Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-11-02
CHAPTER xxx.

brother was beneath the same roof
with him. He was very pale, but the
decision Of his attitude and the firm
ness of his expression evidenced SUI
preme determination.
y door opened. a pOrticre was lifted.
Diclla appeared. She seemed calm-al-
| most smiling. but her smile was
strange and more frightful than Il
frown. She advanced several steps
into the room. Edward bowed with
the cold courtesy of Il gentleman to Il
woman of the world. Djella threw him
Il glance as strange as her smile.
You have Gomez" she said.
| Did you doubt ii, madame?' asked
the young man.
Il acknowledge that | did"
why SO! You fancied that 1 mis-
took Your palace for the den of the
tiyrcss!'
Il fancied it possible"
"I'hen you deceived yourself. Ed.
ward Malcolm has no fear. l am here.
calm and confident. One of your
people this morning brought me your
letter. You could. you said, enlighten
me as to the fate of Agnes and Hera,
and assist me in finding them. 1t was
only necessary to come to you, and
your will made it law that l should
come alone. Was hesitation possible?
No. madame. | have come. | am here.
] await your PLEASURE
| What do you wish to know
! Where are Hera and Agnes?'
Here answered the princess.
| Edward remained impassive.
I'm this palace?' he asked
Yes. This surprises you, Sir Ed.
wartl:'
In !: measure"
"lndecd.'
| What do you desire. madame? be-
gin to know you well. ana my presnti-
mrntS warn me that YOU alone have
committed this new crime"
They Go not deceive you," replied
the princess. ironically.
But. doubtless continued Edward.
you regret so cowardly an action
You think so:'
Your action seems to prove it,:
| ~ on are sure. Sir IIdward:"
why should you have sent for me if
| it were not so: Well, here am. Give
| orders. then. madame. / beg you. and
LET Miss Agnes and Miss Hcr;l leave
this place With me-
"Sir Edward. you are Il fool" burst
out Diella. with {; peal of laughter.
You. who pretend to know me. can
you thus judge me? Agnes and Hera
are in my house. They will never
leave it. l hold and guard Them
n purple cloud overSpread Edwards
face. The veins Of his forehead dis
tended. For Il moment anger almost
| ovcrmastered him: but by powerful
effort. he OyermaStprpu it,
"Madame.' he said. after Il moments
pause. his voice almost inarticulate
| with rage. II have sworn to myself to
rem ain calm: but human patience has
its limits. DO not play a game with
| me which will not be without danger
Restore to me my bctrothed ana the
betlothed of my brother
MOI! answered Djella.
1T is your last word. madame?
ut is my last word
Edward had again grown very pale.
But if such is your will, madame.
why have YOU summoned me here:
TO return to YOU evil for evil.''
II" me. madame:"
TO you.
What evil have I done yo?"
| do YOU SO soon forget? Djella is
not of those who pardon injuries. Yes
ANAbhS Nou luSu1IcU 1uC-NCSICIudv YOU
drove ME forth. To-day [ revenge my.
sclf.'
ION young and innocent girls
! ION them and on you! Yesterday
you trailed my pride in the dust! To-
day, by breaking your heart, 1 take
my revenge
| Take t.;,re.' said Edward. oyermas.
tered by Indignation.
! ..Of What I'' damnO1aI nio1lo
"Of my voice, which shall accuse
| you. and of my hand. which shall un.
mask YOU"
| Tie princess disdainfully shrugged
her shoulders.
You are foolish. Sir Edward +" she
| again replied.
1 do you think to impose upon me by
force of boldness:' continued the
young man. II tell you that l wish
these young girls, and that / will force
you to restore them to me!'
''Sir Edward, permit me to doubt IT,"
responded the princess, with the most
insulting smile.
"Yet. again take care! 1 wish and /
will have them!''
Excuse my curiosity. Sir Edward,
but | wish very much to know what
course you expect to follow to reach
this result
'If entreaty is useless. if persuasion
is powerless. l will employ violence.
"Violence"' repeated Diella, disdain.
fully. do you know. Sir Edward,
| that am almost afraid. The romance
of chivalry has doubtless turned your
head. You mistake yourself for some
knight. and imagine yourself to be
master of my palace-or you are in.
sane"
NO. madame, am not insane. l
will return, If necessary, with an army
to besiege your palace, but I will tear
you from your prey"
Dtella began to laugh.
''You forget one thing, Sir Edward
but yet it Is not without its import
ance. You have entered my house.
You have yet to leave It,"
CTo he Coatinued)