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

of woman, who was obliged to submit
to their discourtesy OF all the guests
Mile. Selpdorf alone stood erect, for
| getting, in her Indignation, to join in
the general obeisance. The grand duke,
| looking up, found her flushed and flash
ing, and superlatively handsome. His
| 1abby cheeks twitched and his bieared
eyes frightened.
'Mademoiselle Selpdorf. since you will
not salute me. / can at least claim the
right as your duke to salute YOU" he
( said, stepping towards her.
| Instantly Valerie sank into an exag-
gerated courtesy, thus adroitly avoid
| ing the dukes outstretched hand and
ready lips His feeble legs failed, he
stumbled forward and pitched into the
arms of Elmur, who set him upright
with a gentle skillfulness that almost
cheated the eyes of the spectators.
The duke, slightly shaken, and eX-
ceedingly annoyed, turned upon the
girl:
'Mademoiselle grows proud"
Forgive me, sire; l did not dream
that you would stoop so low" rejoined
the girl, with apparent humility.
eff you will not accept the salute of
your duke, mademoiselle, may 1 ask
you to what you aspire?" he added
contemptuously.
Valerie was not of a meek spirit, and
she saw a way in which she might re-
venge Isolde, little comprehending the
far-reaching consequences of her
thoughtless words.
Il aspire to be maid of honor to the
grand duchess of Nassau" she an
swered, with glance toward the coun-
tess.
The duke glared round him into the
circle of half-curious, half-terrified
faces, for this was piercing home
thrust; his eye dwelt for moment on
Sagan, towering tall and rugged and
strong as one of his own native rocks,
and he recognized that his cousin,
although ten years his senior as age is
counted, was infinitely younger in his
unimpaired energies and rude health.
Also, Duke Gustave of Nassau was su-
perstitious, and it struck him as an i'll
omen that the representative of Selp-
dorf should have failed him at the crit
ical moment, and thus flung him head
long into the arms of Germany.
Out of all these crowding thoughts
arose not only vivid fear, but a resolu-
ton, of which none at that time be-
lieved him to be capable. He grew
white about the mouth, his protruding
lip twitched ominously.
1T is not always lucky for even so
young and beautiful a woman as you
are to count on dead mems Shoes" he
said in low. penetrating tone.
A happy inspiration came to Nine de
Sagan. She took Valeries hand in hers
and addressed the duke with a CULVER
ing smile that somehow vouched for her
earnestness at the moment.
You mistake Valerie, sire; she and /
both desire the same honor-to attend
your highness' consort, if it would
please you to take one"
1T might please me. madame; but 1
doubt it would please your husband lit
tle." retorted the duke.
Il hoped your highness knew me bet
ter" protested Sagan sulkily.
II do, my good Simon; l know you
much better" said the duke, laughing
Now, pray lead me to my apartments
The journey to Sagan fatigues in this
weather-and. after all, it would look
better if I died at home-in the palace
at Revonde.'
At a glance from Elmur, Sagan mo-
toned his wife forward.
Il will lead you to your apartments.
sire" she said, offering the duke her
slender hand. Il am sure that the air
of Sagan is as loyal as ourselves, and
will do for you all that we should wish
it TO do
For answer the duke shook his head
feebly, and. calling Colendorp TO his
side passed up the long hall throngh
a --uerli~s- si'a-ce