The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-07-15
CHAPTER Mi.

UNDER NOON AND MONASTERY.
- OR two days LoTy lived through
Sc intermittent stages Of delight
g and dependency. His recovery
1zAA from the effects Of the blow
administered by DannoN was naturally
rapid, his strong young constitution
coming to the rescue bravely. He saw
much Of the princess, more Of the
Countess Dagmar, and made the ac-
ouaintance Of many lorGs and ladies
for whom he cared but little except
when they chose TO talk OF their Girlisn
ruler The atmosphere Of the castle
was laden with depression that could
not be overcome by az assimilated
gayety.
The princess could rot hide the trou-
bic that had sprung up in her eyes.
Her laugh, her gay conversation, her
rare composure and gentle hauteur
were powerless to drive away the
haunted, worried gleam in those eX-
pressive tes Of blue. Locry had 1t on
his tongues end 4 dozen times during
the next day or so afte. the count
narrative to question her about the
condition Of affairs as they appeared
to her.
The Countess Dagmar, when not
monopolized by the very progressive or
aggressive Anguish, unfolded to Lorry
certain pages in the personal history OF
the princess, and he, of course, en-
courac ced her confidential hunor, al
though there was nothing encouraging
in it for him.
Down by the great fountain, While
the soldiers were OF parade, the falr
but volatile countess unfolded to Lorry
a story that wrcnched his heart so
savagely that anger, resentment, help
lessness and love oozed forth aEd en-
veloped him in multitude of emotions
that would not disperse.
"She will not mind my telling you,
because she considers you the very
best Of men, Mr.. Lorry," said the count
ess, who had learned her English un-
der the Princess Yetive's tutor.
It seems, according to the very truth
full account given by the lady, that the
princess had it in her power to save
Graustark from disgrace and practical
destruction. The Prince Of Axphalns
son, Lorenz, was deeply enamored OF
her, infatuated by her marvellous beau
ty and accomplishments. He had per
suaded his father to consider a matrl-
monial alliance with her to be one OF
great value to Axphain. The old
prince, therefore, some months before
the arrival Of the Americans in Grau-
stark sent TO the princess a substitute
ultimatum, couched in terms so polite
and conciliatory that there could be no
mistaking his sincerity. He agreed to
give Graustark new lease Of life, as
it were, by extending the fifteen years
or, in other words, to grant the con-
ouered an additional ten years in
which to pay of the obligations I'M
posed by the treaty. He Furthermore
offered a considerable reduction in the
rate Of interest for the next ten years.
But he had condition attached to this
good and gracious proposition-the mar
riage Of Graustark' sovereign. His
ambassador set forth the advantages
Of such an alliance, and departed with
a message that the matter should have
most serious consideration.
The old princes. proposition was
blow to the princess, who was placed
in trying position. By sacrificing
herself she could save her country, but
In so doing her life was to be plunged
into interminable darkness. She did
not love nor did she respect Lorenz,
who was rot favorably supplied with
civilized intelligence.
The proposition was laid before the
cabinet and the nobility by the princess