The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1913-02-15
Continuedo

To say that I had no plan in my
mind when attended court that night
would be untrue.
was a late arrival upon a more
than usually brilliant scene. Here in
Drussenland it was much the same as
at home, more color and freedom than
there would be at such function in
the old country, perhaps, but the same
foundation to both-politica1 intrigue
and personal interest.
The first man T encountered was
Walen.
t1 have been waiting for you,'' he
said. tThere is mischief brewing. It
hangs in the air tonight. Vasca and
some of his party have been pressing
round the princess ever since she came
in"
'sAnd she is pleased with such at
tention?'' asked.
'I could read neither pleasure nor
disp1easure in her face. Few can read
her, Verra1l If she chooses that they
shall not
''That is true. Even a princess can
not help being a woman
''Vasca has a persuasive tongue, and
he is her kinsman. That counts for
something"
''For much, my dear wa1en. It is
men, knowing this, take advantage
and ask hard things. viii learn
more Of this intrigue"
"And speak carefully he cautioned.
''HIuch depends upon your caution"
Who cql1ld know that better than I
did? We're confirmation needed it
came in the many glances directed to-
ward me as I made my way to the
top Of the hall where Princess Daria
was.
'Sir verra1lr'
1t was a woman who called me as 1
was naking my way through the
crowd, and I could not refuse to an
swer her reckoning finger. She was
standing, ..one of a little group OF
danes and cavaliers, tricked out most
tastefully, leaders Of fashion In the
court Of Princess Daria. I knew the
woman, as meddlesome a little vixen
as existed.
SIS what we hear true?' she asked
as, bowling low. Joined the party.
-'fWho would dare to speak anything
but the truth TO the Lady A1drida?'
''tAs ready as ever with words, Sir
VerraH," said a young jackanapes, a
Drussenland type of Piccadilly loun-
ger I cannot better describe him
-.And deeds, too, Sir Knight, If deeds
are called for answered, touching
the hilt of my sword.
4fYou are quick to take omense
where none was intended
81 am a soldier first, a courtier after
ward,' I answered. pardon my
shortcomings.
.1Is it true, them" said Lady Aldri-
da ST was afraid we were to be dis
appointed
81 should grieve to disappoint you.
VIII you tell me what is expected Of
nIeT
FIT is whispered that there is to be
q grand tournament and that you are
to hold the field against all corners.
Since we have never seen your PROV
ess, is it wonderful that we are ex-
cited?" and. she laughed.
81 have heard nothing of it, I an
swered. ''But if a word from me can
save you disappointment, Lady Al
drida, be assured it shall be spoken"
-I would offer you my scarf as a
token, Sir Yerrall, had I not knight
to be Jealous"
"Say rather a hundred, Lady Aldri
da, or you do yourself a grave injus-
tice.''
"a sword as keen as your wit should
insure success. Yet how few excel in
both!''
made my way as quickly as I could
toward the princess. The priest Jasa1
was beside her; so was Count Vasca.
There was a look OF annoyance in heI
face, which was banished by a smile as
approached.
s'You come at convenient time, Sil
verral1,'' she said, giving me her hand
to kiss "Your name is on every liz
tonight, it seems
ST rejoice, your highness, if I am
fairly spoken of.
ST would call to account any man
who spoke otherwise OF the Knight OF
Bhe Silver Star" said Vasca.
ST have been suggesting brave dis
play, Sir Verra1l," he went on airily
as though we had been the greatest
of friends, "a display to make young
hearts beat with pleasure and bright
eyes sparkle with excitement. The
princess has not yet given her consent
VIII you not add your persuasion te
mine?''
'tYou have worked in secret, Count
| Vasca. Or my persuasion should have
seconded yours before this. Is it true
that you would have me keep the field
| against all corners? Surely you do me
! too much honor"
do you desire this mimic combat
| Sir VerraIl?'' asked the princess.
Most heartily, your highness. Yet
why should be so honored to destroy
| the delight Of so many? 70 hold the
field against so many gallant warriors
were impossible. Let me succeed once
twice-a dozen times. Still 1 am but
! human and my arm can feel fatigue
How say you, Count Vasca? Young
hearts beat highest when young low
ers do bravely. Let lovers break a
lance for those they love, and since
| few hearts hold me dear enough tc
beat the faster at my coming you and
I will break lance for honor's sake"
"a challenged! A challenger" said
| some about us.
It may have been fancy. but I
| thought the princess paled a little.
| ut is bravely spoken" said Jasar,