Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-06


was not long. When at last
vested, when church and city rocked
with reclamation, Allard felt the first
thrill of realization OF what this meant.
And he knew there was nothing the new
sovereign could not do.
What is the natter" questioned Va
sill. 'Why are you SO sober: why are
you SO still? Oh, you English. cold as
stone.'
But Allard did not hear. he was watch
ing the next act in the splendid drama,
when, as former regent and first kinsman
Of the emperor, Stanief moved forward
to offer his homage.
Not here Allard implored. mutely.
his eyes on the golden central figure. his
hands clenched with nervous dread for
the one he loved. ''Surely, surely not
even Adrian will hurt him here, before
these.''
Perhaps the thought OF just how hui
initiating this could be made was also
present in Stanief's mind, perhaps some
deeper emotion, for there was no trace
of color in his firm dark face Intent,
breathless, the church looked on at the
meeting. an audience OF courtiers and
diplomats whom no slightest detail es-
capped. In her place 1ria laid one hand
above her heart. where, under velvet
and satin. the tiny Spanish cross still
rested.
1t was over very briefly. AS Stanfef
would have sunk to his knee. Adrian
made quick step forward and prevented
the movement.
mot to me. my cousin" he said. quiet
~. Not now, at least" And he en-
braced the other with touch that lifted
the Formally to a caress.
The great mass OF people remained
absolutely still. One would have said
there was not a breath drawn or gar
ment rustled. Stanief himself faltered,
shaken out Of his stoicism and flushing
heavily: it was a perceptible moment be-
fore he recovered and carried on his
role.
Nom de Dieu." gasped Vasili. family.
clutching his companions sleeve. You
saw. Allard. you saw" :
Allard saw. He saw Staniefs oath or
allegiance given and received. he saw the
second embrace which welcomed it: he
heard the emperor's graceful speech or
thanks for the long service completed
now. But no one except Stanief himse1
caught the murmured answer to the
quaint, earnest phrases OF feudal 10y
atty:
For the second time. Feodor.''
And to the listener the cathedral faded
hued salon Of the Nadeja closed around.
The rest of the affair passed more rap
idly. Adrian took Iria's hands as she
came to him and kissed her on both
cheeks. Alter lQaC Tile OluSTS CdIIic dLu
went, the superb swirl and current
rushed on. Once only the eyes of AL
lard and Stanief met across the broad
space. and if they exchanged wordless
relief they held no other feeling in COM
mon, for Stanief had never trusted nor
understood his cousin less. while Aliard
had rebound the Adrian he knew-the
Adrian Of evening drives and bittersweet
kindness.
In the departure from the cathedral
brief confusion and rear.
You will ride with me-" Adrian said
to his late regent. on the steps.
Take care: I am too new an autocrat
for contradiction"
So Iria went surrounded by her butter
fly ladies. and Stanief rode by the en-
perors side during that bewilderfng re-
turn.
In the streets there was no high-bred
reserve; seeing him there, the capital
went into a madness Of enthusiasm.
The rest of the day, the state banquet,
passed in no less dazzling excitement
But in the midst of all Adrian found an
instant to toss a word to Allard.
rs it almost or quite, tOday?" he de-
manded.
Happy, dazed. uncomprehending yet
content, Allard met the challenging eyes
in an expressive glance; then for the
first time in their years together, he I'M
pulsively stopped and touched his lips
to the slim young hand.
mot at ALL SIRE" he answered, most
remorsefully.
Adrian's long, lustrous eyes opened;
perhaps no conquest of the day pleased
him more.
Come to me at O'clock" he directed
and passed on.
Five O'Clock. That hour had been gen.
orally accepted through the palace as the
time when the emperor would withdraw
to snatch a brief rest before the celebra-
tons of the night. From long custom
Allard knew where the "eome to me"
signified, and very pleasant he found his
return to the familiar routine. Some
what before the time appointed he went
to the octagonal library, the room now
flooded with quivering pink light from
the approaching sunset.
A man turned from window at his
entrance.
"Ah, Monsieur Allard?'' said Dali
morov's thin: cutting voice. PARDON
the emperor requested me to meet him
here, and So
Allard surveyed the lean and suave
diplomat with his usual antagonism. but
moved toward q chair instead OF adopt
ing the hint to retire.
Il am here for the same reason,
baron" he explained. "A wonderful day
we have had, have We not?"
..Wonderful. indeed" Dalmorov con-
coded, viciously. But the ides of March
have not gone, monsieur"
'.What a suggestion for our young
Caesar!" Allard deprecated. Whom do
you imagine as Brutus, baron, In our
peaceful empire?
You misunderstood; i only pointed
out the uncertainty of building upon one
day."
Anxiety for Stanief stabbed Allard. al
WAYS and only for Stanief. Yet his an
swer was light and sympathetic:
HAS today disappointed you? So sorry,
cher baron"
mo, monsieur; for the event of the
day 1 shall most enjoy is just about to
take place"
And my presence threatens to post
pone it? 1t is too bad I cannot do as
you suggested and leave"
mot at all; it will increase my pleas
Meanwhile, the favor of princes is I'M
certain and frail shield
Again that coldly triumphant glance,
the Tightening of the lines about the thin
lips Willfully Allard misapplied the last
sentence.
"Oh. If my poor influence with the en-
peror can aid you. baron! You know
how I esteem you.
The click of the lock prevented the eX-
asperated Dalmorov's retort. Stanief
held open the door, then followed Adrian
of rank in the surprise with which the
three men looked at one another. and
from one another to the emperor who
had brought them together. A thrill or
startled expectation ran from each to the
other like thread Of flame.
p Adrian without his mufding draperies
of cloth of gold was again the we'll
known figure of every day. Yet there
was some subtle difference in his bearing. |
,,,;., 90 &c (which