The Daughter of an Empress

Natalie clung closer to her friend's side.

"I would now gladly die," said she.

"Already die!" whispered he. "Die before you have lived, Natalie?"

Then they were again silent, the wind rustled in the trees, the

fountains murmured, the birds sang, and in golden light lay the moon

over this paradise of two happy beings.

But what is that which is rustling in the pines close to the wall--what

is that looking out with flashing eyes and a poisonous glance? Is it the

serpent already come to expel these happy beings from their paradise?

They see nothing, they hear nothing, they are both dreaming, so sure do

they feel of their happiness.

But there is a continued rustling. It is unnatural! It resembles not

the rustling of the evening wind! It is not the rustling of a bird,

balancing itself upon the branch of the tree! What, then, is it?

An opening is made in the foliage, and it is the arm of a man that makes

it. Upon the wall is to be seen the form of a man, and near him slowly

rises a second form. Cautiously he glances around, and then makes a

scornful grimace, while his eyes shine like those of a hyena. He has

discovered the two sitting together in happy security, and enjoying the

tranquil beauty of the evening in silent beatitude. He has seen them,

and points toward them with his finger, while, at the same time, he

lightly touches the arm of the other man, who has boldly swung himself

up on the wall. The glance of the latter follows the direction in which

the other points; he also now sees the reposing pair, and over his

features also flits an unnatural smile. He suddenly fumbles in his

bosom, and when his hand is withdrawn a small dagger glistens in it.

With a bold leap, the man is already on the point of springing from the

wall into the garden. The other holds him back, and makes a threatening

counter-movement. He, it seems, is the commander, and uses his power

with an indignant negative shake of the head; his commanding glance

seems to say: "Be silent, and observe!"

Staring and immovably their eyes were now fixed upon the silent pair

sitting in the bright moonlight which surrounded them as with a glory.

One of the men still holds the dagger in his hand, and with a powerful

arm the other holds him in check. Then they whisper low together--they

seem to be consulting as to what is to be done. The man with the dagger

seems to yield to the arguments or persuasions of the other. He nods his

consent. The first disappears behind the wall, and the armed one slowly

follows him. Yet once again, he glances over the wall, raising his

arm and shaking his dagger toward Natalie and her friend. Then he

disappeared, and all was again peaceful and still in this smiling

paradise!