Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-21

mated as Sfanief bent over his hand.
do you know why wished to see you
out here in Quietness. cousin?" he de-
manded.
IT am afraid not sire" Stanief con-
fessed. smiling.
bench on which he himself was seated,
land I will tell YOU"
Stanief obeyed, and Adrian surveyed
his stately kinsman with earnest, though
doubling intentness.
THAT night on the Nadeja." he at last
said. when you told me that l gov
erned, 'but'-were you in earnest? 1t
amused me to tell Dalmorov-not all you
said or when you said 1t. Of course-yet
some OF that. told him you had prom
Used to do as / wished, and he insisted
that you played with me. Were you in
earnest. 1 wonder?"
Absolutely in earnest" Stanief an
swered. too well trained in self-mastery
to betray his irritation at being discussed
with his rival in the game of the future.
lent for an instant. Were you ever in
love with a woman. cousin?"
The question was SO unexpected that
Stanief started and replied, almost at ran
dom:
'Dalmorov says that you were, long
ago."
'Dalmorov. the other began, then
checked himself. his tone chilling. 1.-The
incident to which Baron Dalmorov doubt
less refers. sire. hardly answers your
question. Ten years ago. when 1 was
less than twenty-five. / was briefly at
tracted toward a lady of the court The
affair died in its birth. on my discovering
that mademoiselle was acting as the paid
spy Of the emperor. your father. Since
then I have thought Of more important
matters"
Adrian leaned back. his slim fingers
twisted together.
That was the Countess Sophia Mir
koff. he supplemented. calmly. whose
husband you pardoned from the Two
Saints last month: Dalmorov informed
me. Was that because you still care?''
NO: because l would not have her
imagine | remember enough for preju-
dice" Stanief answered. with glacial in
difference
The approving fire shot across the boys
lowered eyes. his pride sprang to compre
hension of the others
II am glad it is So" he said, sedately.
Il have been arranging your marriage.
cousin"
If the terrace had ,crumbled beneath
them Stanief could have been no more as
founded than at this.
II beg your pardon!" he gasped.
why not7 It IL my privilege" Adrian
returned. not moving.
Stanief opened his lips and closed them
again. The green and gold garden, the
DUG rIVor ana VINO CITY spread OolOW,
swan in daz3le Of color. He had never
been more deeply annoyed. or more furi-
ously angry with Dalmorov. But habit
ual self-control again aided him.
Il have no desire to marry, or time to
give to such q distraction at present,
SIRE" he answered.
"You would have to marry sooner or
later, cousin"
"Then permit 1t to be later. After your
coronation, If you still insist
Adrian's small mouth set in firm line
rivaling the regents own.
II wish 1t now. have arranged that
you shall marry the Princess Iria Of
Spain
"Sire, forgive me II I presume to re-
mind your imperial majesty that I have
the right Of questioning an order so per-
sonal"
The steel-hard anger of Staniefs voice
struck fire from the flint of Adrian's de-
termination.
$50 l rule you!' he flashed, tempestu-
ously. so you meant your pretty
phrases! Dalmorov was right. right
You played with me- and I will never
pardon you. Feodor Stanief."
Stanief drew back, realizing all the trap
prepared for him.
Go be continued tomorrow