The San Francisco call., 1901-11-24

married, and I said 1 wasn't even en-
gagged. Then 1 asked her If she were
married. You see, from the title, you
can't tell whether a Countess is married
or single. She said she wasn't, and |
PROMPTLY and very properly expressed my
amazement By Jove, she has will and
a mind of her own, that young woman
has. She's not going to marry until she
finds man of the right sort-wtich is
refreshing. 1 like to hear a girl talk like
that, especially pretty girl who can deal
In princes, counts and all kinds of nobil-
1ty when it comes to a matrimonial trade.
by Jove, I'm sorry for the Princess.
though"
Sorry for the Princess? Why?" asked
the other, alert at once.
On, Just because it's not in her power
to be SO independent The Countess saws
sne cries every night when she thinks of
"hat the poor girl has to contend with"
Tell me about it."
Il don't know anything to fell Tn,
not interested in the Princess. and T
didn't have the nerve to ask manv oues-
TONS do know, however. that she IL
going to have an unpleasant matrimonial
alliance forced upon her in some wav y
That is usual"
that's what L gather from the Count.
ess. Maybe you can pump the Countess
ana get all you want to know in connec.
llon win the matter. It's a pretty seri-
Gus state of affairs, should say. or she
wouldn't be weeping through sympathy. .
Lorry recalled part of the afternoon s
sWeetly dangerous conversation. and the
perspiration stood cold and damp on his
brow.
Well, old man, you've chased Miss
Guggenslocker to earth only to find her
an impossibility. Pretty hopeless for you,
Lorry, but don't let 1t break you up com
pletely. We can go back home after a
While and you will forget her. A Countess,
of course, is different"
Harry. know it is downright madness
for me to act like this" said Lorry. hi !,
jaws set and his hands clenched as bs
raised himself to his elbow. You don't
know how much / love her."
Your nerve is to be admired, but-welI,
I'm sorry for you.'
Thanks for your sympathy I suppose
I'll need it" and he sank back gloomily.
Anguish was right-absurdly right.
There was rap at the door and An
guish fastened to open 1t. A servant
handed him Count Halfont's card.
''Shall we see the old boy?" asked Har-
ry
''Yes, yes" responded the other. The
servant understood the sign made by An.
guish and disappeared. Diplomatic call.
1 suspect"
He is the Prime Minister, I under
stand. Well, we'll diplome with him un.
til bedtime, If he cares to stay. I'm get
ting rather accustomed to the nobility.
They are not so bad, after all. Friendly
and all that Ah, good evening, your
Excellency! We are honored"
The Count had entered the room and
was advancing toward the couch, tall,
easy and the personifcation of cordiality.
Il could not retire until 1 had satisfied
myself as to Mr.. Lorry's condition and
his comfort said he, in his broken Eng
lish. He seated himself near the couch
and bent sharp, anxious eyes on the re-
cumbent figure.
'Oh, he's all right" volunteered An
guish. readily. BE able to go into battl,
again tomorrow
That is the way with you aggressive
Americans, l am told. They never give
up until they are dead" said the Count,
courteously. Your head is better?'