The San Francisco call., 1901-12-01

they. saw many strange men in gray,
gaudy uniforms. and 1T occurred to LorrY
that their visit, no matter how great it's
Importance, was ill-timed. Prince Lorerz
was holding the center of the stage.
Anguish, with his customary impulsive-
ness, overruled Lorry's objections and
they proceeded toward the entrance. The
guards of the Princess saluted Profound
ly, while the m1niOnS Of LOrenz stared
with ill-bred wonder upon these two tall
men from another world. 1t could be seen
that the castle was astir with excitement,
subdued and pregnant with thriving hopes
and fears. The nobility of Graustark was
there; the visitors of AxphaIn were being
entertained.
At the castle doors the two met their
first obstacle, but they had anticipated it's
presence. Two guards halted them per-
We must see her Majesty" said An
guish. but the men could not understand
him. They stoically stood their ground,
shaking their heads. -
Let rs find some one who can undkr-
stand us, advised Lorry, and In a ReW
fore the guards, accompanied by a young
nobleman with whom they had acquatnt-
ance. He succeeded in advancing them
70 the reception hall inside the doors and
found for them a Servant who would car
ry message to the Princess II IL were
possible to gain her presence. The noble
missive hastily written by Lorry could
find Its way to her, as she had never been
so occupied as now.
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
guish, requesting that Count Halfont be
present He Informed her that his mis-
and that Ii related to a discovery mado
concerning the Prince who had tried
to abduct her. In conclusion, he wrote
lay certain facts before her and that he
had come with no intention to annoy her.
While they sat in the waiting room
they saw, through the glass doors, dozens
0f vi
hall beyond. They were conYerS1Eg AMI
Inatedly, Graustark men and women with
ton glowing in every glance. Lerrys
heart sank within him. It seemed hours
before the servant returned to bid them
follow him.. Then his blood leaped madly
through veins that had been chilled and
Hfeless. He was to see her again!
Their guide conducted them to a small
ante-room, where he left them lew
moments later the door opened and there
swept quickly into the room-tne ColD-
tess Dagmar, not the Princess. Her Laee
was drawn with the trouble and soTrEW
she was trying so hard to conceal BON
men were on their feet in an instant, ad-
'tThe Princess? is she ill?' demanded
Not III, but mad, fear" answered
she giving a hand to each. Mr.. Lorry,
she bids me say TO you that She cannoe
see you. She appreciates the Importance
of your mission and thanks you for the
interest You have taken. Also, she au-
thurizes me to assure you that nothing
can be done at present regarding the
business which you come.
She refuses 10 see US. said ne, slowly
his .!,t face winter sT,, thsE ever. ,,, excrsa
her. Her Hignntss Is sCrely worn aid
distressed TO-DAY. and | fear cannot en-
dure ell that is happening. She Is ap-
parently calm and composed, out l. Fhs
know her SO wei. can see the strain be-
surely she must see the urgency of
In. TfEr of nrg
cried Anguish. haIf angrIIy. I'VE are not
dogs 10 be kicked out of he castle We
have right To be treated fairIy-
We Cannot censurs the Princess,
Harry said Lorry. calmly. ''WG nave
come because We wol4id befriend hir. and
she sees nit to reject our good offices.
There is but one thing left for us 10 do
depart we came
but 1 don't like it a little bit, srowled
the other.
would not be so harsh and unjust. ret
monstrated the lady. warmly Turning
70 Lorry. she said: She asked me 10
hand you this and TO bid yoa retain it as
a token of her undying esteem "
She handed MIN a small, exquisite min
iature of the Princess. framed IN gold, in
laid with rubies. He took it dumbly in
his fingers, but dared not look at the
portrait it contained With what might
have seemed disrespect he dropped the
treasure into his coat pocket.
Tell her L shall always retain II as a
token of her-eSteem, he said. And
now may M | ask E whether eS . she banded pa my
The Countess blushed in a most unac-
countable manner.
mot while 1 was with her." she said,
recovering the presence OF mind she ap-
parently had lost.
she destroyed it. presume" said he.
II saw her place Il IN her bosom, sir,
and with the right hand" cried the Coun-
tess. as IL betraying g state secret
In her-you are telling me the truthf"
cried face lighting
question the Countess word. I won'e
stand for that" interposed Anguish.
falsely that she had done anything so
where Is she now?' asked Lorry.
I'm her boudoir. The Prince Lorenz is
with her-alone.
into his existence. He had never known
/, jealousy before.
effort. There was a dead silence. broken
by Lorry5 deep groan as he turned and
walked blindly to the opposite side Of the
room; He stopped in front Of q huge
You don't mean to say she has ac-
cepted2" half whispered Anguish.
Thank God. you are only Countess"
he said, tenderly.
rayi ayyhY- why.whsss difference can (.
she stammered, crimson to her hair.
Because you won't have to sell your.
self at sacrifice" he said, foolishly.
Lorry came back to them at this juno
ture, .outwardly calm and deliberate.
Tell us about 1t, pray. We had
guessed as much.''
"Out there are his people-the
wretches!' she cried. vindlctiveiy, her
pretty face IN helpless frown. To-day
was the day, you know. on which he
was to have his answer. He came and
knelt in the audience chamber All
Graustark had implored her to refuse tho
hated offer. but she bade him rise, and
there. before US all, promised to become
his bride. 4
THE greatest sorrow Graustark has
ever known grows out OF that decision.
She Is determined to save for US what her
fathers folly lost. To do this she be-
comes the bride OF vile wretch, a man
who soils her pure nature when he thinks
or her. Oh, We sought to dissuade her.
we begged. we entreated. but without
avail. She will not sacrifce one foot OF
Graustark to save herself. See the trI-
umphant smiles their faces-E.s
brutesr She pointed maliciously to~She
chattering visitors In the hall oAlraally