The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-13

her invalid habits, and the King and Queen
knew nothing of the princess intentions
to go by road, nobody would be anxious,
and they might have delightful day. The
weather was perfect and Evadne, glancing
from the countess to her daughter, thought
she had never seen more attractive people.
The royal assent given, the conspirators
heaved signs of relief, the baskets of pro-
visions were quickly slowed, the Countess
Loriscu was installed beside her highness,
and Humphrey and Beruna, as in dream,
found themselves side by side, in close
proximity, fact so interesting and excit-
ing that, had the drive lasted week in
stead of day, they would not have found
it too long for the realization of their sem
sations. One startling discovery was that
of the extent to which one may use Ian
guage as a cover for thought, may say
something trivial and yet convey, to the
right person, something of extraordinary
importance. He sat drinking in the satisfac-
ton of feeling more and more sure that the
magnetic attraction of which he was con-
scious was mutual; while the countess, fac
ing them, was pouring into Evadne's eager
car all the true, secret history of the long
past tragedy in Dalmeira.
The lady had the art of narration, and so
absorbed was her listener in what she had
to tell, and SO lost in one another the two
who sat facing them, that nobody had time
to notice exactly whittier they were being
driven. The miles slipped by unheeded I'M
til at last the chauffeur slackened speed at
the foot of hill in lovely wood, and said
that there was a spot here, not far from the
path, beside mountain stream, which the
Great Lord thought would be the very place
for picnic.
Everybody agreed with delight. Their
surroundings were so beautiful that nobody
complained of the undoubtful fact that they
had no distant prospect, but were shut in
by the forest in all directions. Evadne by
this time was SO absorbed in the thought
of Leonhardt's adventures that she cared
not where she went nor what she did, pro-
vided only she was with Countess Loriscu,
and could listen to the wild tale.
When they had lunched, and strolled
little in the fairy glades, the chauffeur
asked them if they would like to hear some
peasants sing. A group Of picturesque
looking folks, two men and two girls, were
then brought up to them, and they began to
sing in parts, and with much taste and feel
ing. The music and words were both
strange to Varley and the princess. Varley
guessed that the singers were Pannonians;
but as no such thought seemed to visit
Evadne he said nothing. After they had
sung twice or thrice they looked at one
another and said something which the Coun-.
tess Loriscu interpreted. "They say this
will be the last one," said she, smiling
AS its first strains reached Humphreys
very moderately musical ear he recognized
the thing. 1t was the signal tune. His
eye flew to Beruna's, and they both grew
scarlet. Evadne however, had not leisure
tn remark the fact, for she was. listening
with kindled eyes and her own color was
heightened.
"Why," said she, 81 know that! 1t is
the Pannonian national anthem"
Countess Loriscu smiled.
"In compliment to you. They must know
or have guessed who you are" said she.
Evadne eagerly took gold piece from
her slender purse and gave it to the singers,
her eyes full of tears, though she smiled.
They were evidently enchanted, alike by her
recognition of the tune and her appreciation
of it. They bowed themselves off with many
smiles, and after they had gone, Evadne
remarked" Travelling singers. They must
come from Pannonia, should Think
II have no doubt Of it," feplied the
countess.
The sound of that tune brought back to
Humphrey with great vividness his own ex-
periences his own puzzles with regard tn