The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-06

She seemed capable merely of a stupid
kind of surprise in the realization that
somewhere in the blacklist depths of her
soul was the aching wish that she could live
last night oyer again. Those few wild min
utes had wiped away forever the idealistic
romance which had sustained her through
the empty years.
1t is possible to love and loathe in one
and the same moment
One believes not; and yet the princess
could give herself no definite answer when
she asked her heart whether it was passion
or hatred which filled her when she thought
of those kisses in the dark.
Humphrey Varley, upon his return, in
the baron's car from Castle Kyriel, alighted
in the avenue and went to Water Gate by
devious and secluded route. Fortune IA
vored him, for he met Franz on the way,
and was able to deliver his letter, point to
the baroR's seal thereon, and explain that
it was essential that the princess should
receive it when she was alone. 1t was not
to be shown to any one else, nor entrusted
to NADIA for delivery.
His mind, that sunny afternoon, very
simply was that he could not leave the
country without seeing Beruna again.
Halfway up the mountain track he re-
preached himself for reckless folly and sell
fishness. Not only was he endangering Duke
Raoul's plans by running the risk Of being
seen when he was supposed to be i'll in bed.
He might also be embarrassing the girl he
came to visit. Yet his feeling drove him
on. He meant to obtain a glimpse if it
could be achieved.
He continued his ascent with determine
ton. Now that he had come so far, it
would be faint hearted to turn back. He
reached the head of the glen and the cot
tage stood facing him. He was surprised
at its desolate aspect by daylight. He had
on the former occasion received an impress
sion of comfort and cheer. Now he thought
it forbidding spot.
Yet the place was not as he at first
feared, abandoned, for as he walked up to
it he could hear faint sound from within,
sound of tapping. He struck his stick
pretty smartly upon the door.
The sounds within ceased. Ensued
pause which he felt to be breathless. No
body came, however, and in minute or
two he repeated his summons. Shutting
footsteps then made themselves heard, the
door was opened a crack and an elderly
man of the peasant class peeped forth. He
had hammer in his hand.
With glance behind him the old man
drew the door softly to, and stepped forth
upon the threshold, holding the handle be-
hind him with his left hand. Nobody is
here but myself" said he. "What does the
quality want?'
Nobody here?" Varley's heart sank like
stone. "Where then are the mother and
sister of Anton?"
"They are gone away"
back?"
"They will not come back
Varley had much ado to keep his surprise
from being noticeable. He was not pre-
pared for this.
81 am packing their things" went on the
old man. canton is dismissed from the
Forest Guard. All of them are gone away"
After long moment of reflection upon
this news, Varley said he would like to come
in.
II admit nobody. 1t is an order from
the Great Lord himself"
"Yet me come in and rest" said he to the
old man. 81 am friend of your Great
Lord. was eating my meat with him this
very day.
The mans face changed. Eating thy
meat with him!'
Eyes. Do you not know me? / am the
Kings Englishman." He pointed to an
orchid which was in his button hole-pre-
sented that day by the old baron, whose
hobby was his orchid houses. At sight of it
the face Of the custodian softened. Varley