Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-09-21
our daughter is such a lovely prin.

C63S.
The king called his chamberlain and
directed him to take the young man to
the apartments that had been prepared
for him and to see that he was attired
in court costume. When Rudolf stepped
forth In velvet and lace, with rapier
by his side. his manly beauty struck
every one who saw him. All wonder
ed that he seemed 80 much at home.
Instead Of going about gaping at ev-
erything he saw he seemed surprised at
nothing. A courtier asked him how he
felt, coming from farm to palace.
"How do feel? feel-somehow I
feel-as If were the king"
A chill ran through those who heard
the reply. and he who had asked the
question whispered to companion:
Let his majesty beware. If mis-
take not this clodhopper has in him
the elements Of which kings are made
and some day with that princely stride
of his will walk to the throne and sit
upon it.
Whether it was because the young
mans bearing suited King Caspar's
purpose or that an Inheritance Of king
ly attributes coursed through Rudolfs
veins, certain 1t Is that the young man
became dominant factor at court.
1t Is not to be supposed that any
man could step from cabbage raising
to attendance upon royalty without in
the beginning committing many blum
ders. But Rudolf soon acquired the
reputation Of one who despised conven-
tionality. and when he erred through
want Of training he was able to
give the appearance Of one who knew
better, but would not take the trouble
to do better. The king gave him his
choice Of preferments, expecting that
he would choose the profession most
in favor with young men Of the time
arms. But Rudolf asked to be edu-
Gated for q diplomat, whereupon the
king sent him as IN attendant on an
embassy to a neighbOring government
to conclude treaty. When the embassy
| returned Rudolf had concluded the
treaty, while the ambassador, who had
been outwitted, returned in disgrace.
The rise Of the clodhopper was
rapid, the king having to bestow upon
him one rank after another to keep
pace with his personal requirements.
From the lowest grade Of noble he
filed every grade to that Of duke. Tho
king, not being yet ready to acknowl-
edge his royal blood, could not make
him q prince, but 1t was rumored that
some further elevation was In store
| for him.
One day King Caspar fell Ill. 1t was
understood that his malady was seri-
GUS, and the council had misgivings as
| to the succession. The Princess Xenia
was but eighteen years old, and it was
rumored that Duke Rudolf would on
the kings death seize the government.
The real danger was concealed. A neigh
boring sovereign, Ohio, intrigued with
certain disloyal Apulians upon the
death Of the king to annex their coun-
try to his kingdom.
| The kings illness grew upon him so
rapidly that he had no time to arrange
for the succession. He died suddenly
and King Otho's adherents attempted
to seize the government. Duke Rudolf
had been apprlsed Of the intention and,
putting himself ut the head Of the Apu
lian troops, nippcd the instruction in
Il ho hpl Inv
that, having an army to support him,
he would seize government headed
by Il weak girl and make himself king.
When quiet was restored and the con-
queror rode to the palace. the princess
attendants. hearing that lie was COM
ing and fearing that he would make
himself King. advised her to escape
while there was yet time. Instead she
went out to the main entrance and
stood on the stone balcony. Rudolf
rode up. dismounted and ran up the
steps, greeting Xenia as queen.
Long live the quec:.::
Xenia threw her arms around him..
then. turning to the people, cried:
Long live the kingr
The secret that had been so long kept
was promulgated. and the people went
wild with delight, hailing Rudolf as
king and Xenia as queen in the same
breath.
The marriage and coronation took
place on the same day, the bride ind
groom having been proclaimed as King
Rudolf and Queen Xenla.