The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1915-12-10
FOURTH lNSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XIV.
u Your Majesty Please.


In full view OF the spectators, who
now had left the dancing floor and
gathered in groups at a respectful dis.
lance from royalty, Kitty received the
envelope from the messenger-the
same packet which she had herself
sent to the palace that morning for
delivery at midnight.
Yet, even as she took the envelope
In her hand there came to her a sharp
conviction that something was wrong.
1t had a strange llghtness-it did not
seem quite the same as when she her.
self had sealed 1t that morning. Has
tily, she opened the envelope. her lips
compressed. It was empty!
The blank book OF surprise which
came to her face was something not to
be mistaken. King Michael frowned.
What Is this, Observation-Disclosures we
made the subject of some sport? How
now"
Kitty stood regarding first one. then
the next of the faces about her. On
the cOuntenance of Count Frederick
she read only chagrin and surprise
equal to her own.
What then, mademolselle?" de-
manded Michael, himself not yet so
fully advised as others regarding the
nature OF this packet which had been
intended for him. What was 1t that
you were 30 good as to intend sending
u.s."
Kitty dared not answer this direct
question.
Your majesty" said she. turning
upon him so dazzling smile as would
have made any man forget all else.
1T was nothing! 1t was but a small
favor would have sent your majesty,
to show the acknowledgment OF my
own country, since your majesty has
done such honor TO me tonight. Per.
haps someone in my humble menage
has been unfaithful-if so, II was but
small loss after all. II your majesty
will forget 1t and give me a few added
days of grace, | will EXPLAIN will
try again, hope with greater for.
tune"
Very well, mademoiselle." said he
''as You like"
A certain relief was felt by all con.
cerned, as now he turned and made
a sign to the leader OF the orchestra.
who stood. batcn poised,
with us, excellenza?" The king Of.
farp1 hiu arm
AS they swept on in the evolutlons
of the dance, Kitty caught sight of the
dark face of Count Sachio.
That she had earned this mans dis
like, or at least, had deeply hurt
his masculine :anity, Kitty was well
enough aware.
Count Frederick evaded the throngs
about the king. Unwillingly he turned
away his eyes from the beautiful fig
ure Of the young American as she
danced. He never had seen a woman
who thrilled him thus. He himself did
not dance. This was no evening OF
pleasure for him. He had other plans.
Count Frederick started toward the
door before second thought came to
his mind II there should for any rea.
son be miscarriage OF his plans-if
there should be need for yet greater
delay before his final overt act was
committed-then he ought to have a
care to retain some footing in the
kings good graces.
The murmurs OF the people, vague.
indefinite, had from time to time been
a6dible at the open door of the grand
entrance
why do We starve while they
dancer
They began to edge towards the pal.
ace steps, a dark, dense mass The
soldiery were not eager to oppose
them with Steel The soldiers we're
themselves of the people. Moreover,
they had had small cause for loyalty
to the king and court of Gretzhoffen.
They were Ill paid and Ill governed.
The people lacked leadership. Count
Frederick had hinged his own plans
of action upon one event--the public
disgrace Of the king-and that event
had not occurred.
Still over the voice OF the strings
and reeds rose the low mutterings of
the mob, strange to hear, impossible
to describe.
King Michael heard this sound All
heard 1t, this voice of the people, as
yet undecided. The kings face paled
terror smote home upon his soul.
He saw Count Frederick. now re.
turning to the salon, from the great
entrance door. The latter saw the ter.
ror on his monarchs face, and recog-
niz0d on the instant tho opportunity
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