New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1919-01-24

that there had been few changes. But
there has been, I perceive. after all, a
great change"
zone cannot Judge the many by the
few, majesty"
But Karl only raised his eyebrows.
In his rooms, removing the dust of
his journey, broken by the automobile
trip across the mountains where the
two railroads would some day meet,
Karl reflected on the situation. A dual
monarchy, one portion of 1t restless
and revolutionary, was less desirable
than the present peace and prosperity
Of karnia. And unrest was contagious.
He might find himself in u difficult
position.
He glanced about his rooms. In one
of them Prince Hubert had met his
death. 1t was well enough for Nett
Itch to say the few could not speak for
the many. 1t took but one man to do
a murder, Karl reflected grimly.
But when he arrived for tea in the
archduchess' white drawing room he
was urbane and smiling. He kissed
the hand Of the archduchess and bent
over Hedwig's with a flash of white
teeth.
Then he saw Olga Loschek, and his
smile stiffened. The countess came
forward, curtsied, and as he extended
his hand to her, touched 1t lightly
with her lips. They were quite cold.
For just an instant their eyes met.
1t was, on the surface, an amiable
and quiet tea party. Hedwig had
taken up her position by a window,
and was conspicuously silent. Behind
her were the soft ring of silver against
china, the countess gay tones, Karl's
suave ones, assuming gravity, as he
inquired as to his majesty's health;
the Archduchess Annunciata pretend
ing a solicitude she did not feel. And
all forced, all artificial.
"Grandmother," Hedwig whispered
from her window to the austere old
bronze figure in the place, twas it
like this with you, at first? Did you
SILVER when he touched your hand?
And doesn't it matter, after a year"
"Very feeble" said the archduchess'
voice, behind her, "but SO brave-a
lesson to us ALL"
"He has had a long and conspicuous
career" Karl observed. ut is sad, but
we must all come to 1t. I hope he will
be able to see me-"
"Hedwig!" said her mother. sharp
ly, "your tea is getting cold"
Hedwig turned toward the room.
Listlessness gave her an added dignity,
a new charm. Karl's eyes famed as
he watched her. Even her coldness
that the GOODNESS was only a young
girls armor, that under It was a Deep
~ passionate woman. The thought Of
seeing her come to deep, vibrant life
In his arms thrilled him.
When he carried her tea to her, he |
bent over her. "Please!" he said.
TRY to like me. l."
"Tm sorry" Hedwig said quickly.
Mother has forgotten the lemon"
Karl smiled and, struggling his
shoulders, fetched the lemon. Fright,
now?" he inquired. "And aren't we
going to have a talk together?"
IF you wish 1t, I dare say WI SHALL"
Majesty" said Hilda, frownlng into
her teacup. II see q marriage for
YOU" She ignored her mothers scowl.
and tilted her cup to examine 1t.
"a marriage" Karl Joined her, and
peered with mock anxiety at the tea
grounds. "Strange that my fate
should be confined In so small a COM
pass! A happy marriage? Which am
II"
1.-THE long yellow leaf. Yes, 1t looks
happy. But you may be rather
shocked when I tell you"
"Shocked?"
II think" said Hilda, grinning, that
you are going to marry me-"
Delightful"
"And we are going to have"
"Hilda !" cried the archduchess fret
fully, do stop that nonsense and let
us talk. I was trying to recall, this
morning." she said to Karl, when you
last visited u.s." She knew It quite
well, but she preferred having Karl
think she had forgotten. ut was,
believe, just before Hubert"
Eyes," said Karl gravely, "just be-
"Otto was a baby then"
"A very small child. I remember
that I was afraid to handle him."
HE Is a curious boy, old beyond his
years. Rather a little prig, I think.
he has an English governess, and she
has made him quite a little woman"
Karl laughed. but Hedwig flushed.
HE is not that sort at ALL" she de-
clared stoutly. HE IL lonely and-and {!
rather pathetic. The truth Is that no
one really cares for him. except"
Except Captain Larischl l" said the
smoothly. "You and he,
Hedwis, have done your best by him,
1
The bit Of byplay was not lost on
sudden stiffening of He'd I
Wigs back, Olga's narrowed eyes. {
olga had been right, then. Trust her '
or knowing facts when they were dis
l~greeable. Bis eyes became set and
vatchful, hard, too, had any noticed. I
There were ways to deal with such q {
ituation, Of course. They were Civ.
HIM fhls warl - aorrra <hosp o-m ~