Just here lay the yacht club,
where Robert kept his motor-boat-
He broke off and turned away more abb
ruptly than strict etiquette allowed
Adrian deliberately drew his pencil
through the name on the map.
"Robert?" he Queried.
ROBERT Allard, sire. my younger
| brother. He died two years ago.
soon after you came here. then?'
while I was on the NadeJa, sire,
making the voyage.
Have you no other relatives theref
Eyes; my aunt, Mrs. Leslie, and my
cousin, her daughter.
with a certain scientific interest idly
scribbling on the margin OF the atlas
without regarding what he wrote.
You regret your homer" he inquired.
Allard bit his lip to steady Its culver.
iercely unwilling to bare his old pain
for the diversion Of this coldly ennuied
inquisitor.
"There is nothing to call me home.
sire" he replied. my brother is not
living, and my cousin. who was be-
trothed to him. has no wish or need or
me- / think I never want to see the
place as II is now. My life is here.
You loved her." Adrian said. calmly.
How much you give one another, you
quiet gray-eyed people! Do not look
like that, Allard;'' he actually smiled.
1T am too used TO my intricate and in
triguing subjects to fail in reading your
truthfulness. And / have not watched
you with the ladies of the court without
learning that some woman. one that you
loved, sat at the door of your heart.
Cro be continued tomorrowD