Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-06-18
CHAPTER MI.

WAR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
~ ORRY was removed to another
room before dinner, as she had
promised.
After they had dincd the two
strangers We're left alone for several
hours. Anguish RECALLED his friend
with an enthusiastic dissertation on
the charms of the Countess Dagmar,
lady in waiting to the princess. In
conclusion he said glowingly his cigar
having been out for half an hour or
more because his energy had been
spent in another direction
You haven't seen much of her, Lor.
ry, but ! tell you she is rare. And
she's not betrothed to any of these con.
founded counts or dukes either. They
all adore her, but she's not committed"
How do you know all this?" de-
manded Lorry. who but half heard
through his dreams.
asked her, of course How in thun.
der do you suppose"
"And you've known her but a day!
Well, you are proSressive.'
"Oh, perfectly natural conversation,
you know" explained Anguish COM
posedly. "She began it by asking me
if | We're married, and I said l wasn't
even engaged. Then | asked her if she
We're married. You see, from the title.
you can't tell whether a countess ia
married or single. She said she wasn't.
and l promptly and very properly ex.
pressed my amaZement. BY Jove, she
has will and mind of her own, that
young woman has. She's not going to
marry until she finds man of the
right sort, which is refreshing. | like
to hear girl talk like that, especially
pretty girl who can deal in princes,
counts and sill kinds of nobility when
1t comes tr a matrimonial trade. By
love, I'm sorry for the princess. thoughw
Sorry for the princess? Why?" ask
ed the other, alert at once.
ION, just because it's not in her pow
er to be so independent. The countess
says she cries every night when she
thinks of what the poor girl has to con-
tend with"
Tell me about IT,"
Il don't know anything TO tell. I'm
not interested in the princess, and |
didn't have the nerve TO ask many ques-
tons. do know, however, that she is
going to have an unpleasant matrimo-
NAL alliance forced upon her in some
way"
THAT is usual"
That's what l gather from the
countess. Maybe you can pump the
countess and get all you want TO know
in connection with the matter. It's a
pretty serious state of affairs, | should
say, or she wouldn't be weeping through
sympathy.'
Lorry recalled a part of the after
Moons swcetly dangerous conversation,
and the perspiration stood cold and
damp on his brow.
There was rap at the door, and An
guish fastened to open it, a servant
presented Count Halfont's compliments
and begged leave to call.
Shall we see the Old boy" asked
Harry.
Yes, yes" responded the other. Tho
servant understood the sign made by
Anguish and disappeared. diplomat
ic call, suspect"
"He is the prime minister, l UNDER
stand. All, good evening, your excel
lency. We are bonored."
The count had entered the room and
was advancing toward the couch, tall,
easy and the personilication Of cor
diality.
Il could not retire until had salts
fed myself as to Mr.. Lorry's condition
and his comfort" said he in his broken
English. He seated himself near tho
couch and bent sharp, anxious eyes on
the recumbent figure.
"Oh, he's all right" volunteered An
gulsh readily. BE able to go into
battle again tomorrow"
THAT is the way with you aggressive
Americans, am told. They never give
UP until they are dead" said the count
courteousy. your head is betterY'
1T does not pain me as it did, and
I'm sure III be able to get ont tomor-