The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1913-01-24

Bur r.m not going 20 sn7 'yes;' at
least. I don't think I am. Do stt
down."
Aieck started straight for the SILT
chair.
"Oh, no: not that! You are four
times too big for that chair. BE-
sides. it's quito valuable; It's a Louis
Quinze."
Aleck INDUCED In q vicious kick nj
the ridiculous thing. picked up an
enormous leather-bottomed chair
made apparently Of lead. and placed u
jauntily almost beside Miss Reynier's
chair. but facing the other way. =.
This Ia much better. thank you"
he said. Nov tell me why you think
you are not going to say yes 70
me-"
Melanie's mood OF softness had not
left her; but citing there. face q
face with this man. face to face with
his seriousness, his masculine VIII
and strength. she felt that she a
something yet to struggle for. some
deep personal right to be acknowl'
edged. Il 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 nrm
grasp. but he was waiting for her 10
speak. He was giving her the hear
ing that was, In his opinion. her right.
TN the first place." Melanie began.
you ought to know more about me
who I arm, and all that sort OF thing
I am. In one sense. not ut all what !
seem to be: and that, In the case OF
marriage. Is a dangerous thing
at is an important thing. at least.
But I do know who you are; knew
long ago. Since you never referred
to the matter. of course | never ND
You are the Princess Auguste Stepha'
ME Of Krolvetz. cousin Of the present
Duke Stephen. called King OF krol'
vetz. You are Eel 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
ycu prefer exile to absolute submits
sion to the duke. There Is no alterna-
tive. II you return"
Melanie was silent. Aleck lifted the
hand which he held. touched II gently
with his lips and laid II 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 II no were n courtier doing revet-
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
II was as II they were two
children playing at a story. Aleck. In
such a mood as this. was as much fun
as a dancing bear. and In five minu
ties more he had won peals OF laughter
from Melanie. II was what he wanted
to brighten her spirits. So present
~ he came back to the big chair.
he did not again take her
hand.
Il knew you were titled and impor-
tant. Melanie. and at first ! thought
that sealed my case entirely. But you
to forget your state, seemed
not to care SO very much about 1t:
ard perhaps that made me think It
was possible for US both to forget II.
at least to ignore II. haven't a
gold throne to give you: but you're
the only woman I've ever wanted TO
marry. and I wasn't going to give up
the chance until you said So"
do you know also that II ! marry
out OF my rank and without the con-.
sent OF Duke Stephen, I shall forfeit
all my fortune?"
"'Cut of without a cent?" Alcck
laughed. but presently paused. embar.
for the first time since ne had
begun his plea. II. you know, haven't
millions, but there's a decent income,
even for two. And then I can always
go to work and earn something" he
at her. giving information to
a thirsty world about the gilt-slit. as
you call II. 1t would be fun, earning
money for you; I'd like to do IT,"
Melanie smiled back at him. but left
her chair and wandered uneasily about
the room. as IL turning a difficult mat
ter over In her mind. Aleck stood
by, watching. Presently she returned
to her chair. pushed him gently back
into his sea- and dropped down beside
him. Before she spoke, she touched
her fingers lightly. almost lovingly,
along the blue veins Of his big hand
lying on the arm OF the chair. The
hand turned. Ike a magnet spring.
and imprisoned hers.
mo. dear friend. not yet" said Me.
LAME. drawing away her hand. yet not
very quickly. after all. There is much
yet to say to you. and I have been
wondering how to say II, but I shall
do II now. Like the heroes In the
novels" she smiled again. 4" I am 60
Ing to tell you the story Of my life."
Good" said Aleck. "All ready for
chapter one. But your maid wants
you at the door,"