The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1912-04-11

oAu Aooh0 lCl hhSeIS. Aoo AACOAS
your note. Dehra. truly?" asked.
She released her fingers and placed
both hands on the cloth. "Of course
I meant it when l wrote it," she said.
'"That's quite as much as I've any
right to expect" l answered.
A footman handed the king q card.
received message and withdrew.
Then the corridor door swung back.
and voice announced:
His royal highness the Duke Of
Lotzen"
The princess caught her breath in
surprise and glanced quickly at the
king.
docs his highness always grant
your wishes % promptlyI" asked.
She watched the duke a. he advanc-
ed to the king and bent knee.
And l, too, watched him and with In
terest-this man. with whom propOs-
ed to make a contest for the throne.
He had the grace Of one reared in
courts and the ease Of one born to
high command. He made me feel awk-
ward even as I sat. His height was
not above the medium, but his figure
was 30 well proportioned he seemed
almost my own size, and yet knew
I would top him by three inches. He
wore the full dress uniform Of lieu
tenant general Of cavalry. and, with
his black hair and mustache and we'll
cut face, he looked In every line the
dashing beau sabreur.
When he had greeted the king and
spoken to Lady Helen he turned and,
with eyes on Dehra, came toward US.
Courtney and arose and stepped
back. The princess swung around In
her chair and gave him her hand. but
without Q word Of welcome, and he
spoke none. Then as he unbent his
eyes rested on me for the first time.
have never ceased to admire the
self control Lotzen showed then. He
gave me an instant's glance, nuns an
other at the portrait behind me. and
then, clicking his heels sharply TO-
eether, he raised his hand In salute,
but whether to me or to the portrait
could not know. My own hand went
up with bis and remained a moment
longer, for I was the Junior In actual
rank, though he could not know It for
my present uniform was no guide.
"Since no one has presented the colo
mel Of the red huzzars, will he not do
the service for himself7'' he said very
courtsously.
Il cry your pardon. gentlemen" ex-
claimed the king. "and herewith pre-
sent to the Duke Of LotSen his cousin,
the Grand Duke Armand"
Lotzen extended his hand In frank
greeting. "You are Dalbsey- ons
could sss-but Whencsr
"From America" ansv9sd
He knew his family Escords we'll.
Then you are the heir e Hugo" he
said instantly. "And you come in good
time, cousin. There have bssn few
Dalbsrgs in valsria Tits gsase-
alton"
"Youf cousin WI appreciate your
welcome" said the king before 1 could
make reply. Then he raised his glass.
Il give you: ths nsw aEchdukA" he
said.
I bowed low. yet not - low but that
I caught the smile Dehra gave mo over
her glass and the sharp glance with
which Lotxen noted It
rs he friend OF foer I wondered.
though the answer was evident Plain
ly he was no fool and, thsrsfoss, why
should he BE- my frisndf
And such was the view Of another,
for 4 bit later az I swung the Lady
Helen Into saddle she Whispered:
"Lotzen will bear Watching"
Il shall need friends," answered,
llowly arranging her skirt
"Sometimes q woman's Wit = halp-
tul."
And I may count on youz.r
"eurely-mins and a1o<A~'1 -,
cancy." she smiled.
Then she and Courtnay rode away,
but halted almost instantly. and he call
I'd back to me to stop at the embassy
N the morrow and sign some papers.
For, Of course. now could not live
wen for a night at the American lega-
ooo, and already q suit had been pre-
pared for me In the palace.
1t was decided that for the present
vas to reside there. l did not care for
! separate establishment until l had
more experience in the dignities of an
archduke. Neither did desire now a
FULL military staff, and SO 1 was to have
only two aids, whom Frederick select
I'd after much thought.
The senior was Colonel Bernheim,
who had brought the invitation to the
ball and the commands of
he princess to dance with her that
aight. His tour Of duty with the
,oyal aids was about ended, and, be-
ne an officer Of much experience In
he court, he would be able to keep
ne straight, 30 to speak.
The other aid was q Major Moore,
In Irish soldier Of fortune, who had
'een in the Valerian army some ten
'ears and by his efficiency had be-