Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-09-07
CHAPTER ".

In obedience to this command. which
had overwhelmed him with great sur
prise, Sir George seized the first mo-
ment which presented itself to with
draw from the guests assembled on the
terrace and returned to the place APP
pointed by the princess. Djella await
ed him. At the sound Of his footsteps
she advance dto meet him.
"Come." she said. and abrupt yturn-
ing lifted a portiere, and motioned him
10 enter a boudoir, fitted in Pompelian
style.
A moments silence followed. George
was at n loss to know how to begin an
Interview OF whose purpose he was
sublimely ignorant; and the princess,
despite her perfect ease, was con-
quered by embarrassment. She, how
ever. was the first TO speak.
''Sir GEORGE she said keeping her
eyes lowered to the floor, you are
greatly surprised that / have requested
this tete-a-tetei'
surprised, madame? Perhaps slight
ly So" he answered. beyving; but
charmed with such proof of your fa-
yor."
1T Is a matter of great Importance"
she continued after considerable hesita-
ton. ''Sir George, the news Of your
marriage win break one woman's
hearth
The young Englishman could not re-
press a movement OF surprise-a move
ment so apparent that Della cried:
You do not believe itT
Before answering YOU. madame"
said George, smiling. permit me TO adj
dress TO you a question: Am I to ac-
cept your word as serious? / do not
care to make myself ridiculous I'm your
eyes by the contradiction Of some jest
or pleasantly"
II have never in my life spoken more
seriously. What / have toll dyou Is too
true i swear 1t! Your marriage will
break my heart!"
'Then, madame. my answer will be
very simple. Whoever the person may
be who has informed you has been lily
advised. Some chance circumstance or
resemblance of name has caused the
error. i have left In England no at
tachmcnt or romance"
why do you suppose, Sir George
that / speak { oyou OF England?'
1T could not be otherwise"
Y uare mistaken replied Djella.
sand you are too modest. 1t is in this
country that a oma loves you"
George made a gesture Of disbelief.
xviii you still doubt when 1 tell you
that ] know her-that she has told me
that she loves your
'She has told YOUR echoed George.
Like a lightning fash came TO him
h remembrance of the mysterious I'M
known; but what possible relation
could exist between her and the Primo
ess Della?
Doubtless Diella read in his express
sion these swiftly-passing thoughts. for
without giving him time to respond,
& she continued.
Eyes yes. you are not wrong. And.
to prove TO you that / guess rightly. I
need only speak TO you of the ruined
Temple of silva and the boot. thrice-re-
peated, Of the owl in the garden of Be
\ Mares
"So!" murmured George. in a sort of
s~tupefaction. This woman, whose In
finite tenderness has been shown me.
Z but whose face has been ever hidden
4 by a velvet mask-this woman"
1T Is she!" Diella interrupted, land
4 she loves you; but .dorbtltss, you de-
spise her. she added, In a trembling
voice.
"Ah. madame, you Judge me unjust
"" cried George. by what right
should / despise this charming crea-
fture VIII ohas honored me with her IA
xvor? The sentiment with which she
insplred me far from disdain awakens
On me only the most tender gratitude
lOf all the rights belonging to woman,
that OF caprice is The most sovereign
5kand indisputable. Tho II an profiting
by this caprice, and turning migrate,
&would be. In my estimation like a poor
devil disdaining a millionaire because,
sail unexpected and lnhcped-for. he
@had received from him r. royal gift"
M A singular light overspread Djella's
E*face.
NJ "Ah" she cried, when George had