The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-08-02
(Continued.)

"He did tell me-that, monseig-
neur."
Then l would ask you to trust
me, Princess. To morrow you will
come to my house; there will be
no other change in your life which
you do not wish. l am not reign
ing sovereign, there Is no reason
why you should not keep with you
the ladies' of your own country
whom you prefer. If you desire,
will have the emperor ask your
mother to remain with you for a
few months"
Iria shook her head. Her moth
er's constant surveillance threat
ened even the peace Stanief offer
ed, and prohibited rest.
you are good to me, monseig-
neur," she faltered. II will stay
with you, please"
He understood, knowing the lady
in question.
THANK you," he answered, and
after a moment, "A Stanief guards
his own; so much, at least, our
race has of loyalty. And to guard
you all can. that Is all l claim.
There are enough more serious
troubles, Princess, without adding
the artificial one of fear. II there
is sorrow to you in this marriage,
it is beyond my cure; but rest
quietly in my guardianship"
The shadow of a sob crossed
Iria's sensitive face; she looked up
at him bravely and gratefully.
"You are good" she said hurried
ly. II never hoped you would be
like this to me, monseigneur. No
one ever thought of me SO carefully
before, never. But 1t is right to
tell you, because you are so good.
l know that you did not wish this
marriage, either, we are alike so.
Baron Dalmorov informed me this
morning."
II am infinitely indebted to
Baron Dalmorov," observed Stanief,
his dark. brows contracting in an
expression that might have terri
fled into flight Iria's new found
confidence, if she had not been alb
sobed in her confession.
Il was not hurt, monsiegneur: 1t
made it easier to know. And now |
can tell you; I, / hate secrets.
There was sOmeone--oh, someone
quite impossible and who does not
care for me at all. He does not
dream l ever thought. like that. But
| fancied he was someone else
misunderstood. 1t was not his fault
in any way. | had to tell you, mon.
seigneur; 1t seemed to me right to
do So"
Stanief leaned forward and laid
his hand over the cold hands folded
In her lap. He had never before be-
lieved that a woman could be frank,
never imaged one who hated Sc
crets.' 1t was as if he stood on the
threshold of room all perfume and
wilderness; and not the most accom-
plished coquette could have devised
a means of moving him SO pro-
foundly.
'All my life I shall remember
that you gave me your confidence,
lria." he answered. with exquisite
delicacy and respect. $50 far I am
happier than you; l love no one.
Have no doubt, no dread of any
thing | can save you. Some good
may come of all this. how can we
tell? And at least there is no need
of making 1t worse by not under
standing. You will not shrink so
much from tomorrow, now?"
She met his eyes. helpless as a
child in the great reaction: his
warm clasp seemed to melt the
chill despair of the last days, lit
tie color came back to her cheek
and something flashed rainbowlike
upon her lashes.
Not now" she sighed culver.
ingly. "Thank you. monseigneur.
Stanief raised her hand to his
lips. and presently they went back
to the Duquesa. After which he
went in search of Adrian.
The emperor was talking to Al.
lard when his cousin came up to
the alcove where they were enscon
ced, and he sat motionless with
astonishment at sight of Stanief's
steel hard glance and compressed
lips.
Cousin" he exclaimed, daunted
in spite of himself.
Allard had risen at the approach,
but Stanief did not regard him and
Adrian gave no permission to re-
tire.
"Sire." Stanief said, in the mark,
eddy quiet tone that came with his
rare anger. sit is frequently your
imperial majesty's pleasure to sub
nit me and my affairs to the dis
cussion or criticism of Baron Dial
morrow. I have made no complaint