Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-02-08
'IONG LIVE THE KING"
A
BY MARY ROBERTS RINEHART
the

under the COnStraining presence of King
Karl. There were two reasons for this:
karls presence and his purpose--ls yet
unannounced. but surmised, and even
known---and the situation in the city.
That was bad. The papers had been
ordered to make no mention of the uc-
curreuce of the afternoon, but it was
well known. There were 'nany at the
table who felt the whole attempt fool.
hardy, the setting of Il match to innam-
mable material There were others who
resented karl's presence in Livonia and
all that it implied And perhaps there
were, too, among the guests one or
more who had but recently sat in less
august and more awtu; company
Dinner was over at last. The party
moved back to the salon, "A vast and
empty place. hung with tapestries and
gayly lighted. Here the semblance of
Eayety persisted and Kari, affabilitv
itself spoke few words to each of the
guests. Then it was over. The guests
left the members Of the Council each
with wife on his arm. frowsy, over
dressed women most Of them. The COun-
ell was chosen for ability and not for
birth. At last only the suite remained
and constraint vanished.
The family withdrew shortly after to
small salon off the large one. And
there, at last, Kari cOrnered Hedvig
and demanded speech
"Where?" she asked, glancing around
tho crowded room
Il shall have to leave that to yo,, >,
he said. "Unless--there Is a balcony "
But do you think il is necessary"
why nCt?"
Because what ! have to say does not
matter"
'Tt matters very much to me-" ne re-
piled gravely.
IIedwig went first, slipping away
quietly and unnOtced Karl asked the
Archduchess's permission to follow her.
| and found her waiting there alone. rather
| desperately calm now. and with tinge
of excited color in her cheeks. Because
| he cared great deal. and because, as
kings go. he was neither hopelesslv bad
nor hard. his first words were kind and
genuine. and almost brought her to tears
/ Poor little girl :" he said
| He had dropped the curtain behind
| him. and they stood alone.
Don't" said Hedwig: 81 want To ba
very calm. and | am sorry for myself
already"
"Then you think it is all very ter
rible?"
Il wonder. Hedwic." he said. "if IL
| Is not terrible because il Is new TO YOU
and because you do net know me very
well Not" he added hastily. that
think your knowing me well would
| he an advantage am not so idiotic
But YOU do not know me at all, and for
good many years must have stood in
the light of an enemy. II Is not easy
| to readiust such thirgs--witness the
reception I had today" !"
| ~ do not think of you In that way
as---as an enemy
"'Then what Is it,"
| "Whv must we talk about it?" Hedwie
demanded. looking up at him suddenly
with fash of her old spirit at will
not change anythng."
! perhaps not. Perhaps --- yes. You
see, | am not quite satisfied. I do not
want YOU, unless you are willing II
would he q poor bargain for me. and not
quite fair"
! A new turn. this. with a vengeance
/ Hedwig stared up with startled eyes. II
was not enough 10 be sacrificed, And
as she realized all that hung On the
situation, the very life OF the kingdom
nerhaps the safety of her family, every
.hirg, she closed her ewes for fear he
might see the fright In them.
| Karl bent over and took one OF her
cold hands between his two warm ones
Little Hedwig," he said. II want you
10 come willingly becRuse--I care a
great deal ! would like you to care
too. Don't you think you would, after
time?"
after a time !" said Hedwig drearily
That's what they all say. After time
II doesn't matter. Marriage Is always
| the same--after a time"
Karl rather WINGED at that. and re,
leased her hands. but put them dowr
gently. "Why should marriage be al
ways the same. after a timer" he in
auired
This sort of marriage. without love-
"It is hardly that. Is II? love :ou.'
81 wonder how much you love me-"
(coNTINuED TOMORROW