The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1910-07-18

be q baroness
I'm Graustark, but not in New York. |
That reminds me- You'll be more than |
a baroness-more than a. princess. !
You will be a queen. Don't you catch !
the point? You will be Mrs. King"
The Grand Duke Taulus was dis
hnctly annoyed. He had travelled
many miles. endured quite a number
of hardships. and all to DO purpose
When dawn came his emissares re-
turned from the city with the lamen-
table Information that the government
had righted itself. that Marlanx's SEN
sational revolution was at an end and
that the regents would be highly hon.
ered if his excellency could overlook
the distressingiy chaotic conditions at
court and condescenG to pay the cas-
tie visit.
The grand duke resolved that he
would visit the castle in q very in
formal way. extend his congratulations
and offer his services. which he knew
would be declined with thanks. Incl
deutally be would mention the bond
Issue: also be would find the oppor-
tunity 10 suggest to the ministry that
bis government still was willing to
make iarge grants and stupendous
promises if any sort of arrangement
could be made by which the system
| might be operated in conjunction with
branch lines Of the imperial roads.
And SO it was that at midday he
| rode in pomp and splendor through
| the city gates. attended by his staff
| and rather overpowering bodyguard.
| The grand duke. with all the AFRO
gance of a real parsonage. was late. 1t
| was not for him to consider the con-
ditions that distressed the court Of
Graustark-not at all. He was a
grand duke and be would take his own
time in paying his respects. When he
finally presented himself at the castle
doors a sleepy group Of attendants
actually yawned in his presence.
No one had slept during the night
just passed. Excitement and the suf-
fering of others had denied siumber to
one and ali. even to those who had not
slept for many days and, nights. Now
the reaction was upon them. Relaxa-
ton had succeeded tenseness.
When the grand duke entered the
great, somber throne room he was
confronted by a punctiliously polite
assemblage. but every eyelid was as
heavy as lead and as prone to sink.
The prince sat far back in the great
chair Of his ancestors. his sturdy legs
| til; os~rh in, nf i'm,
The grand duke advanced between the
respectful lines and knelt at the foot
Of the throne.
arise, your highness," piped Bobby
with quick glance at Count Halfont
1t was a faint. faraway voice that ut
tered the gracious command. "Grau
stark welcomes the Grand Duke Pau
lus. 1t is my pleasure Toto A help
less look came into his eyes. He looked
everywhere for support The grand
duke saw that he had forgotten the
rehearsed speech and smiled benignly
as he stepped forward and kissed the
hand that had been extended some
/ what uncertainty.
"My most respectful homage to you
majesty. The Fluctuations OF my EN-
peror and the warmest protestation
Of friendship from his people"
, With this as prologue be engaged
himself in the ever pleasurable tasl
, of delivering long congratulator.
address. After five minutes Of h1gl
sounding platitudes he again turpe'
! to the prince. 1t was then that b
received his first shock.
Prince Robin was sound asleep. Ell
head was slipping sidewise along tn
\ satiny back Of the big chair. and ht
, chin was very low in the laces at n
neck. The grand duke coughed en-
phatically, cleared his throat and grs'
very red in the face.
o The court Of Graustark was dist1rc'
Y dismayed.