The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1910-05-28

"Tn Graustark, but not in New York.
| That reminds me. You'll be more than
baroness-more than princess.
You will be a queen. Don't you catch
he point? You will be Mrs. King"
The Grand Duke Paulus was dis
tinctly annoyed. He had Travelled
many miles, endured quite number
Of hardships, and all to no purpose.
| When dawn came his emissares re-
turned from the city with the Iamen-
table information that the government
| had righted itself. that Marlanx's SEN
| satfonal revolution was at an end and
| that the regents would be highly hon.
ored If his excellency could overlook
| the distressingly chaotic conditions at
court and condescend to pay the cas-
| tie visit
The grand duke resolved that he
would visit the castle in very in
formal way, extend his congratulations.
and offer his services, which he knew
would be declined with thanks. Incl
dentally he would mention the bond
issue; also he would find the oppor-
unity to suggest to the ministry that
his government still was willing to
make large 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
md a rather oyerpowering bodyguard
The grand duke. with all the arre-
sance Of real parsonage, was late 1t
was not for him to consider the con-
iitions that distressed the court of
Graustark-not at ALL He was
grand duke and he would take his own
time in paying his respects. When he
finally presented himself at the castle
loors sleepy group of attendants
actually yawned In his presence.
No one had slept during the night
ust passed. Excitement and the suf-
'ering of others had denied sIumber to
me and all, even to those who had not
,lept for many days aud nights Now
he reaction was upon them. Relaxa-
ion had succeeded tenseness.
When the grand duke entered the
great, somber throne room he was
confronted by punctiIiously polite
tssemblage. but every eyelid was as
heavy as lead and rs prone to sink
The prince sat far back in the great
hair of his ancestors. his sturdy legs
sticking straight out In front of him
The grand duke advanced between the
respectful lines and knelt at the foot
" the throne
Arise your highness," piped Bobby.
&ith ii quick glance at Count Halfont.
t WAS faint. faraway voice that ut
cred the gracious command. "Grau-
ark welcomes tue Grand Duke Pau
us. 1t is my pleasure toto A help
ess look came into his eyes. He looked
for support. The grand |
luke saw that he had forgotten the
'ehearsed speech and smiled benignly |
is he stepped forward and kissed the
land that had been extended some
what uncertainty.
my most respectful homage to your
majesty. The fluctuations of my en-
,eror and the warmest protestations
# friendship from his people,"
With this as a prologue he engaged |
himself In the ever pleasurable task
f delivering long coDgratulatory
ddress. After FIVE minutes of high
platitudes he again turned
0 the prince, 1t was then that he
eceiyed his first shock.
Prince Robin was sound asleep. His
ead was slipping sidewise along the
atiny back of the big chair. and his
hin was very low in the laces at his
eek. The grand duke coughed en-
hatieallF cleared his throat and grew
cry red in the face.
The court of Graustark was distinct
: dismayed.
Ills majesty appears to have-ahem
gone TO Sleep" remarked the grand
IKE tartly interrupting himself to
ddress the prime minister.
He is very tired, your exeellency."
1