Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-09-07
CHAPTER X,

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
to enter a boudoir, fitted in POmDeiian
style.
A moments silence followed. George
was at loss to know how to begin IN
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 l have requested
this tete-a-tcte?'
Surprised madame? Perhaps slight
ly so," he answered. bowling; 'but
charmed With such proof of your fa-
vor"
'It is a matter Of great Importance"
she continued after considerable heSita-
ton. "Sir George. the news Of your
marriage will break one woman's
heart!"
The young Englishman could not re-
press a movement of surprised move
ment so apparent that Diclla cried:
You do not believe it,"
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? l do not
care to make myself ridiculous in your
eyes by the contradiction Of some Jest
or pleasantly"
Il have never in my life spoken more
seriously. What l have toll dyou is t;:o
true I swear it! 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. l have left in England no at
tachment or romance"
''Why do you suppose. Sir George
that 1 speak oyouo of England?"
''It could not be otherwise"
''Yo uare mistaken" replied Djclla
3'and you are too modest. 1t is in this
country that woman loves you
George made Il gesture of disbelief.
"Will you still doubt when tell YOU
that I know her-that she has told me
that she loves you?''
''She has told you?" echoed George
Like lightning fash came to him
the remembrance of the mysterious I'M
known; but what possible relation
could exist between her and the Prime
ess Diella?
Doubtless Diplla read in his express
sion these swiftly-passing thoughts. for
without giving him time to respond.
she continued.
Yes 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
nares'
$50" murmured George. in sort of
stllpefaction. "This woman, whose i'll
finite tenderness has been shown me.
but whose face has been evei. hidden
by a velvet mask-this woman
1T is she!" Djella INTERRUPTED. land
she loves you; but .tlol.ht!t SIS. you de-
spise her. she added. in a trembling
voice.
"Ah, madame, you judge me unjust
Typ cried George. by what right
should I despise this charming crea-
ture VIII ohas honored me with lrer fa-
vor? The sentiment with which she
inspired me, far from disdain awakens
4 in me only the most tender gratitude
I OF all the rights belonging to woman
Il that Of caprice is the most sovereign
and indisputable. The an proftine
by this caprice, and turning migrate
would be, in my estimation like poor
devil disdaining millionaire because
all unexpected and lmhoped-for. he
had received from him u. royal gift"
A singular light oyerspread Djclla's
ssAce.
.Ahy' she cried. when George had