The Holly chieftain., 1902-05-23
CHAPTER XVI.

inc countess springs the Trap.
When this singular and remarkable
termination to his dream occurred
Rhinelander was in state bordering
on chagrin and anger. He realized
that he had indeed made fool Of him
self.
The countess advanced into the
room. You do not appear very glad
to see me again, Paul." she remarked,
in her merry way, her sloe-black, daz-
cling orbs fastened upon him with a
look that produced \ singular effect.
Il am not, with good reason. Any
man would feel pretty much that way
who had been lured into trap. am
angry at myself most of ALL"
And pray why?" with an arch
smile. M
Because have been such fool
not to see your hand back OF the
game" he said, in SO positive a man
ner that the adventures WINGED.
tAh, you are not complimentary.
Well, mark my words, fire will melt
ice, and in war the soldiers OF King
William cannot stand up before the
brave charges Of my countrymen. 1
hear you have seen the Grown Prince
and that he has promised to place you
near his person."
Paul was secretly surprised.
This fact, how could she know it,
when SO far as he was aware, It
might be deemed secret between
himself, Karl and the Crown Prince?
Evidently she had means Of discov-
ering things that were supposed to be
unknown outside of the council cham
ber of the palace.
Il have offered my services to His
Royal Highness, and, on account of the
friendship formerly existing between
himself and my father. have been ac-
cepted. shall go to the war"
Perhaps"
The peculiar manner in which she
uttered this one word caused him to
look at her keenly. -.5.
"Perhaps?" he repeated. "Why do
you say that, mamselle?"
We'll, / have no doubt His Excel
lency is enough of philosopher not
70 appear very much surprised II, say,
early tomorrow morning he received
very polite note from you. respect
fully declining the honor he has been
good enough to offer you.''
do you mean that you would send
such note?" he demanded, with some
show OF anger. II.
Yes! In the cause Of love, would
not even hesitate to do that, believing
l was acting for your good. ~
You would not dare send that let
teri" l5a
There is nothing would not dare
for you!" fixing her lustrous orbs
upon him.
He shivered. whether with rage or
alarm he knew not; perhaps some
thing Of both.
Surely never before was man In this
humor woodland Paul did not fancy
being pioneer In the courts Of Love.
Such things may do in some effete
Old World monarchies, but not among
the sturdy new branches OF the Anglo
Saxon race, where men hew fortunes
out OF virgin soil and sue for favor at
the feet Of the woman they love best.
He made an Impatient move.
What would you, monsieur" she;
asked.
II am going" " y
"You are cruel"
sNo am only desirous Of acting a.
any man Of honor should act" hrmly.
"And, knowing how madly adore
you, Paul. you would leave me with
out even word OF hope. the least sign
Of. affection!"
How soft and entreAting her voice
tho sirens Of the ancient Greek mari
nsrs were not In the same class with
this modern Circe. 3.
Fortunately Paul did not have to
steel his heart against 1t since Hide
gafde occupied that throne, and there
was no room for two.
''It would be folly worse than mad
ness to do anything Of the sort. and
you know 1t ~ well as myself. So,
goodnight, countess!"
"Ah!"
This exclamation fell from her Nps
In = sort Of exultsut satisfaction.
:. For Paul. turninE 70 leave tAs aDart-
meat - he had entered It. was thun-
dsrstruck to discover no sigma c6 !