The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-01-04
A Royal Test
BY EMMA l.. S1ANKLlN
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation, 1911.

l.
pened several centuries ago-sent a
messenger to his daughter, the Prins
cess Sophia, to say to her that his maj
esty commanded her to come to his
cabinet When she reached 1t her IA
Their informed her that he had agreed
to give her in marriage to the Crown
Prince Carl Of Prussia.
"But have never seen the prince"
she said.
THAT has nothing to do with the
matter" replied the king.
IF the prince wishes to 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
ly along came the crown prince of
Prussia with a splendid retinue to
ask the hand Of the Princess Sophia.
Nobody but those most interested
knew what was going on except that
the 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 at the palace. but the crown
prince of Prussia and the princess OF
Holland were seldom seen together
The truth is that Sophia received her
royal sutton coolly. She neither con-
scented nor dissented from his propo-
sition for her hand. The prince seem
ed to consider the affair diplomatic
one and spent his time In those diver
sions which occupy men alone, paying
very little attention to the woman he
sought for his wife.
The princess not only paid no atten-
ton to this neglect, but appeared to
be infatuated with Baron Won Schel-
wig, one of the members of the princes
suit. Won Schelwig was a very hand
ZONE man and though this was his
chief attraction, he was universally
acknowledged to be lady killer.
Prince Carl did not seem to mind the
princess infatuation bit. He hunted
and skated and played cards just the
same. The king of Holland, to whom
the alliance was Of great importance
every day dreaded that his royal high
ness would withdraw his application
for his daughters hand and return to
Germany in high dudgeon. But Carl,
who had made formal application on
his arrival, paid no further attention
to the matter, apparently waiting for
his reply from the government of Hol-
land. Meanwhile, the encouragement
the princess gave Won Schelwig was
noticed by all the court, every one won
tering how she could accept the atten'
lions of the subordinate when the
master had come to make application
for her hand
One day after hunting party which
was attended by both men and women
the Princess Sophia, who had kept
Won Schelwig in attendance upon her
during the entire day, the hunt being
finished, entered her carriage to dine
at the palace. When passing through
an unfrequented place she was stopped
by a masked horseman, who rode up
to the window and addressed the prin-
cess:
"The crown prince Of Prussia, who
has come to propose for your highness'
hand, is sensible Of the slight put upon
him by your acceptance Of the atten'
lions of a member of his suit. But as
a prince of the blood and suitor for
your highness' hand 1t is unbecoming
of him to make any protest. i there
fore take It upon myself to resent the
insult thrust upon him. But to prevent
court scandal / deem 1t advisable to
warn you. Know then that If Baron
Won Schelwig presumes to join you
hereafter at any court function will
call him to account as Offering an in
suit to my sovereign and my pros
pective sovereign and shall kill him"
"Your royal highness need not be so
fierce about it," said the princess. 81
would not fer the world jeopardize the
life of the crown prince of Prussia"
you know mer'
81 knew you the moment heard
your voice"
Carl tore of his mask with an ex-
clamation of chagrin. Seeing the prin-
cess smiling at him, he hung his head.
Now that know my acceptance of
your subordinate's attentions are dis |
tasteful to you, assure you, will not |
again permit them"
II regret my action, since it will de-
prive you Of the company Of the |
man
'T do not love Won Schelwig"
Then why, may / ask, does prin-
cess of the royal house of Holland per
NIT the attentions of one holding the |
lowest rank of any of my suit?"
'That l might discover the senti-
ments OF his master"
my sentiments! What do you know
Of them, except that l have, by my
fathers order. proposed for your
hand?"
"Was not obedience of your royal
fathers order sufficient? Did your
duty to his majesty compel you to
threaten to kill member of your own
suit, whose attentions / have permit
tedT
'"The slight"
"Would a duel with an inferior wipe
put that slight?
The prince knew that he had reveal
ed the secret of his jealousy.
Perhaps your highness will give
your horse to one Of my attendants
IL rid 20 tba poIaoa NTH mo oddad /