The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1912-03-07
A Royal Test
By EMMA l. stiA4kLlN
Copyright by American Press Asso-
ciafi0n. 1871

pened several centuries ag0-sent 4
messenger 10 his daughter, the Prin-
cess Sophia. to say TO her that his maj
esfy commanded her 70 come 10 bis
cabinet when she reached II her IA.
Their Informed her that be had agreed
10 give her In marriage 10 the Crown
Prince Carl Of Prussia.
"But l-have never seen the prince"
she said.
That has nothing 10 do with the
matter. replied the king
II the prince wishes 10 marry me
let him come and WOO me-" said the
princess. and she left the room.
What action his majesty took In the
matter was never known, but present
" along came the crown prince OF
Prussia with a splendid retinue 10
ask the hand OF the Princess sophia
Nobody but those most interested
knew what was going on except that
tile prince had come on an errand OF
marriage and that his stay was much
longer than was customary on such
royal occasions. There were social
functions az the palace. but the crown
prince Of Prussia and the princess OF
Holland we're seldom seen together.
The truth is that Sophia received her
royal sutton c0olly. She neither con
scented nor dlssented from his propO-
sition for her hand. The prince seem
I'd 70 consider The AFFAIR a diplomatic
one and spent his time IN those diver
sions which occupy men alone. paying
very little attention 20 the woman be
sought for his wife.
The princess not only paid no atten-
fion 10 this neglect. but appeared 70
be infatuated with Baron Won schel-
Wig. one OF the members OF the princes
suli. Won schelwig was a very hand
some man aud though this was bis
chief attraction. be was universally
acknowledged 70 be a lady killer.
Prince Carl did not seem 10 mind the
princess lnfatuation a Bit He hunted
aud skated and played cards just the
same. The king OF Holland. 10 whom
the alliance was Of great Importance
every day dreaded that his royal high
ness would withdraw bis application |
for his daughters hand and return 70 |
IN high dudgeon. But Carl
who had made a formal application on
his arrival. paid no further attention
10 the matter. apparently waiting for
bis reply from the government OF Hol-
land. Meanwhile. the encouragement 1
the princess gave Won Schelwig was
noticed by al the court. every one won
iering how she could accept the atten-
ions Of the subordinate when the
master had come 10 make application
Tor her hand.
one day after hunting party which
vas attended by both men aud women
he. Princess Sophia. who had kept
Won schelwig in attendance upon her
turing the entire day. the hunt being
finished. entered her carriage 70 dine
Il the palace when passing through
IN unfrequented place she was stopped
~ 4 masked horseman. who rode up
o the window and addressed the prin-
'ess.
The crown prince OF Prussia. who
las come 70 propose FOR your highness'
and. Is sensible Of the slight put upon
i'm by your acceptance OF the atten-
ions Of a member Of his suit But as
prince Of the blood and a sutton for
our highness' hand Il f. unbecoming 4
+ him to make any protest. there
ore take Il upon myself 70 resent the
INSULT thrust upon him. But 10 prevent
court scandal deem Il advisable to
rarn you. Know then that n Baron
'on Schelwig presumes 10 Join you
GREATER at any court function ! viii Z
an him to account as Offering an in
ult 10 my sovereign and my pros
cctive sovereign and shall KIN him
Your royal highness need not be 50 i,
cree about Il. said the princess. Il
'Ould not for.the world ieopardlze the :
r. OF the crown prince Of Prussia" 4,
You know met"
Il knew you the moment I heard
bur voice"
Carl tore on his mask with an ex-
amation Of chagrin. Seeing the prin-
IS smiling at him. he hung his head. c
Now that I know my acceptance OF :
bur subordInate's attentions are dis. I
Isteful 70 you. assure you. will not 4
gain permit them" e
Il regret my action. since Il win de.
i've you Of the company OF the =
an
Il do not love Won Schelwig.r
Then why. may ! ask. does a prln.
b OF the royal house OF Holland per :
Il the attentions OF one holding the \
west rank OF any Of my suits~ a
THAT ! might discover the sentl
ents OF his master" E
my sentiments. What do you know :
: them. except that have. by my
theirs order. proposed for your 4
ndT' u
WAS not obedience OF your royal 4
theirs order sufIiclentg Did your =
~ to his majesty compel you 10 y
reaten to KIN member Of your own :.
It. whose attentions I have permit.
~"
THE slight" Il
would duel with an inferior wipe !,
= that alfohf - =