Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1911-05-11

Il never lOVeu neT. IL was yOUT
treatment Of me that made me seem
to. Your cold reception stung me. al
though I had no right to expect any
other, and when n man loves he grows
desperate. You cared nothing for me.
and, fool that l was. l tried to make
you believe that l cared nothing for
you"
"And, in truth, you succeeded
"Why did you receive me so coldly?
looked for gladness in your eyes after
the tournament"
Il had n secret to keep
Gwen them | asked.
t'The princess could have smiled: the
woman dared not. | was afraid of
you, of myself. of all the world"
"Do you still doubt me?'
Il am waiting to be convinced"
LADY Aldrida came to me after the
council and accused me of being false"
i said. "She spoke most bitterly
"And you soothC.I her"
81 fear not. | told her that imagina-
ton had played too great ii part with
her and that ! had said no more to
her than many others had done INC
will do again to so pretty n lady"
"And she left you amicablyT'
"No-vowing vengeance"
The princess started.
"She cannot harm me-" l said. "To-
day has proved my friends. and they
have sworn to protect your ~highness."
81 have no fear. What do you fear
for meY"
because l love you l fear all things.
DO you know that it is whispered in
the city that l seek to become a king
In DrussenlandY"
"Who whispers IT."
Il know not who started 1t. but i
heard 1t when l first entered the hall
today. and Lady Aldrida had heard
1t. for she said prylng eyes might look
into wen the princess garden"
She turned sharply as If expecting to
find that we were being watched now.
at is well that You go tonight she
said suddenly.
"You regret what you said last
night?" l asked. perhaps. for your
sake. 1t would be well If l did not re-
turn"
II do not regret. have said you
must return"
I could o answer her, for .Jasar
entered.
"All Is in readiness, your h~ighness."
I'VE will come. Leave us ii mo-
ment. You will depart by a secret
way. Sir VERBAL. by Il door which
opens into the woods that touch the
outer walls. The woods lie along the
spur of the hill, SO that YOU will pass
the amp unnoticed. TIVE good horses
await you, and for the rest your Wit
must serve. 60 warily. for my sake.
1t may chance that ii would he con
venient to return secretly; there is the
key"
She gave me the key. ana | slipped
il int the pouch 1T my waist.
Her hand WAS in mine, and SO we
stood looking into each others eyes.
VIII YOU believe me when | say |
love you, and only YOU
She did not nswe
Once you angrily reclaimed the
handkerchief | thought YOU had given
me. VIII you give me your handker-
chief now"
e.Alnst You have something for re-
rneInbrJnce:'
Not for remembrance, but when |
return and show the token and make
an humble petition You. perehanee,
may grant it,"
Her handkerchief was in my hand.
1.-The neXt time | petition it shall be
for myself | said.
4 think"- she began. ana the clasp
of our hands frightened. and her arm
touched mine. and her hair brushed
my cheek. Il Think fear shall
easily grant that request. &c warily.
Come. claim 1t quickly"
Eye to eye. heart to heart, We're we
almost Her face was raised TO mine.
L questioned her with q look. and how
she answered | hardly know. But she
did answer. for my arms stole round
her and our lips met. \ warm glow
came into her face. ii lOyelight into
her eyes, almost Il sob into her breath.
1t was a sweet surrender. 1t was a
moment of delirious triumph for me.
Then 1t was gone. Very gently she
disengaged herself from my embrace.
.Now CO." she said.