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

you her heart. Just now YOU spoke of
caprice, and you spoke truly. 1t was
caprice Or No, / am wroDg. 1t was
an irresistible attraction which drew
her to you. She had seen you, and she
felt every nerve and pulse of her being
go out toward yOu--;l passion she had
no strength to resist. Has it not been
thus in all things since the world be-
gan? The torrents and rivers at their
source are tiny rivulets. AS you ap-
peared before her in your true light,
giant in mind and heart, a child in gen.
giant in mind and heart a child in gem
tlcness and simplicity, a hero i'll devo-
ton and courage, caprice gave place to
love. The attraction became pro-
found passion. In one word, Sir George,
this woman loves you. She loves you
with all her soul; yet before she knew
you she believed she could never love-"
"Ah madame. if am indeed to credit
your assurance, believe me that it
causes profound regret"
profound regret" echoed Djella. in
almost indistinct tones. "And why?"
Because this affection, which 1 do
not deserve it is impossible for me to
retuln!'
what is the obstacle?" she asked,
impatiently.
The most unsurmountable of all OBJ
stacles. A loyal heart can neither
withdraw nor share its allegiance: and
mine, in all its entirety, has already
been bestowedr'
Djela slightly shrugged her shoul-
dcrs. an irOnical smile encircling her
lips.
ITO Miss Agnes Burtcll, your fan
Gee" she exclaimed
The disdainful expression with which
she pronounced these words did not es-
cape Sir George.
ITO Miss Agnes Burtell, my fiancee-
yes, madame!' he answered, in clear,
proud tones.
The princess saw her error She bit
her lips, fastening to add
II know that Miss Agnes is a mos.
charming girl; and though have not
vet had the pleasure of meeting her.
doubt neither her grace nor beauty.
But she is still a child. who can know
nothing of love. To her the betrothed
is brothel-or. at most. Il friend"
so much the better. madame" an
swered George. eff her heart is dumb.
L Will teach it to speak in loves Ian
guage."
You will teach her. but she of whom
l tell yoll-she whom you despise-
would give her life for loves sweet
sakcw
''She whom I despise. do you say?"
answered George. How can 1 despise
one whom l do not know? The mask
which concealed her features put bar
rler between us"
'She is more beautiful than the most
beautiful cried Djella "Pocts have
compared her to Venus. She is young.
and it is said that her eyes possess a
magical power to enslave all hearts!
"Wny. then. has she not used them
to enchain mine when it was vet
time?"
Listen to me, Sir George" continued
the princess, "for 1 have not yet told
YOU all. This woman's rank is so eX-
allied that the regard of those sur
rounding her scarcely darcs lift itself
beyond her feet. Among her ancestors
We're the kings of India and rulers of
the world. Her fortune is so great
that her followers become millionaires
ana i'll TO wise is she impoverished
She need but make a signal. and three
hundred thousand Hindoos rise to obey
any command which may issue from
her lips. Between this woman and
yon. Sir George. caste, religion, prrju-
dice appear to form an impossible
abyss-is it not so? Well. to draw her
to YOU, she will bridge the chasm. She
will lift you to her altitude in max
ing YOU her husband. She will bring
you wealth and pOWer-pOwer without
limit, fabulous wealth! And if ever
heavens will restores to her the throne
OF her ancestors. she will share it With
YOU. All this she offers you, Sir
George. What is your rpply?'
Alas. princess. it is short. indeed \
moment ago. had the honor of saving
to YOU | no longer belonged to myself
to give. SO. alluling as these proposals
may be. must now add. L no longer
belong to myself to sell!''
Djella made gesture of grieved SUI
prise.
"Ah Sir George" she murmurcd,
these IRE cruel words: Where. then.
Go you discover Il bargain in this rttpr
dictated by heart which you entirely
flip
so be it. madame. I rptract al
harshness and injustice from the
words; but / repeat. no longer pos
srss myself. I love Agnes Burte.l!"
DJella'S pale cheeks became purple
Her eyes fairly scintillated.
Nor she cried with Unsurpassed
Clrotion. caused by the inner WRITINGS
of all the serpents CT jealousy and rage
no, you do not love her! You could
not love her. Forget this child. We
will find for her another tiancep which
quit " will console her if 50 sha stands
in need cf consolation. Sir George, do
not be ritilcss toward the naughty wo-
nan VIII" herds eyer tc make to you Il
prayer. Do net repnlse her whom love
has rendered humble. and who stretch
cs to you suEplicating hands. George,
!Cv" EOE-!
"You, madamc-you?" stammered the
young man. struck with stupefaction
and emotion. more readily understood
than expressed.
Yes" replied Djella. breathless With
agitation-"yes, II, who am yours al
ready. and who wish ever to be yours.
Look. She is Oh her knees-sne to
whom all men bow. The Princess Djel-
Ia moistens your hand with her tears
you, whom l have seen supplicating at
my feet when mask concealed my
face-you, whom l have seen shiyer
when your hands touched mine-you,