Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1911-12-04
was, 7 almost b1ushe1 to think now

was, almost b1ushe1 to thlnx now
far truth had retreated from me.
"When seek to prove you it shall
be a hard task them" she whispered
And then she stood up suddenly.
'There is music in the lower room
My feet long to dance. since my heart
is light. Will you take me?"
I believe l would have married her
there and then had she asked. so great
fool was I.
The Lady Aldrida danced gracefully
and do not think I disgraced her as
a partner. l did my best to please.
for I was glad to lead her through the
dance.
The dance over, pledged her in
wine. sealing, as it were. the words l
had spoken, and she blushed a sweet
acceptance of my homage.
"Has never Vasca pledged you so?'
I asked.
Il hope not or yours would be a
false pledge. seeing that he seeks my
company no longer"
"Truly a fool to forsake such ia
vors."
"Yet he does so for the favors Of a
princess" she said In u low voice.
'"Tell me, not us you see with lovers
eyes, but critically-on your honor
critically-am I not as fair as she?'
NAY. mistress. you judge yourself
but harshly." I answered promptly.
Perhaps for this reason I began to
hear what others around us were talk
ing of. Until now l had been deaf to
all save Lady Aldrida.
Tomorrow in the market place"
were the first words caught. They
were uttered by man seated a little
space from us. spoken to his compan-
ion, q woman. and could we'll guess
Of what he spoke.
"Tomorroww she said. SIS it not
cruel law"
"Cruel? Yes. but necessity Is often
cruel" her companion answered. ITO
let them 60 would be madness; to
spare them would be to gather ene-
mics within our walls. Speak no more
VI ducu. AuCJ AAS NV "oA ~ SAS S">~A
else of your sweet lips"
"Pardon me, Sir Knight" I said.
turning to him. lis it Of the prison
ers you speak?"
yes. Sir verran. They die tomor-
row.
prisoners of war always die on the
morrow" said Lady Aldrida. what
are they to us?"
1T is barbarous tom-disgrace-
full to brave men,"
"Still it is the law"
"Then there should be no such law"
She shrugged her pretty shoulders.
''What would you, Sir Ver:all?'' she
asked, rising with some excitement.
II would do something for these
same prisoners Of ours"
"Tonight?''
"Surely, since they die tomorrow"
She looked straight into my eyes.
What she saw there I do not know.
but she put her hand in mine sud-
denly.
II will do what you WILL"
"Then let US to the princess"
"Blame me not If we FAIL" she said.
1.-THE princess does not overfavor me
at present"
II have an argument to make her
attentive to a petition" I answered.
"A dangerous one to use perchance.
but this is no time to count the cost"
Count Vasca was still with the prin-
cess, and Jasar stood close beside her
chair. As we approached saw that
we had come at an inopportune time.
Vasca's brow was clouded. That l
did not fear. But the princess was
evidently angered.
"You come too late to give US coun-
sci, Sir Verrall," she said angrily.
Think you there is nothing besides
feasting to be doneT'
"Your highness must pardon me, but
thought tonight was given to feast
ing. The noisy town bid me think SO.
and
''Is it aught to me what the rabble
Of the town do?" she interrupted.
And here were dancing and making
merry. Your highness did not call me
to counsel"
1T seems, Sir verrall, that you please
yourself and come when do not CALL"
ITO ask favor. princess.
"Favors are easily asked" she re-
turned in a tone that showed she was
prepared to refuse me.
1T II favor, yet not for myself"
For the Lady Aldrida. doubtless.
SINCE she comes with you. You chose
a fitting knight to do your wishes,
madame, vet not one who cannot be
refused
She spoke I'm sneering fashion.
which made me lose some Of the calm
ness l had intended using. The cloud
on Vasca's brow lifted too. He was
pleased that the princess received me
so ungraciousfy.
1.-THE favor rs not for Lady Aldrida.
She would doubtless have been receiv-
ed kindly had she brought any request
Of her own to you. Your highness
knows that We have returned from
victory"
Il have given my thanks to all who
helped to win it, she answered sharp
~.
Most graciously.~ returned. "A VIC
forv hp3noo a., fPor;no with ~ I onnok