Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-09-01

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"1n Graustark. but not in New York.
That reminds me. You'll be more than
baroness more than princess.
You VIII be n queen. Don't you catch
the point? You will be Mrs. King"
The Grand Duke Paulus wns dis
tinctly annoyed. He had Travelled
many miles. endured quite a number
OF hardships, and all to no purpose.
When dawn came his enissaries 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.
ored II 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
tunity to suggest to the ministry that
his government still was willing to
make large grants and stupendous
promises II 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 splcndor through
the city gates. attended by his staff
and rnther ovcrpowering bodyguard.
The grand duke. with all the AFRO
gnnce 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 he would take his own
time in paying his respects. When he
finally presented himself at the castle
doors 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 slumber to
ono and all. even to those who had not
slept for many days and nights Now
the reaction was upon them. Reiaxa.
ton had succeeded tenseness.
When the grand duke entered the
great somber throne room he was
confronted by 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
sticking straight ont In front Of him.
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 faint, PARKWAY 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
es he stepped forward and kissed the
hand that had been extended some
what uncertainty
"My most respectful homage to your
majesty. The Fluctuations Of my en-
peror and the warmest protestations
Of friendship from his people,
With this as a prologue he engaged !
himself In the ever pleasurable task
Of delivering long congra tulatory
address. After FIVE minutes Of high !
sounding platitudes he again turned
to the prince. 1t was then that he
received his first shock
Prince Robin was sound asleep. His |
head was slipping sidewise along the
satiny back of the big chair. and his
chin was very low In the laces at his
neck. The grand duke coughed en-
cleared his throat and grew
very red in the face.
The court Of Grnustark was distinct
ly dismayed.
"IIis majesty appears to have-ahem
gone to sleep" remarked the grand
duke tartly. interrApting himself to
address the prime minister,
"ae Is very tired, your excellency,"
said Count Halfont, very much dis.
tressed. pray consider what he has
been through during tho
"Ah, my dear count, do not apologize
for him. | quite understand. Ahem,
Ahem" Still, he was very red in
the face
II will awaken him, your excellen-
cy," said the prime minister, edging
toward the throne.
Not at nll, sir!' protested the Wis.
itor "PVvmit him to have his sleep
out, sir. will not have him dis.
turbed. Who am that l should
defeat the claims Of nature? 1t smy
pleasure to wait until his majesty's
nap is over. Then he may dismiss us.
but not until we have cried Long
live the prtnce."
For awhile they stood In awkward
silence. this notable gathering Of men
and women. Then the prime minister
In hushed tones suggested that It
would be eminently proper under the
for all present to be
seated. he was under the impression
hat his serene highness would sleep
ong and soundly.
Stin backed and uncomfortable, the
,ourt sat and waited. No one pre-
ended to conceal the blissful yawns
hat would not be denied. A drowsy,
nenably languid feeling took posses
ZION Of the entire assemblage
The prime minister sat ut the foot
IF the throne and nodded In spite of
John Tullis, far back near the
wall, had his head on his hand, brave
Arsl, ~ lptas dnsrN |