Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-09-06

| simply Sent 10 nnQ you. dlS exceileu-
cy is always interested in German
Americans"
"Shall we 60 at onceT' asked Drum
bach. 81 never expected to enter the
palace of the Grand Duke Of Ehren-
stein." Grumbach added. 1T will be
something to tell Of when I go back
to America.
The palace is lighted up," was
Grumbachs comment as the two pass.
ed the sentry outside the gates.
1.-THE duke gives the dinner to the
diplomatic corps tonight"
"a fine thing to be diplomat"
IL myself prefer fighting in the open.
Diplomats? Their very precious hides
are never anywhere near the wars
they bring about No. no-this way.
We go in at the side"
you'll have TO guide me. Yes. these
diplomats. Men like you and me do
all the work. l was in the civil war
In America"
''That was a great fight" remarked
the officer. II should like to have
been there"
-Four years-pretty long. Do you
know Herr CarmichaelT
"The American consult Oh, yes"
HE and l fought In the same regi.
ment"
"Then you saw some pretty battles"
Grumbach took of his hat "See
that?"
"Gott! That must have been an ugly
one"
The somber black Of Carmichael's
evening dress stood out conspicuously
among the blue and green and red uni.
forms at the grand dukes dinner. Ell
quette compelled him to wear silk
stockings. but that was the single con-
cession on his part. BE wore no orders
The duke sat at the head Of the
table and her serene highness at the
foot. And 1t was by the force Of his
brilliant wit that the princess did not
hold. in perpetuity the court at her end
Of the table For a German princess
of that time she was highly accom-
plished. She was ardent, whimsical.
with a flashing mentality which round
ed out and perfected her physical love-
nness. Above and beyond all this she
you WILL BE A GREAT QUEEN"
had suffered; she had felt the pangs
of poverty. the smart Of unrecognized
merit. She had been one Of the people,
and her sympathies would always be
with them, for she knew what those
about her only vaguely knew. the pa
tience. the unmurmuring bravery. OF
the poor.
"Gentlemen." said the duke. rising
and holding up his glass. "tLis night l
give you toast which l believe Will
be agreeable to all Of you. especially
to bis excellency Baron Won Steinbock
of Jugendheit. What Is past Is past.
A new regime begins this night" He
paused. All eyes were focused upon
him In wonder Only Baron Won Stein
book displayed no more than ordinary
interest. 81 give you." resumed the
duke. "her serene highness and his
majesty Frederick Of Jugendheit"
The princess grew delicately pale as
the men and women sprang to their
feet. Every hand swept toward her.
holding glass. She had surrendered
that morning-not because she wished
to be a queen. not because she cared TO
bring about an alliance between the
hnpQlIsQ
was afraid and had burned the bridge
behind her.
The tan thinned on Carmichaers
face. but his hand was steady. She
sat still In der chair. her lids dropped.
but proud lift to her chin. Beautiful
to him beyond all dreams Of beauty!
God send another war and let him die
In the heart of 1t. fighting!
In the ballroom the princess was
surrounded. Everybody dattered her.
congratulated her and compllmented
her.
Carmichael was among the last to
approach her. Ry this time be had his
voice and nerves under control.
81 thought you had forgotten me"
she said They walked to the conserv-
atory.
Forget your highnessT He bowed
over her hand and brushed 1t with his
Iips, for she was almost royal now
"Your highness will be happy. 1t is
written. You will be great queen.
"Who knows?" dreamily. "When !
recall what have gone through all
this seems like an enchantment out OF
fairy book and that ] must soon
wake up In my garden n Dresden"
II only 1t might be an encnantment
be thought-if only he might find her.
as the grim old chancellor had found
her. in garret! What? Dreaming
again. He shrugged.
"Why did you do that" she asked
quickly.
ut was a momentary dream I had.
and the thought of Its utter impossi-
billty caused me to shrug."
This dream-was there not a wom-
an In itY'
"Oh. no; there was only an angel"
You interest me; you always inter
est me. You have seen so many Won
derful things. And now 1t Is angels"
"Only one. your highness." This was
daring. "But perhaps am putting my
foot where angels fear to tread"
which was still more daring.
"Angels ought not to be afraid OF
Anything" She laughed. There was
pain and a Joy In the sound OF 1t.
She read his heart as one might read
written line.
"Dreams are always unfinished
things" he said. getting back on safer
ground.
"What is she like. this angel?" fore
Ing him upon dangerous ground again
willfully.
T dare not tell you" His eyes
sought hers unfinchingly. The chan
cellor and Baron von Steinbock came
up.
"Your highness." began the benign
voice Of the chancellor, 1.-The baron de-
sires, In the name Of his august mas
ter, to open the ball with you. Be
hold my fairy wand" gayly. This
night l have made you queen"
"Can you make me happy alsoT' said
she so low that only the chancellor
hea rd her