Sophy of Kravonia

in a plain. It lies in the broad valley of the Krath, which at this point flows due east. Immediately above the city the r

greatest distance from one another, reapproaching quickly after that point is passed till they meet again at the end-or,

he north side, indeed, still stood, but where it had escaped ruin it was encumbered and built over with warehouses and wharves; for the North River is the channel of commerce and the medium of trade with the country round about. To the south the wall has been entirely demolished, its site being occupied by a boulevard, onto which faces a line of handsome modern r

to the King's pleasure-grounds. Below the Palace there soon comes open country on both banks. The boulevard merges in the main post-road to Volseni and to the mountains which form the eastern frontier of the kingdom. At this date, and for a considerable number of years afterw

wer, a relic of Turkish rule, is built on a simple plan-a square curtain, with a bastion at each corner, encloses a massive circular tower. The gate faces the North River, and a bridge, which admits of being raised and lowered, connects this outwork with the north wall of the city, which at this point is in good preservation. The fort is roomy; two or three

ne the Krath would have run, a pretty little canal has been made by abstracting water from the river and conducting it through the streets. On either side of this stream a broad road runs. Almost exactly midway through the city the roads broaden and open into the spacious Square of St. Michael, containing the cathedral, the fine old city hall, several good town-houses dating two or three hundred years back, barracks, and the modern but not unsightly Government offices. Through this square and the streets leading to it from west and east there now runs an excellent service of electric car

Alexis Stefanovitch, and Monsieur Rousseau obtained, on very favorable terms, a large site at the southeast end of the city, just where the North and South rivers reunite. Here he built his hostelry and named it

ine October morning, sat Soph

s. Other officers rode or walked by; civil functionaries, journalists, and a straggling line of onlookers swelled the stream which set towards the Palace. Awaking from a reverie to mark the unwonted stir,

"Home!" Her home now was a single room over a goldsmith's shop, whither she had removed to relieve Mar

to pride. When all was gone, Sophy would have to depend on what is so often a last and so often a vain refuge-the teaching of French; it was the only subject which she could claim to teach. Verily, it was a poor prospect; it was

his horse opposite the door, and, giving over the reins to an orderly who attended him, nimbly dismounted. Tall and fair, with a pleasant, open face, he wore his finery with a dashing air, and

has, I fear, forgotten, but I have th

y. "Captain Markart? We m

hate being clean forgotten. But I fear yo

u wanted to go and help France, b

rgive me-our friend Marie Zerkovitch told me." He tu

ay?" asked Sophy. "Wh

!" he laughed. "It's the King's name-d

it? Are y

hought I would come early and fortify myself a little for the ordeal. To mademoiselle's good health!" He looked at her with openly admiring eyes, to which tribute Sophy acc

a man is the K

llow-a very good old fellow. I only wish his son was

rt, wouldn't he? I don't know him by sight yet

teous!" pleaded Markart, ruefully.

se he'

ttribute it-you're discreet, I hope? I'm putting

rg? Marie has told me

rkovitch is a

s the Countess oppressively r

no doubt, if it's agreed to on that basis. But the Stefanovitches have in the past often made non-royal marriages-with their own subjects generally. Well, there was nobody else for them to marry! Alexis got promotion in his first marriage-an Italian Bourbon,

rds and the clatter of hoofs roused them. A troop of soldiers rode by. Their uniform was the s

g briskly to his feet. Sophy followed his ex

it proceeded. He rode by without turning his head or giving a glance in the direction of the café terrace. Sophy saw a refi

everent Captain, as he resumed his seat. "They want a big fish

his duty,"

ing his mustache. "That's about the size of it, I expect, though natura

lf justice. You've been very

ral makes me chatter just to the extent he wants me to, and then stops me. I don't kn

this puzzle. "You mean Gene

sprang up again and made a low bow to Sophy.

able cause of his lack of vigilance. Sophy felt the glance rest on her face. In her turn she saw a stout, stumpy figure, clad in a rather ugly dark-green uniform, and a heavy, olive-tinted face adorned with a black mustache and a stubbly gray beard. General Stenovics, President of the Council of Ministers, was

be brought into sight of living interests again. They were far off, but they were there; Markart's talk had made a link between them and her. She sat on for a long while, watching the junction of the stream

ards, he beckoned his aide-de-camp and secretary-for Mark

f all, I supp

nearly

oyal Highness just

that's hi

eneral turned round to his companion-"is that remark

ew of Mademoiselle de G

ood. A nice fellow, Zerkovitch-and his

y call her t

tible, I know. Your frien

red and looked a trifle alarmed. But Steno

,'" he went on, "you told her th

sibly, G

as a little-just a l

ing, surely,

wanted the Pr

ost general refere

is young friend-"the Prince i

honor

think, M

under interrogation it accu

like his Majesty. I-I

s only comment was: "Then your remarkably handsome young friend knows somet

nnoyed, sir. I-I did

ossip and one lie don't make up a secret

observed that the General did

Her prescience-or presentiment-was not at fault. From to-day events mov