Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-15
second tier of paintings. midway down

Satisfied by this that his dream coult
not come true. he went ON to the au.
dtence Chamber, arriving there just in
time to receive the announcement that
Count Ramon had Just arrived In the
courtyard in Il motor car together with
the princess Julia.
Desiring his daughter to be admitted
TO him first. and chat all attendants
Withdraw. Simon waited In II tremor OF
expectancy that was cruelty dashed BY
the girls manner on entering tho room.
Nothing Of that emotion naturally
TO be expected in a child reunited to
its parent after prolonged separation
was to be detected in Julia's demeanor
She came in with an air of subdued
melancholy. and without words adj
vanced to the end OF the room. where
Simon waited. permitting him listlessly
to embrace her and kiss her brows.
Julia" he cried In pain. dropping his
hands to her shoulders. My little
/ You are not ill""
II am very WE'LL she said steadily.
lifting grave inten, gaze TO his eyes
But | am unhappy
! Why"
'Rccausc---I know"
There wqs no mistaknE her mean
! ing. Simon. staggered. sank back into
/ his chair.
"By God.". he whispered awed by the
I accusation in her gaze. II believe YOU
do"
! II know she repeated lin order TO
I, win this throne. TO put yourself in the
direct line OF succeSsion YOU paid MS
sassins to Kill King Philip and queen
| Alike. aud YOU would have caused the
death of Prince rhilip--whom love
but for the devotion OF a loyal officer
OF the guards"
who told YOU this thing" Simon
demanded. with an effort to hraZen il
! out.
Il have read the story of CAPTAIN
Peter Barreto." the girl replied: and
have seen the proofs which he col
lected and for many years safe
guarded for Philip - incontestible
proofs OF Philips title TO this throne"
You are mistaken" the old man in
sisted. You have been misled by the
plausible lies OF intrisuants. You have
been over ready to be persuaded by
lies fabricated by my enemies
That is so--and so shall"'
Then why did YOU send Ramon and
SaNatz and Perez to assassinatc Philip
AS soon as YOU learned that he was
alive
Completely conrounded. utterly dis
countcnanced the crafty old man took
refuge in Il rusc unworthy OF him Ris-
ing from his chair as if in a nj Of
righteous anger. lie opened his lips TO
speak. but uttered no sound other than
choking gasp. at the same time clap
ping his hand 10 his bosom and falling
back Imply. with glazed eyes and p
saSEing jaw. Into his chair.
With low cry OF distress the prin-
cess turned and ran TO the nearest door.
opening ii and summonine Gil the
valet, Who waited there in compan ny
with Father Lucien.
An agony OF remorse racked her as
she waited for them to revive simon
\ with his dole OF drops. When at length
the old fox was apparently restored,
she was on her knees beside him,
fondlins his hand. dewing II with her
tears
You my father" she cried. 81
cannot believe Ill OF you. do be-
ltcre YOU guiltless OF this thine-I
do
There. there" Simon croaked rest
ing one Of his strong. gnarled hands
on her head. Il do not blame YOU.
but can persuade YOU that you were
misled and-later, when I am stronger
Il shall. In the mcantime-you must
leave me. | have my customary rou-
tine duties TO perform. Later to-
day we will talk"
AS soon as the princess had left Tho
room he dropped tho mask OF injured
| innocence he had assumed. composed
his face. and sat thinking profoundly
for a moment
Let Count Ramon be admitted" he
said
That scoundrcl entered with all OF
his wonted assurance. with the suavitv
and eTrontery OF which he was past
master. And az he came in Simon
again waved GIL and Father I.ucien
from tn. room.
so YOU have returned a; last" ST.
mon commented grimly as soon as they
were alone "T take this as sign
t1If Ia
cutting my commissions"
"SucccSsful--ycs,' Ramon agreed
notwithstanding to one inter
probation OF that word. at least, !
have been successful
philip, then. is dead
The prime minister shook his head
unabashed
II regret to say that he Mves-and
may. for all OF me- for many years,"
Simon bent forward. grasping the
arm Of his chair. lishtennes gathering
in the eyes beneath those shaggy
browS.
'Be good enough 10 explain your
self"
II mean precisely what say. Prince
Philip lives. 7 believe he il now in
raris" Ramon's hand tapped tho
breast OF his coat Incaningly. Put
his proofs OF ;itle TO Alnnia's throne
arc mine"
"OourS?'
81 have them safe
Give them 10 me"
Simon extended a shaking hand
Checrfu!ly Ramon unbuttoned his coat
produced bulky envelope from an
inside pocket. and placed il in his royal
masters grasp. With fingers that
trcmbled uncontr ollably Simon with
drew the enclosures and spread them
out upon the table.
But these are copies" he said
sharply, after nm instant's intent scru-
tiny.
Ramon nodded brightly so they
are"
"Rut tho originals"
Remain in my possession--unless
you Will il otherwiso.'
What am TO understand by that
simply that I have gone through
hnll Ia get possession OF those papers
ana mean to profit accordingly
liamon leaned over the table. smiling
liciDuSlr jptO tho farm nf fho Ii In