Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-06-25

very much. however, if the mssivc
hastily written by Lorry could find its
way to her. as she had never been so
occupied as now.
Lorry in his brief note prayed for n
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
gush, requesting that Count Halfont
be present. lie informed her that his
mission was of the most imperative ma
ture and that it related to a discovery
made concerning the prince who had
tried to abduCt her. In conclusion he
wrote that Baron Dangloss had re-
qurcd him TO lay certain facts before
her and that he had come with no in
tenton to annoy her.
While they sat in the waiting room
they saw through the glass doors doz-
ems of richly attrcd men and women in
the hall beyond. They were convcrsinS
anmatedly, Graustark men and wom-
en- with detected faces, AXphainans
| with eXultation glowing in every
| glance. Lorrys heart sank within him.
| 1t seemed hours before the servant re-
turned to bid them follow him. Then
his blood lcaped madly through veins
that had been chilled and lfcless. lie
was to see her again.
Their guide conducted them to
small antcroom. where he left them. A
few moments later the door opened,
and there swept quickly into the room
the Countess Dagmar, not the princess.
Her face was drawn with the trouble
and sorrow she was trying so hard to
conceal Both men were on their feet
in an instant, advancing to meet her.
THE princess; Is she liz" demand
ed Lorry.
Not i'll, byt mad, l fear" answered
she, giving a hand to each. mir. Lor-
ry, she bids me say to YOU that she
cannot see you. She appreciates the
importance of your mission and than
you for the interest you have taken.
Also she authorizes me to assure you
that nothing can be done at present re-
garding the business on which you
come"
"She refuses to see u.s." said he slow
~, his face whittier than ever.
NAY; she bcgs that you will excuse
her. Her highncss is sorcly worn and
distressed today, and, fear, cannot en-
dure all that is happening. She is APP
/ parently calm and composed, but |.
who know her so well, can see the
( strain beneath
"Surcly she must sec the urgency of
quick action in this matter of ours
cried Anguish half angrly. I'VE are
not dogs to be kicked out of the castle.
We have Il right to be treated fairly
! I'VE cannot censure the princess.
Harry said Lorry calmly. I'VE have
come because we would bcfriend her,
and she sees fit to reject our good Of
fees. There is but one thing left for us
to dodcpart as we came
but l don't like it a little Bit"
growled the other
IF you only knew Mr.. Anguish. you
would not be so harsh and unjust" re-
monstrated the lady warmly. Turning
to Lorry, she said. "She asked me to
hand you this, and to bic you retain it
as token of her undying esteem"
She handed him small, exquisite
miniature Of the princess framed in
gold inlaid with rubics. He took it
dumby in his fingers, but dared not
look at the portrait it contained With
what might have seemed dsrespect he
dropped the treasure into his coat
pocket.
Tell her shall always retain it rs a
token of her esteem" he said And
now may ask whether she handed my
note to her uncle, the count"
The countess blushcd in most IN
accountable manner.
Not while | was with her" she said.
recovering the presence of mind she
apparently had lost.
"She destroyed it, l presume" said
he. laughing larshly.
Il saw her place it in her bosom. sir,
and with the right hand,' cried the
countess as if bctraying state secret.
In her You are telling me the
TRUTH" cried he, his face lighting up.
/ Now. see here, I.orry, don't begin to
question the countess word. | won't
stand for that" interposcd Anguish
good humoredly.
Il should be more than base to say
falsely that she had done anything so
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
/ "Thcy are betrothed." said she. with
an effort. There was a dead silence,
broken by LOrry's deep Groan as he
turned and walked blindly to the oppo-
: site side Of the room. He stopped in
( front of "A huge painting and stared at
1t, but did 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 tendery.
! why why-what difference can it
make-I mean, why do you say thatT"
she stammered, crimson to her hair.
because you won't have to sell your
self at a sacrifice" he said foolishly.
Lorry 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