Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-05-23
Aleck started straight for the gilt

> Aleck started straight for the gil
chair.
"Oh, no; not thatl You are foul
times too big for that chair. Be
; sides, it's quite valuable; it's Louis
QuinZe."
Aleck INDUCED In a vicious kick al
the ridiculous thing, picked up an
enormous leather-bottomed chair
made apparently of lead, and placed II
jauntily almost beside Miss Reynier's
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-"
Melanie's mood of softness had not
left her; but sitting there, face to
race with this man, face to face with
his seriousness, his masculine will
and strength, she felt that she had
something yet to struggle for, some
deep personal right to be acknowl-
edged. 1t was with dignity, an aloof-
ness, that was quite real, yeti very
sweet, that she met this American
grasp, but he was waiting for her to
speak. He was giving her the hear
Ing that was, in his opinion, her right
In the first place." Melanie began,
you ought to know more about me
who l am, and all that sort of thing.
am, in one sense, not at all what l
seem to be; and that, in the case Of
marriage. is a dangerous thing"
1T is an important thing, at least.
But / do know who you are; l 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 orr 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 submits
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 courtier doing rever-
ence to his queen.
See, your Highness, how ready
I'm to do you homage! Only smile on
he most devoted of your servants"
Melanie could not resist his gentle
yaiety. 1t was as II they were two
children playing at a story. Aleck. in
iuch a mood as this, was as much fun
IS a dancing bear, and in FIVE minu-
es more he had won peals Of laughter
rom Melanie. 1t 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
and. ?
Il knew you were titled and impor- :
ant, Melanie, and at first 1 thought
hat sealed my case entirely. But you
eemed to forget your state, seemed
OF to care so very much about it;
nd perhaps that made me think 1t
7as possible for us both to forget It,
r at least to ignore it. / haven't a
old throne to give you; but you're d
ne only woman I've ever wanted to =,
larry, and / wasn't going to give up
he chance until you said So" =,
DO you know also that II marry
ut Of my rank and without the con- -
INT OF Duke Stephen, l shall forfeit "
] my fortune?" ~ :,
"'Cut OF without cent?" Aleck =
ughed, but presently paused, embar- y,
lssed for the first time since he had -
sgun his plea. 81. you know, haven't -
but there's a decent income. ~
ZEN for two. And then / can always
to work and earn something" he %
niled at her, giving information to 81
thirsty world about the gill-slit. as =.
~ call 1t. 1t would be fun, earning y
oney for you; I'd like to do it." =.
Melanie smiled back at him, but left &c
II chair and wandered uneasiIy about &c &c
e room, as II turning a difficult mat ~
over in her mind. Aleck stood ne
:, watching. Presently she returned 20
her chair, pushed him gently back Oe
to his seat and dropped down beside ca @,
m. Before she spoke, she touched %
r fingers lightly, almost lovingly. nv
'ng the blue veins of his big hand ~.
ng on the arm of the chair. The IN
nd turned, like a magnet spring. an
d imprisoned hers. ca
No, dear friend, not yet" said Me- NC
lie, drawing away her hand, yet not
y quickly, after all There is much
to say to you, and have been
ndering how to say 1t, but l shall no
1t now. Like the heroes in the an
vels," she smiled again. am 60 tn,
to tell you the story of my life"
Good" said Aleck. All ready for 'ih,
apter one. But your maid wants .
i at the door" .sh,
Go away, Sophie" said Melanie. ma
erve luncheon to Madame Reynier ba,
ne. / shall wait; and you'll have SO
wait, too, poor mani" She looked str
at Aleck "Or are you. ha,
'haps, hungry? I'm not going to talk str
a hungry man." she announced. hal
Not bite till I've heard chapter chr
rty-nine!" said Aleck. wb
n moment she became serious hal
in. owe
n L