Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1917-08-10

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"Why do you not admit it?" she
asked quickly.
princess, if the emperor gives me
orders to preserve secrecy, then it is
my duty to obey" 1 said.
81 know" she answered, and then 1
realized how upset and nervous she
seemed. But Won Metzsch hates me,
and has put about all sorts of scandal
Gus reports concerning me. Ali
count" she sighed, you do not know
how very unhappy 1 am-how 1 am
surrounded by enemies!'
81 much regret to hear that" said.
''But your imperial highness has also
many friends, of whom 1 hope 1 may
be permitted to number myself"
"Ah! it is extremely good of you
to say that-very good. If you really
are my friend, then you can help me.
You are in a position to watch and
discover what is in progress-the rea
son the emperor exchanges those con-
stant condolences with Won Metzsch,
the man who twisted my husband
around his little finger, and who has,
with my -of-the-bedchamber, Frau
Won Fritsch, already poisoned his mind
against me. All! you have no idea
how much 1 have sufferedl"
She seemed on the verge of a nerv-
Gus crisis, for l saw that in her fine
eyes stood the light of unshed tears,
and 1 confess 1 was much puzzled,
for had certainly believed, up to that
moment, that she was on excellent
terms with her husband.
But surely his highness, the crown
prince of Saxony, does not believe any
of those wicked reports?" 1 said.
"Ah! Then you have heard OF
course, you have. Won Metzsch has
taken good care to let the whole world
know the lies that he and the Countess
Paule Starhemberg have concocted be-
tween them. 1t is cruel! 1t is
wickedl"
mo, no. Calm yourself, princess !''
1 urged sympathetically. Il am at
least your friend, and will act as such,
should occasion arise"
"Ah" she exclaimed in low voice.
81 fear / shall require the assistance
of friend very soon. Do you recol-
lect my broken pearls?'
And a few moments later she left
the room.
"You Lie!"
Through all that day and the next
wondered what underhand work
could be in progress. pitied the good
looking, unconventional imperial prin.
cess who, because Of her somewhat
hoydenish high spirits, had aroused
the storm of anger and jealousy in the
Saxon court. But the Hapsburgs had
ever been so unfortunate in their loves
On the day before the crown prin.
cess visit to the Berlin court was due
to end, at about six o'clock in the eve
ming, passed the sentries and ascend
ed to the emperor's study with some
papers 1 had been going through re
garding the reorganization of the Stet
tin garrison. 1 was one of the very
few persons ever admitted to thai
wing of the palace.
AS I approached the door, treadine
noiselessly upon the soft carpet,
heard voices raised excitedly, the dool
being slightly ajar.
Naturally halted. In my position
was able to hear great deal of palace
! intrigue, but never had listened to ;
conversation that held me NOR,
breathless than at that moment.
Woman" cried the emperor, I'D,
:. | o
"What that crafty sycophant, Vol
Metzsch, has told you is, 1 repeat,
| foul and abominable lie," was the re
ply.
/ And / knew that the unfortunat
princess was defending her reputation
: which her enemies at the court O
Saxony had torn to shreds.
mo woman ever admits the trutf
Of course" sneered the emperor.
l consider you disgrace to the Dresde
court"
2 $50 this is the manner in which yo
/, openly insult your guests! I" was tn
r princess retort. "You, who believ
yourself the idol of your people, no,
a exhibit yourself in your true light a
s the traducer of a defenseless woman
:, "How dare you utter those words t
: mel" cried the all-highest one, in fur.
r 81 dare defend myself-even thoug
you may be emperor" replied Louis;
in a cold, hard tone of defiance. :
e repeat that your allegations are III
g true, and that you have no right t
: make them. Surely you can see ths
d my enemies, headed by the king
l. Saxony, are all conspiring to effect m
S downfall. 1 know 1t! I have write
/ proof of it J"
r "Bosh! You say that because yo
l. know that the statements are true"
II "You lie!" she cried fiercely. "The
are not true. You cannot prove them
e Every WELL" answered the empert
Y, in that tone of cold determination th;
u 1 knew too well. 81 will prove Il
charges to my entire satisfaction"
g J. wag startled at the manner
which the princess hno dared to ca