The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-06-14

ceeded All. give this 10 my merit:
self never entered into this dream
Fer you. my child. only for you. And
SO great was this dream that I almost
made you "a queen You are my flesh
and blood the child Of my wife, whom
loved, She was only u singer in the
opera, at Dresden. bat her soul was
great, like yours, 1t is simple
story"
Hildegarde did not move. nor had
she moved since the revelation. Car
michael. secret joy IN mis- heart,
watched the girl for the slightest
sWayiug. that inevitable prelude 20
fainting But Hiidegarde was not
the kind Of woman who faints In the
face of catastrophe. however great
II might be, The only sign of life
lay in her beautiful eyes. the gaze
of which remained unswervipgly fix-
ed upon the chancellors ashen coun-
teHance.
rIiildegarde.1 said the duke.t!Xou
shah become my daughter. aud you
shall dwell here TIL the end OF your
days 1 Will try to right the wrong
that has been done to you"
No. your Highness. she replied.
There in but one place for me and
resolutelY she walked TO the chan
eellor's left and her hand stole down
and met his tirmiy. My father. /
forgive you she said. with quiet
dignity
They are all wrong. Frederick, d"
whispered Prince Ludwig. She is as
much princess as the other"
You forgive me ~ The chancel~
Tor could not believe his ears
Yes. father"
Then. recalling all the child nun
ger in his arms and heart. he swept
her TO his breast convulsively. and
the unloosed tears dropped upon her
bright head.
And who am ?" said Gretchen.
Bretnnsr, you say this little
oose-girl liz my daughter
Il solcmnly swear 1T. Highness.
Look into her face again carefully"
The duke did SO. IA hand ON either
cheek. He scrutinized every contour,
the color Of the eyes. the low, broad
brow. the curve Of the chin. out of
the past he conjured up the mothers
face--Yes, beyond any doubt, there
was a haunting likeness, and he had
never noted ii before
But who win prove II to the
world 7'' he cried hopelessy, still
holding Gretcheus wondering face be-
tween his hands.
Il shall prove "" said the king.
''You? And how"
= shall marry Gretchen ] shall
make. her queen. That will be proof
enough.'
. "A fine stroke, nephew; a bold
stroke"' Prince Ludwig laid his hand
upon the kings shoulder with rare
affection.
TT you accept her without further
proof, /. her father can DO no less
And the duke kissed Gretchen on the
forehead and led her over ID the king,
gravciY Joining their hands
Gretchen" murmured the king.
Il do not know how 10 act like
princess
II shall teach YOU"
Gretchen laid her head on his
breast She was very tired and much
bewildered
The duke paced the length of the
+r5 adnNt seFerai TIMES Nc one fs-
terrupted his meditation. Bavk and
forth, one hand hanging 10 the OPP
oyer his chin Then he paused with
abruptncss
Your Majesty. ! regret that your
father Is not alive TO accept my apollo
giles for So baseiessly misjudging him.
Arnsberg- nothing that can do viii
restore these wasted years. But I
Il am only a broken man. your
offer You the portfolio"
Htghness; too old
1t is my vial"
Arnsberg bent his head in sabmis-
sion
''As for YOU" said the duke to the
Gypsy, go, and il you ever step this
side the frontier again YOU will he
shot out of hand" He stopped again
In front Of Grumbach. Il promised
to have You shot in the morning
That promise holds But a train
leaves for Paris a little after mid
night My advice is for you not TO miss
it"
And my father. your Highness?"
SAID tlildegarde bravely.
'Herbech, your estates are Confs-
Gated, your name is struck from the
civic and military lists Have you
any ready funds >"
"A little, your tfighneks'
Enough To take you for ever out
Of this part OF the world pa
Yes your Highness."
You do not ask to be forgiven,
and | like that. / have judges in
Dreiberg. ! could have you tried and
condemned for high treason. shot or
imprisoned for life. But tonight I
shall not use this prerogative. You
have. perhaps. three hours to get your
things In order, Tomorrow YOU will
he judged and condemned. But you,
Hiidegarde-~-'
ITO he Continued.)
DYY71v