Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1917-08-24

"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" | said
Il know she answered, and then
realized how upset and nervous she
seemed. But Won Metzsch hates me
and has put about all sorts of scandal
Gus reports concerning me. All
count" she sighed. you do not know
how very unhappy l am-how l am
surrounded by enemies"
Il much regret TO hear that" / said
But your imperial highness has also
many friends, of whom l hope / 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 position to watch and
discover what is in progress-the rea-
son the emperor exchanges those con-
stant condolences with Won Me.zsch,
the man who twisted my husband
| around his little finger, and who has.
with my lady-Of- the-bedchamber, Frau
Won Fritsch, already poisoned his mind
how much l have suffered!
She seemed on the verge of a nerv-
Gus crisis. for / saw that in her fine
/ eyes stood the light of unshed tears,
and | confess l was much puzzled,
for l 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?' / 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 Stafhemberg have concOcted be-
tween them. 1t is cruel! 1t is
wickedr'
mo, no. Calm yourself, princess ~
/ urged alphabetically. Il am at
least your friend, and will act as such,
should occasion arise"
"Ahw she exclaimed in a low voice.
Il fear l shall require the assistance
of friend very soon. Do you recOl-
lect my broken pearls?"
And few moments later she left
the room.
"You lie!"
Through all that day and the next
7 vrnnHarn1 hat ~rI-
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 i'm the eve
ming, | passed the sentries and ascend
ed to the emperOr's study with some
papers | had been going through re-
garding the reorganization of the Stet-
tin garrison. | was one of the very
few persons ever admitted to that
wing of the palace.
AS l approached the door, treading
noiselessly upon the soft carpet. l
heard voices raised excitedly. the door
being slightly ajar
Naturally l halted. In my position I
was able to hear a great deal of palace
intrigue. but never had listened to a
conversation that held me more
GREATNESS than at that moment.
Woman" cried the emperor, edo
you. then. openly defy my authority?"
What that crafty sycophant, Won
Metzsch. has told you is, l repeat, n
foul and abominable lie," was the re-
ply.
And | knew that the unfortunate
princess was defending her reputation.
which \her enemies at the court of
SaXony had torn TO shreds.
NO woman ever admits the truth.
of course" sneered the emperor. IL
consider you disgrace to the Dresden
court"
$50 this is the manner in which you
openly insult your guests :" was the
princess TetOft. lou. VINO DelleVe
yourself the idol of your people, now
exhibit yourself in your true light as
the traducer of defenseiess woman :"
How dare you utter those words to
me-" cried the all-highest one i'm fury.
II dare defend myself-even though
you may be emperor replied Louisa.
in a cold, hard tone Of defiance. II
repeat that your allegations are un-
true. and that you have no right to
make them. Surely you can see that
my enemies. headed by the king of
Saxony, are all conspiring to effect my
downfall. l know it! / have written
proof of it,"
"Bosh You say that because you
know that the statements are true~
You lie!" she cried flercely. They
are not true. You cannot prove them"
VERY WE'LL" answered the emperor
In that tone of cold determination that
l knew too well. Il will prove the
charges to my entire satisfaction"
l was startled at the manner In |
which the princess had dared to call