Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-09
The Test Of Love
A Thrilling Short Story, Complete.

TARNTVAL al Nice, the streets are
filled with gay, merrymaking
crowds though 1t Is already
late. Charles DeNeuvfle was the
only one who did not seem 10 care 10
take part in the gayety. despite the
fact that his mad love for the beauti-
full Princess Marina Sergejeff was
returned by her.
II was barely two weeks since ue
had met her the first time. Al the
exceedingly Youthful age OF 10 she
had been married 10 Prince Sergejef
and was nov one OF the most famous
beauties i'm Europe. Charles DeNeu-
vile had never met the Princess either
in Paris or Nice. He only knew that
at present Prince SerReieff was sup
posed to be living on his estate In
Russia and that during his absence
the Princess had granted him rem
devious at her palatial villa,
Quite Safe.
Charles walked through the garden
and entered the Princess apartment
on the ground floor where Marina had
promised to wait for him. II was The
first time he had seen this room and
he was surprised at the luxurious orr
entail rugs and curtains and the
priceless works OF art. on one wall
was life size painting OF a man OF
about 80, a giant with a fierce mus
tache and the body OF trained ath-
lete. the immense strength OF the man
being evident even IN spite OF the
dark green Russian uniform The
eyes were peculiarly fascinating in
their mixture Of kindness and stern
A
Charles was in no doubt that this
wac a picture OF the prince, and, con-
ceited though he was, he had 10 ad-
init to his handsome self that most
women would not have a single glance
for him In the presence OF the prince
Princess Marina saw the impression
the portrait made on her visitor, with
q smile.
He looks rather fierce. does he
not?" she said. And as II she had
guessed her visitors thought she add
ed; we are quite safe here ! have
sent all the servants to the carnival"
Charles felt visibly relieved. Kneel-
ing down before the Princess he
whispered passionately; 81 love you
adore you. II you were TO tell me you
would come with me / would leave
everything for your sake. II you
asked me TO kin your husband ]
would do H. II you asked for my own
life ] would lay It down for you hap
PLY"
She interrupted him.
Women alone understand how to
love"
mol Mo-" he cried. Il could make
any sacrifice for your sake" He
threw his arms about her and kissed
her She pushed him gently away.
put her finger on her lips and whis-
pered: Somebody Is coming through
the garden" At the same time she
switched on the light Both strained
their ears TO catch the slightest sound
Trapped.
suddenly there was a noise as II
somebody were cautiously inserting a
key In lock and opening a door.
The servants are coming back
sooner than ] expected" said Marina,
They are locking up the house, bu,
nobody has seen you. We had bet
ter go to my apartment on the floor
above"
Perhaps I had better leave" he
suggested. we will not be able 20
talk any more, anyway" He went TO
the window to open II and get out into
the garden. but found the shutters
outside closed tightly.
MY husband has given orders that
all shutters must be locked every
night" Marina said.
How will ! get away them"
Come to my room There is a
strong vine on latticework down the
outside wall"
They went to the door, but found
il locked from without
We are lost she cried. None Of
the servants has done that. Som -