The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-02


eign His ambassador set forth the advan-
tages Of such an alliance, and departed
with a message that the matter should
have most serious consideration.
The old princes proposition a blow
TO the princess, who was placed in trying
position. BY sacrificing herself she could
save her country, but in so doing her life
was 10 be plunged into interminable dark
ness. She did not love, nor did she respect
Lorenz. who was not favorably supplied
with civilized intelligence. The proposition
was laid before the Cabinet and the nobil-
ity by the princess herself. who said that
she would be guided by any decision they
might reach. The counsellOrs, 20 a man, re-
fused 20 sacrifice their girlish ruler, and
the people vociferously ratified the resolu-
ton But the princess would not allow
them to send an answer to Axphain until
she could see a way clear to save her peo-
pie in some other manner. An embassy was
sent TO the Prince of Dawsbergen. His do
main touched Graustark on the south, and
he ruled a wild, turbulent class of noun
taineers and herdsmen. This embassy
sought to secure an Endorsement of the loan
from Prince Gabriel sufficient TO meet the
coming crisis Gabriel himself smitten by
the charms of the princess. at once offered
himself i'm marriage, agreeing to advance,
in case she accepted him, twenty million
gavvOs, at a rather high rate of interest,
for fifteen years His love for her was so
great that he would pawn the entire prin
cipality for an answer that would make
him the happiest man on earth. Now, the
troubled princess abhorred Gabriel. Of
the two Lorenz was much to be
preferred. Gabriel flew into a rage
upon the receipt of this rebuff,
and openly avowed his intention to
make her suffer His infatuation became a
mania. and. UP 70 the very day which
the countess told the story, he persisted in
his appeals to the princess. In person he
had gone to her to plead his suit, on his
knees, groveling at her feet. He went so
far as to exclaim II ably in the presence of
the alarmed but relentless object of his
love that he would win her or turn the
whole earth into everything unpleasant.
So it was that the Princess of Graustark.
erstwhile Miss Guggenslocker. was being
dragged through the most unhappy affairs
that ever beset a sovereign. Within a
month she was to sign away two-thirds of
her domain, Transforming multitudes of her
beloved and loving people into subjects of
the hated Axphain, or to sell herself. body
and SOUL to a loathsome bidder in the
guise of a sutton. And, with all this con-
fronting her, she had come 70 the realiza-
ton of a truth so sad and distracting that
it was breaking her tortured heart. She was
in love-but with no royal prince! OF this,
however, the countess knew nothing, so
Lorry had one great secret TO cherish
alone
Has she chosen the course she will pur-
sue?' asked Lorry, as the countess con-
cluded her story, His face was turned
away.
"She cannot decide. We have wept to-
gether over this dreadful this horrible
thing. You do not know what it means to
all of us, Mr.. Lorry. We love her, and
there is not one in our land who would sac
rifice her to save this territory. AS for
Gabriel, Graustark would kill her before
she should go TO him. Still she cannot let
herself sacrifice those northern subjects
when by a single act she can save them
You see, the princess has not forgotten
that her father brought this war upon the
people, and she feels it her duty to pay the
penalty of his error whatever the cost"
as there no other to whom she can turn
no other course?' asked Lorry.
There lis none who would assist us, bank
rupt as we are. There is a question 1 want
to ask, Mr.. Lorry. Please look at me-do not
stare at the fountain all the time Why
have you come to Edelweiss?" She asked
the question so boldly that his startled en-
barrassment was an unspoken confession.
He Gained himself and hesltated long be-
fore answering. weighing his reply. She sat
close beside him, her clear gray eyes read
ing him like a book.
II came to see a Miss Guggenslocker.' he
answered at last.
For what purpose? There must have
been an urgent cause TO bring you so far
You are not an American banker?"
II had intended to ask her to be my wife, -
he said, knowing that secrecy was useless
and seeing a faint hope.
You did not find Miss Guggenslocker''
NO 1 have not found her"
And are you going home disappointed
Mr.. Lorry, because she is not here?"
II leave the answer to your tender imagi-
nation"
There was long pause.
May l ask when you expect to leave
| Graustark?" she asked, somewhat timidly
why do you wish to know he asked in
turn.
because L KNOW now hopeless your quest
has been. You have found Miss Guggen-
slocker, but she is held behind a wall so
strong and impregnable that you cannot
reach her with the question you came TO
ask. You have come to that wall, and row
you must turn back. L have asked, how
soon?'
Not until your princess bids me take up
my load and go. You see. my lady, ] love
TO sit beneath the shadow of the wall you
describe Ii will require royal edict to
compel me TO abandon my position
You cannot expect the princess to drive
you from her eountry-yOu who have done
so much for her. You must go. Mr. Lorry
without her bidding.
Il mUst?"
Yes. for your presence outside that wall
may make the imprisonment all the more
uncomfortable for the one your love cannot
reach. Do YOU understand me?'
Has the one behind the wall instructed
you to say this TO me?" he asked miserably
She has not l DO not know her heart
but ] am a woman and have a woman's
foresight. If you wish TO be kind and good
TO her. go.''
Il cannot" he exclaimed his pent feel
ings bursting forth. u cannot go,''
You will not be SO selfish and so cruel as
to increase the horror OF the wreck that is
sure 10 come she said. drawing back
You know. countess, OF the Ife-saving