The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-07-22
Not While 0Nas-with her," she said,


"She destroyed it, I presume" said
he, laughing harshly.
Il saw her place it in her bosom, sir
and with the right hand" cried the
countess as if betraying state secret.
"In her You are telling me the
truth!'' cried he, his face lighting up.
'.Now, see here, Lorry, don't begin to
question the countess word. 7 Won't
stand for that" interposed Anguish
good humocedly.
Il should be more than base to say
falsely that she had done anything SC
absurd said the countess Indignantly.
Where is she now?" asked Lorry.
'In her boudoir. The Prince Lorenz
is with her-alone."
'What~ he cried, jealousy darting
into his existence He had never known
jealousy before.
They are betrothed," said she, with
an effort. There was q dead silence,
broken by Lorry's deep groan as he
turned and walked blindly to the oppo.
site side of tue room. He stopped III
front of a huge painting and stared at
it, but Gid not see line or tint.
"You don't mean to say she has &C.
cepted:' half whispered Anguish.
Nothing less"
"Thank God, you are only count
eSs,' he said tcnderly.
"Why-why-what difference can it
Elakc-I mean, why do you say that
she stammercd, crimson to her hair.
Because you won't lave to sell your
self at sacrifice" lie said foolishly.
I.orry came back to them at this juno
ture, outwardly calm and deliberate.
Tell US about it, pray. We had
guessed as much
"Out there are his people-the wretch
es! she cried vindictively, 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. AL Grau-
stark had implored her to refuse the
hated offer, but she bade him rise, and
there, before US all, promised to be-
come his bride.
The greatest sorrow Graustark has
ever known grows out Of that decision.
Size is determined to save for US what
her fathers folly lost. To do this she
becomes the bride of vile wretch. q
man who soils her pure nature when
lie thinks Of her. Oh, we sought to dis
suade hcr-we begged, We entreated,
but without avail. She will not sacri-
flee one foot Of Graustark to save her
self. See the triumphant smiles on
their faces-thc brutes"' She pointed
maliciously to the chattering visitors
in the hall Already they think the
castle theirs. The union Of Graustark
and Axphain-just what they most de-
sired, but we could not make her see it
so!'
"Is the day set:' asked Lorry brave
" after moments silent inspection
of the dark browed victorS.
eyes, and there is to be no delay.
The marriage contract has already
been signed. The date is Nov. 20, the
day on which we are to account to
Bolaroz Tor our war debt. The old
princes wedding gift to Graustark is
to be a document favoring US with a
ten years extension" she said scorn-
fully.
"And where is she to ive:'
"Here, of course She is Graustark's S
ruler, and here she insists on abiding.
Just contemplate our court! Overrun
with those Axphain dogs! All, she has
wounded Graustark more than she has
helped her"
There was nothing more to be said
or done, so after few moments the
Americans took their departure. The
countess bade them farewell, saying
that she must return to the princess.
'I'll see you tomorrow" said An
guish, with rare assurance and the air
Of an old and indispensable friend.
.'And you, Mr.. Lorry?" she said curl
ously.
81 am very much occupied" he mum
bled.
"You do wrong in seeking to deceive
me-" she whispered as Anguish passed
through the door ahead Of them. Il
know why you do not come"
'Has she told your
81 have guessed. Would that it
could have been you and not the 9TH
err
Zone cannot be q man and prince
at the same time, I fancy" he said
bitterly.
"Nor can one be a princess and a
woman"
Lorry recalled the conversation in
the sickroom two weeks before and
smiled ironically The friendly girl
left them at the door, and they passed
out Of the castle.
II shall leave Edelweiss tomorrow, -
said one, more to himself than to his