Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-06-30
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
WAR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
- ORRY was removed to another
room before dinner, as she had
| IL promised.
After they had dined the two
hours. Anguish regaled 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 l 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 q day!
Well. you are progressive"
"Oh. perfectly natural conversation,
you know" explained Anguish COM
posedly. "She began it by asking me
If were married. and said wasn't
even engaged. Then / asked her il she
were married. You see. from the title.
,o,, n,n,t toll r,bafbor n coupfocc Ia
married or single. She said she wasn't,
and promptly and very properly ex-
pressed my amazement. BY Jove. she
has a will and mind Of her own. that
young woman has! She's not going to
n.arry until she finds man Of the
right sort, which is refreshing. ! like
to hear q girl talk lils that, especially
a pretty girl who can deal In princes,
counts and all kinds Of nobility when
1t comes to q matrimonial trade. By
Joye, I'm sorry for the princess. thoughT
Sorry for the princess: Why?" ask
ed the other, alert ut once.
"Oh, 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."
81 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 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, l should
say, or she wouldn't be weeping through
sympathy"
Lorry recalled a part of the after-
Moons sweetly dangerous conversation.
and the persplration 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. The
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 personifcation Of cor
diality.
81 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 the
couch and bent sharp, anxious eyes on
the recumbent figure.
"Oh, he's all right! volunteered An
guish 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
courteously. "Your head is betterY'
'It does not pain me as 1t did. and
I'm sure I'll be able to get out tomor-
row. Thank you very much for your
interest" said Lorry. MAY l inquire
after the health Of the Countess Hal
font? The excitement Of last night
has not had an unpleasant effect, l
hope"
"She is with the princess. and both
are quite WELL Since our war. gentle
men, Graustark women have nothing
to acquire in the way Of courage and
endurance. You. of course, know moth
ing of the horrors Of that war;"
"But we would be thankful for the
story Of 1t. your excellency. War Is a
hobby of mine. read every war scare
that gets into print" said Anguish
eagerly.
I'VE of Graustark at present have
every reason to recall the last war and
bitterly to lament its ending. The war
occurred just fifteen years ago-Dut
will the recital tire you, Mr.. Lorry?
came to spend few moments socially
and not to 60 into history. At any
other time shall be-
1T will please and not tire me.
am deeply interested. Pray. 60 on"
Lorry FASTENED to say. for he was In
terested more than the count suspect
ed.
"Fifteen years ago Prince Ganlook
of this prlncipality. the father OF our
princess, became incensed over the dep
relations of the Axphain soldiers who
patrolled our border on the north. He
demanded restitution for the deyasta-
ton they had created. but was refused.
Graustark is a province comprising
some 800 square miles Of the best land
in this part Of the world. Our neigh
Dor is smaller In area and population.
Our army was better equipped. but not
HOOD FIRM