The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-02
CHAPTER XIII.
Under Moon and Monastery.

For two days Lorry lived through inter
nttent stages of delight and dependency.
His recc cry from the effects of the blow
administered by Dannox was naturally
rapid, his strong young constitution COM
ing to the rescue bravely. He saw much of
the Princess, more of the Countess Dag
mar, and made the acquaintance of many
lords and ladies for whom he cared but lit
tie except when they chose TO talk of their
girlish ruler. The atmosphere of the castle
was laden with a depression that could not
be overcome by an assimilated gaiety.
There was the presence of shadow that
grew darker and nearer as the days went
by and there were anxious hearts under
the brave, proud spirits Of those who held
the destiny Of Graustark in their hands.
The princess could not hide the trouble
that had sprung up in her eyes. Her laugh.
her gay conversation, her rare composure
and gentle hauteur were poweress to drive
away the haunted, worried CLEAN in those
expressive eyes OF blue. LOrry had it on his
tongues end a dozen times during the next
day or after the counts narrative to
question her about the condition of affairs
as they appeared to her. He wondered
whether she, little more than a girl, could
see and understand the enormity of the sit
uation that confronted her and her people.
A strange, tender fear prevented him from
speaking 10 her of the thing which was op
pressing her life Not that he expected a
rebuff from her. but that he could not en-
dure the thought of hearing her brave.
calm recital of the merciless story. He
knew that she could narrate it all TO him
more plainly than had her uncle. Some
thing told him that she was fully aware of
.Tg.H-
could see. in his imagination, the proud.
resigned face and manner of this perplexed
princess. as she would have talked to him
OF her woes. and he could also picture the
teItale eyes and the troubled expression
that could not be disguised.
The Countess Dagmar when not monopo-
lized by the very progressive. aggressive
Anguish, unfolded 10 Lorry certain pages
in the personal history OF the princess, and
he. OF course, encouraged her confidential
humor. although there was nothing encour-
aging in IL for him.
Down by the great fountain. while the
soldiers were on parade, the fair but vola-
tile countess unfolded TO Lorry story
that wrenehed his heart so savagely that
anger. resentment. heIplessness and love
oozed forth and enveloped him in a multi
tude Of emotions that would not disperse.
To have gone to the princess and laid down
his life 10 save her would have given him
pleasure. but he had promised something to
her that could not be forgotten in a day.
In his swelling heart he prayed for the
time TO come when he could take her in his
arms. cancel mis- promise and defy the
troubles that opposed her.
she will not mind my telling you. be-
cause she considers you the very best OF
men. Mr.. Lorry." said the countess, who
had learned her English under the Princess
Yetive's tutor. The demure. sympathetic
little countess. her face glowing with ex-
element and Indignation, could not resist
the desire 20 pour into the ears of this
strong and resourcefuI man the secrets of
the princess. as If trusting 10 him, the child
OF powerful race. 10 provide relief 1t was
the old story OF the weak appealing TO the
strong.
II seems. according 10 the very truthful
account given by the lady. that the princess
had IL in her power TO save Graustark from
disgrace and practical destruction. The
Prince OF Axphains son Lorenz was
deeply enamored of her. infatuated by her
marvellous beauty and accomplishments.
lie had persuaded his father To consider a
matrimonial alliance with her To be one of
great value 10 AXphain. The old prince
therefore. some months before the arrival
OF the Americans in Graustark, sent 20 the
princess "A substitute ultimatum. couched
IN terms SO polite and concillatory that
there could be no installing his sincerity
lie agreed To give Graustark a new lease
OF life. as II We're, by extending the fifteen
year. or In other words 10 grant the con-
ouered an additional ten years in which to
treaty. lie Furthermore offered a consider
able reduction in the rate OF interest for