The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1911-04-26


women always woman and never
princess"
THAT Is not well said. your high
ness" said Jasar. "You were born TO
rule. and your duty lies in ruling"
"Ah. let me forget that am more
than woman II II pleases me-" she
said petulantly. and then she became
calm again. Yours was n strange
coming among us"
at was indeed strange answered
"There Is reason I'm legend" she
went on In dreamy manner. Leg
end Is the surface meaning perhaps
Of the deeper truths which lie be
meath. When the priests, speaking by
their legends. proclaimed you the ex-
pected knight. the savior of this
country Of ours, they may have pro-
claimed truth greater than they I'M
derstocd."
81 have thought that, your high
ness" ! answered
Tomorrow. Sir Verrall will com
mand that the prisoners be released
let whatever danger come. Tomorrow
l will send for you. and see that you
forget not to crave my pardon public
ly, even as publicly you angered me.
Tonight has satisfied the woman; to-
morrow satisfy the princess"
/ ! fell upon my knee
"You say you are almost powerless
! to protect me. but I am not poweress
/ to protect you. In your danger claim
me; have life to give. II is yours
| when You claim it,
"Loyal. | believe you" she answered.
"As your princess 7 trust you. Yet II
do not forget her who has a greater
| claim. Love shoots at queer marks
sometimes. You are forgiven. and 7
shall receive back the Lady Aldrida
into favor"
your highness"- began pising to
my feet.
You need not thank me. You will
go as you came, Sir Verrall''
Jasar touched my arm and led me
to the door, and | was shown to my
quarters.
There was a council next day, and
1 expected to be called to 1t. | was in
readiness to attend ready to meet the
opposition which was certain to be
raised when the question Of the pris-
oners' lives was discussed. but was
not sent for. | kept to my quarters,
impatient at the delay, wondering If
the princess had regretted her deter
mination of last night to save the pris-
oners and TO recall me.
Late in the evening I was sum-
moned TO the palace. passed through
the streets unnoticed, but as soon asI
entered the palace was aware how
unpou01ar | had become. | made nv
way at once TO the room where the
princess was. and there | was more
kindly welcomed. Discretion. / knew.
prompted this. for since the princess
had recalled me it would have been
unwise for those in closest attendance
upon her to show any displeasure.
saw Lady Aldrida at some distance
from me and was not displeased that
she did not approach me. The prin-
cess was talking brightly to those
close to her, but 1t seemed to me that
she was exerting herself to appear al
her ease. that her words were far from
expressing what was passing through
her mind
Presently Jasar spoke to her, and
her eyes wandered until they rested
upon me- With look and an almost
gesture she motioned me
to approach.
fell on my knee before her as had
done last night. and smiled to myself
to think that had already been for
given and that this was only a show.
She used almost the same words. but
she spoke as the princess, not as the
woman, and l was certainly unpre-
pared for the use she was going to
make of the situation
you have greatly angered us. Sir
Verrall," she said in low but clear
voice. There was silence in the great
room in moment. "By word and &C.
ton you have sought to disparage our
majesty and to make our authority of
none effect. 1t was in our mind to
make your Punishment if not forever,
at least for a much longer time, but
seeing that you are a stranger among
US, knowing our customs imperfectly.
and that your words and actions NAV
nave been Ill considered rather than
III meant, we have recalled you that
slowly you may prove the loyalty of
which you are so quick to boast. Learn.
Sir VERBAL, that he whose hand goes
most readily to his sword to defend
his honor is not Of necessity the man
whose honor needs least defending"
Il humbly crave your highness' par
lon and thank you for your clemency.
My deeds shall speak my thanks In
better fashion" =
Rise. You have our pardon. See
hat you deserve our good will" And
hen, speaking little louder, she went
IN: 1T is indeed time for men to
'rove their loyalty to their sovereign.
when her actions tear hoarse disagree
nent from the threats of many, when
he rabble in the street think fit to
riticise. soldiers in the camp to whis-