The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-07-16

return to Rsvonde Her heart was hot
in her. as, looking round, she found
herself standing alone. Elmur, APP
parently forgetful of the deep personal
devotion he had so lately manifested,
was conversing with a group of
Maasaun mobiles, his back turned con-
veniently toward her. Sagan had dis
appeared, and not one of those whom
she knew so well, and who, ten min
utes ago. would have felt honOred by
seeking her. but now seemed too deep
ly engaged to notice that she stood
alone.
A moment later Counsellor approach
ed her. She had known him slightly
for a long time, but she now for the
first time fully met the shrewd, kindly
eyes under their shaggy brows. In
stantly she liked him, and to her own
surprise found herself talking of the
indiscretion of which she had been
guilty, and of her wish TO return to
Revonde in consequence.
Mademoiselle, are you a loyal Maa-
saun?" asked Counsellor, gravely.
Valerie's soft dark eyes gazed steadi-
ly back into his.
Il am loyal" she replied, in an ear
nest underbreath-
Then stay in Sagan. If your words
carried so long a tag of meaning to
have need of all her loyal children
soon"
Whom can we trust?" she asked
suddenly, almost in a whisper, for
Elmur, seeing her in conversation with
Counsellor. now approached with
ceremonious air.
Counsellor smiled as he stood square,
ly beside her.
"Choosei" he said briefly
most deferential manner. Mademoi-
selle's choice in the most trivial mat
tiers is of Importance"
Valerie smiled. Not a trace of dis
turbance was perceptible in her man
ner, and Elmur, noting it. came to the
final conclusion that this girl was not
only extraordinarily handsome. but also
exceptionally capable. Having made
so grevious mistake, and taken the
punishment of it. she was still mistress
of herself. 1t was a gallant spirit, and
well worth capturing.
Major Counsellor has asked me to
choose flowers for the ball tonight
l choose roses. / think it is very nice
of me, Major Counsellor. for is not the
rose the emblem of England?" said the
girl. with a coquettish smile at the old
er man.
Elmur's face clouded. This interfer-
ing old fellow had the power of making
friends, which means the power of be-
ing a dangerous enemy.
Il had hoped" he said aloud, ito
have the pleasure of begging mademoi-
Selle to accept my flowers"
You are too Late, baron: but per-
haps you will escort me to the west
tower, where daresay Nine. de Sagan
is already waiting for me-"
Counsellor looked after the tall grace
full figure of the girl as she assembled
the staircase with Elmur at her side
He could see she was still laughing and
talking to her companion. but her ready
parry of the Germans question, in
Guiding a. clear reply to his own,
showed him that the chancellors
daughter was much more than a mere
wilful girl.
John Hollywood" he grunted. as he
turned away, lis after all not so great
an ass as he thinks himself
An attendant intercepted the German
before he regained the hall, after leav-
ing Valerie with Nine. de Sagan.
MY lord desires to speak to Eour ex-
cellency,' he said.
Elmur frowned. He wished to allow
Count Simon time to cool before meet
ing him, but this summons was i'm
perative. and. besides, he knew the
danger of failing to provide safety
valve in the shape of listener, before
a-,-nru rho oniint- -aniS blow 90 the