Part 87 (2/2)

Harry and Ashby saw in ”His Majesty” a remorseless brigand, whose only idea was plunder, and who would now hold them to ransom as before. They despaired of escape. This new capture seemed far worse than the former one, yet each one thought less of himself than of that dear one whom he had tried to save. Thus Harry clung to Katie, and Ashby clung to Dolores, more closely than ever. Brooke and Talbot, on the contrary, had less fear, yet they had anxiety. Brooke recognized in ”His Majesty” the unscrupulous Carlist whom he had visited, and was somewhat uneasy about a recognition; while Talbot, seeing his uneasiness, felt something like fear herself.

Yet, in the midst of all this, they all alike made one discovery. It was this: each one saw that his or her old love had become strangely indifferent.

Harry saw that Talbot was clinging to that strange man whom he had never seen before, but who now, as he thought, seemed uncommonly sweet on her.

Brooke saw that Dolores was clinging for support to another strange man.

She had evidently no thought for him.

Ashby saw at once that Katie thought of no one but Harry Rivers.

Talbot saw that Harry was devoted to that lady whom he was so a.s.siduously supporting and consoling. She was utterly amazed at the discovery, yet inexpressibly glad.

Dolores, in her delight, saw that Brooke took no notice of herself, but devoted himself to the lady with him, and in such a fervent manner that she understood it all without being told.

Katie also saw that Ashby had forgotten all about her, and thought of nothing but Dolores.

And at this discovery, which flashed almost simultaneously upon them, each one felt the most inexpressible joy. At the same time the whole truth came upon them. Each one, instead of pursuing the other, had been trying to fly. Each lover had found a new and more congenial friend, and with this dear friend had left the castle. Each one felt equally guilty, yet equally glad; but then as to guilt, there was Brooke, who didn't feel guilty at all--oh, bless you, no!--he had only come with Talbot _as far as the tower_!

In the midst of all this, Harry and Ashby and Brooke were amazed at the Irish brogue of the Carlist chief, who had formerly spoken to them in Spanish.

And now, while they were thus wondering, who should come in but a certain female in a very peculiar dress; for this female wore what looked like a military cloak, and she wore, also, an officer's ”kepi,” which was perched upon the top of her chignon; which female took a glance around, and then exclaimed,

”Well, goodness gracious me! I never! Did I ever! No, never!”

”Auntie!” screamed Katie, and with this she rushed toward the aforesaid female, who was no other than Mrs. Russell. She flung her arms around that lady, and almost smothered her with kisses.

”Dear child,” said Mrs. Russell, ”how impetuous you are! but it's natural--it's touching--it's grateful--we deserve it, dear. We came to seek and to save. Bless you, my child, and may you be happy! ”His Majesty”

has a tender heart, and often talks of you. We also cherish for you a fond affection, child; but in future try to be a little less boisterous, and respect the majesty of Spain.”

At this reception Katie was quite bewildered. It was only by a strong effort that she could comprehend it. She then recalled that old nonsense with which she had amused herself when she had suggested that Mrs. Russell should marry ”His Majesty;” but now a great terror seized her: was it possible that Mrs. Russell had done such a thing?

”Oh, Auntie!” she said; ”oh, Auntie! you haven't--you haven't--done--done it?”

”Done it!” said Mrs. Russell, who seemed at once to understand her; ”no, child--not yet; but as soon as the affairs of State will allow, ”His Majesty” says that the ceremony shall be performed; after which comes the coronation, you know, and then, dear, I shall be Queen, and you may be princess, and may marry the proudest of all the Spanish chivalry.”

At this Katie was so terrified that she did not know what to say. The only thought she had was that ”Auntie” had gone raving mad. She knew that Mr.

Russell was alive and well, for she had seen him only a short time before.

The old joke about marrying ”His Majesty” had been almost forgotten by her; and to find ”Auntie” now as full as ever of that nonsensical piece of ambition was inexpressibly shocking to her. Yet she did not know what to say. To disabuse her seemed impossible. She did not dare to tell her that Mr. Russell was alive; it might be dangerous. ”Auntie” had so set her mind upon this insane project that any attempt to thwart her would certainly draw down vengeance upon the head of the one who should dare to attempt it. That one certainly was not Katie. She liked, as far as possible, to have things move on smoothly around her; and so the only thought she now had was to chime in with ”Auntie's” fancy; to humor her, as one would humor an insane person, and to hope that something might turn up in time to prevent anything ”dreadful.”

In this state of mind Katie went on talking with ”Auntie.” But ”Auntie”

was hard to humor; she was altogether too grand and lofty for little Katie. In fancy she already wore a crown, and talked of the throne, the sceptre, and the majesty of Spain as though they had always been her private property.

”I've been two or three days,” said she, ”with 'His Majesty.' He has been most kind. His royal will is that I should wear this hat. Do you think it is becoming? Under other circ.u.mstances I should be talked about, I know; but where the welfare of Spain is concerned, I don't care for public opinion. When I am seated on the throne all will be explained.”

At such a torrent as this poor Katie could only take refuge in silence.

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