The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-12-13
Aleck started straight for the gilt


times too big for that chair. BE
sides, it's quite valuable; it's a Louis
Quinze."
Aleck INDUCED In a vicious kick al
the ridiculous thing, picked up an
enormous leatherbottomed chair
made apparently of lead. and placed II
iauntily almost beside Miss Reyniers
chair but facing the other way.
This is much better. thank you,
he said. Now tell me why you think
you are not going TO say yes to
me-"
Melanle's mood OF softness had not
left her; but sitting there, face TO
face with this man, face to face with
his seriousness, his masculine VIII
and strength, she felt that she had
something yet TO struggle for, some
deep personal right to he acknowl-
edged. II was with a dignity, an aloof-
ness, that was quite real, yet very
sweet, that she met this American
lover. He had her hand in his firm
grasp, but he was waiting for her 70
speak He was giving her the hear
ing that was in his opinion, her right.
In the first place" Melanie began,
you ought 10 know more about me
who | am, and all that sort Of thing.
am, in one sense, not at all what ]
seem to be; and that, in the case OF
marriage. Is dangerous thing
1T is an important thing, at least.
But do know who you are; | knew
long ago. Since you never referred
to the matter, Of course / never did.
You are the Princess Auguste Stepha-
ME of Krolvetz, cousin of the present
Duke Stephen, called King OF Krol-
vetz. You are even in line for the
throne. though there are two or three
lives between. You have incurred
the dispieasure Of Duke Stephen and
are practically an exile from your
country"
"A voluntary exile" Melanie cor
rected
voluntary only in the sense that
you prefer exile to absolute submis-
sion to the duke. There is no alterna-
tive, if you return"
Melanie was silent. Aleck lifted the
hand which he held. touched it gently
with his lips and laid 1t back beside
its fellow on Melanie's lap. Then he
rose and lifted both hands before her,
half in fun and half in earnestness,
as if he were a courtier doing rcver-
ence to his queen.
See, your Highness, how ready /
am to do you homage! Only smile on
the most devoted Of your servants"
Melanie could not resist his gentle /.
2 City. II was as If they we're two
playing at a story. Aleck, in |
such mood as this, was as much fun |
as a dancing bear and in five minu- |
.es more he had won peals of laughter |
rom Melanie. II was what he wanted |
to brighten her spirits. So present
y he came back to the big chair,
.hough he did not again take her
land
Il knew you were titled and impor-
ant, MeIanie, and at first ! thought
ieemed TO forget your state, seemed
lot to care so very much about it;
md perhaps that made me think it
vas possible for us both to forget it,
II at least to ignore it. l haven't a
,old throne to give you; but you're
he only woman I've ever wanted to
marry, and I wasn't going to give up
he chance until you said So"
DO you know also that if I marry
nut of my rank and without the con-
ent of Duke Stephen, l shall forfeit
II my fortune?"
"'Cut off without cent? Aleck
aughed but presently paused, embar-
assed for the first time since he had
egun his plea. II, you know, haven't
but there's a decent income,
ven for two. And then | can always
o to work and earn something" he
miled at her, giving information to
thirsty world about the gill-slit, as
ou call it. 1t would be fun, earning
loney for you; I'd like to do it," !
Melanie smiled back at him, but left
er chair and wandered uneasily about
le room, as if turning a difficult mat ,
sr over in her mind. Aleck stood ,
Y, watching. Presently she returned !
, her chair, pushed him gently back ,
ito his seat and dropped down beside I
i'm. Before she spoke, she touched d,
er fingers lightly, almost lovingly,
ong the blue veins of his big hand =,
ing on the arm of the chair. The
and turned, like a magnet spring, -,
I'd imprisoned hers ,
No, dear friend, not yet" said Me.
ME, drawing away her hand, yet not
ry quickly, after all There is much
It to say to you, and l have been
how to say it, but shall II
} it now. Like the heroes in the a
,vels,' she smiled again. am 60 {
e to tell you the story of my life"
Good" SAID 'Aleck. "All ready for ''
Iapter one. But your maid wants
III at the door" "
Go away, Sophie" said Melanie. n
ierve luncheon to Madame Reynier b
one shall wait; and you'll have s.
wait, too, poor mani" She looked s
at Aleck "Or are you, h
rhaps, hungry? I'm not going to talk S
hungry man." she announced. h
Not bite till I've heard chapter G.
said Aleck. W
In moment she became serious h
ain. O.
Il have lived In England and here in le
nerica - she hppan "lOnp nnOuoh to | N