The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-08-02
be Game anb
Tbe Gamble
BY Eleanor NJ. Ingram. {

| limit to such endurance. The lady
who is to be my wife,
Allard moved involuntarily; Ad-
rian raised his hand in swift pro-
test.
Cousin, l assure YOU"
Stanief saluted him formally.
Sire, I have just learned that
Baron Dalmorov has had to tact to
inform the Princess Iria that l was
marrying her under compulsion and
against my will. This insult to ma
dame, this falsehood--"
"Cousin!"
This falsehood, sire-since, hav-
ing met the princess, 1t is my ear
nest desire to have the honor of her
hand-this is too much. Baron DIAL
morrow is your attendant; I request
your justice. If it is refused"
well, cousin?" Adrian asked me-
chemically, rather in stupor than
challenge at Stanief's words.
Staniefs usually yelled glance
glinted clear and ice cold.
"Sire, Dalmorov shall account to
me now; and / to you later"
Allard, familiar with both, bit his
lip in an agony of anxiety. For an
instant Adrian wavered, then his
eyes fell, beaten down by those of
his kinsman.
Whatever you WISH" he con-
ceded, docilely as Iria could have
spoken. "He had no right, no ex-
cuse from me. Go bid Dalmorov
come here, Allard."
The surrender was complete. Re-
lieved and surprised. Allard obeyed,
hazarding a guess that the emper-
or's own fondnes for Iria had influ-
enced the answer. -
But Adrian had not lived 10
months with his regent without
learning more than a childish love
Of command. He looked up again
at the stately figure that lowered
over him. glittering in the semi
barbaric magnificence of dress de-
manded by etiquette.
Come by me, Feodor," he urged.
with gesture Of invitation to the
chair at his side.
THANK you, SIRE" without NOV
ing.
Adrian surveyed him, then
stopped to the first apology of his
life. however imperiously spoken.
Il never told onyone at all Of
your unwillingness to marry Iria,
Feodor. If it is known, it is because
you yourself seized every possible
delay. Come here; I do not wish
Dalmorov to find you standing
there"
Stanief complied. and Adrian
laid hand on his sleeve.
Then you love Iria. after alp"
he asked, with hesitating curiosity.
Love? In twenty-four hours?
Hardly, sire: but | guard my own"
The young Emperor lifted his
head no less proudly.
And so do I. cousin. Dalmorov
shall satisfy YOU
Half an hour after Iria had re-
turned to the suite appointed to her
and her mother. she received a
visit from Baron Dalmorov--a very
different gentleman from the mali
cious, self-confident gentleman of
the morning, and who offered her
so abject an apology for his mis-
taken and untrue statement regard
ing the Grand Dukes attitude. that
the Gentle Princess was quite dis
tressed. She sent him away reas-
sured and apparently grateful. then
fell to connecting events. Reco-
lecting Stanief's expression during
her naive account and the carriage
Of his head as he had crossed the
reception-hall to Adrian. she had
no difficulty in divining the reason
for Dalmorov's sudden contrition.
But Stanief's strength no longer
chilled her with terror; instead she
stood with relief behind its shelter
There was a ball at the palace
that night Stanief never danced,
but every one else did. and the En-
peror opened the evening with the
Princess. 1t was obvious to all why
Stanief had been forced to this
marriage. whenever Adrian was
seen with Iria; the boy so evidently
liked indeed. loved her. And the
-year-old autocrat was al
ways popularity supposed to be with
out affection.
(To be continued.)