The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-30

her uncle, her aunt and Dagmar. AS An
guish and the latter followed the girl
turned her sad, puzzled eyes to the face of
the tall American and asked:
Are you rejoicing over our misfortune?
You do not show a particle of regret. Do
you forget that we are sacrificing a great
deal to save the life Of your friend? L dc
not understand how you can be so heart
less
IF you knew I know you'd jump SC
high you could crack those pretty heels of
yours together ten times before you
touched the floor again." said he. warmly.
please tell me-" she cried. 81 knew
there was something
But 1 am afraid so high a jump would
upset you for the day. You must wait
awhile, Dagmar." 1t was the first time he
had called her Dagmar. and she looked
startled.
81 am not used to waiting" she said,
confusedly.
81 think I can explain satisfactorily when
I have more time" he said, softly in her
ear. and, although she tried, she COULD
find no words to continue. He left her at
the head Of the stairs. and did not see her
again until she passed him in the throne
room. Then she was pale, and brave, and
trembling.
Prince Bolaroz and his mobiles stood to
the right of the throne, the Graustark
men and women of degree to the left, while
near the door, on both sides were to be
seen the leading military men of both prin-
cipalities. Near the Duke of Mizrox was
stationed the figure of Gabriel, Prince of
Dawsbergen. He had come, with a half
dozen followers, among a crowd of unsUs-
pecting Axphainians, and had taken his
position near the throne. Anguish entered
with Baron Dangloss and they stood to-
gether near the doorway, the latter whittier
than he had ever been in his life.
Then came the hush of expectancy. The
doors swung open. the curtains parted and
the princess entered.
She was supported by the arm of her tall
uncle, Caspar of Halfont. Pages carried
the train of her dress. a jeweled gown of
black. AS she advanced to the throne, calm
n stately, those assembled bent knee to
the fairest woman the eye ever had looked
upon.
The calm, proud exterior hid the most
unhappy of hearts. The resolute courage
with which her spirit had been braced for
the OCCdSlOn was IcDldIhdDlt III more ways
than one. Among other inspirations behind
the valiant show was the bravery of a
guilty conscience. Her composure sustained
a shock when she passed Abode at the
door. That faithful, heart-broken s%ervitor
looked at her face with pleading, horror
struck eyes as much as TO say: Good God,
are you going to destroy Graustark for the
sake of that murderer? Have pity on US
have pity!'
Before taking her seat on the throne, she
swept the thrilled assemblage with her
wide blue eyes. There were shadows be-
meath them and there were wells of tears
behind them. AS she looked upon the little
knot of white-faced northern barons, her
knees trembled and her heart gave a great
throb OF pity. Still the face was r~esolute.
Then she saw Anguish and the suffering
DangIoss; then the accusing. merciless eyes
Of Gabriel. At sight of him she started
violently and an icy fear crept into her
soul. Instinctively she searched the gor-
geous company for the captain of The
guard. Her stanchest ally was not there.
Was she to hear the condemning words
alone? Would the people do as Quinnox
had prophesied, or would they believe Ga
briel and curse her?
She sank into the great chair and sat
with staring. helpless eyes. deserted and
feeble.
At last the whirling brain ended its fight
and settled down to the issue first at hand
the transaction with Bolaroz. Summon
ing all her self-control. she said:
You are come, most noble Bolaroz, to
draw from US the price OF our defeat. We
are loyal TO our compact. as you are to
yours, sire. Yet, in the presence Of my peo-
pie and in the name Of mercy and justice,
l ask you 10 grant US respite. You are rich
and powerful, we despoiled and struggling
beneath a weight we can lift and displace
If given a few short years in which TO grow
and gather strength. AT this last hour in
the fifteen years OF our Indebtedness. 1 sue
In duplication for the leniency that you
can so well accord. IL is on the advice Of
my counselors that / put away personal
pride and national dignity to make this re-
quest. trusting 10 your goodness of heart.
II you will not hearken 10 our petition for
a renewal OF negotiations there is but one
course open TO Graustark. We can and will
pay our debt of honor"
Bolaroz stood before her. dark and I'M
compromising. She saw the futility of her
plea.