Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-07-23

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to see that dark old monastery again
lofty windows through the chill of
wind and the chill Of life into the fair
est Eden that was ever denied man."
I'm an hour, then, l will meet You
there"
81 must correct you. In an hour you
will find me there"
She left him, retiring with her aunt
and the Countess Dagmar. Lorry re-
manned in the hall with Halfont. Prince
Bolaroz, Mizrox and Anguish. The
conversation ran once more into the
ever recurring topic of the day, Ga
briefs confession. The Prince of
Dawsbcrgen was confined In the tower
with his confederate. Bcrrowag. Re-
ports from Dangloss late in the after
noon conveyed the intelligence that the
prisoner had fallen into melancholla.
BcrrOwag admitted to the police that
he had stood guard at the door while
Gabriel entered the princes room and
killed him as he slept. He described
the cunning, deliberate effort to turn
suspicion to the American by leaving
blood stains.
The other Dawsbcrgen mobiles, with
the exception Of two who had gone to
the capital Of their country with the
news of the catastrophe. remained
close to the hotel. One Of them con-
fesscd that but little sympathy would
be felt Mt home for Gabriel who was
hated by his subjects. Already there
was talk among them Of Prince Dan
tan. his younger brother, as his sue
cessor to the throne The young prince
was n favorite with the people.
Bolaroz was pleased with the out
come of the sensational accusation and
the consequent removal of complica-
tons which had in reality been I'M
pleasantto him.
one feature of the scene in the
throncroom was not discussed, al
though it was uppcrinost III the minds
of all. Tho positive stand taken by the
princess and her open avowal of love
for the dashing American were never
to be forgotten The serious wrinkles
on the brow of lIalfont and the far
away expression that came frequently
to his eyes revealed the nature of his
thoughts Tho greatest problem of
them all was still to be solved.
As they left the room he dropped be-
hind and walked ont beside Lorry,
rather tmiily OBTAINING him until the
others were some distance ahead
You were closctcd with the princess
this morning. Mr.. Lorry, and perhaps
you can give me the information | de.
sire. She has called meeting of the
ministers and leading mon of the coun-
try for tomorrow morning DO you
know why she has issued this rather
unusual call? She did not offer any ex-
PLANTATION to me-
II am only at liberty to say. your ex-
ccllency that it concerns the welfare
of Graustark" answered the other aft
er moments thought. They walked
on in silence for some distance
II am her uncle. sir, but love her as
would love my own child. My life has
been given to her from the day that
her mother, my sister, died. You will
grant me the right to ask you a plain
question Have you told her that you
love herr The counts face was drawn
and white.
~ have, sir. loved her before
knew she was princess. AS her pro-
tcctor it was to you that | would have
told the story of my unfortunate love
long ago, but my arrest and escape
prevented. My love has not been will
ingly clandestine, and it has been in
spite of her most righteous objections
We have both seen the futility Of love,
. however strong and pure it may be.
have hoped, your eXcellency, and al.
ways shall"
she has confessed her love to you
privately?' asked Halfont.
Against her will, against her judg.
. ment, sir
, Then the worst has COLA to pass
groaned the old count. Neither spoke
for some time, They were near the
foot of the staircase when Halfont
paused and grasped Lorry's arm
Steadily they looked into each other s
eyes.
Il admire you more than any man
l have ever known" said the count
huskily. You are the soul of honor
! IL
not become the husband of a princess
of Graustark. | need not tell you that
however. You surely must under
stand"
Il do understand said Lorry dir
lilly. Il am not a prince. as you are
saying over and over again TO your
self. In my land you will find the
poor man climbing to the highest pin
nacle side by side with the rich man
The woman l love is princess. Until
death destroys this power to love and
to hope | must say to you that | shall
: not consider the Princess Yetive be-
yond my reach. Frankly, | cannot
sir"
The count heard him through un
conscious admiration mingling with
the sadness in his eyes
There are some obstacles that brav
cry and perseverance cannot overcome
my friend" he said slowly. "One OF
them is fate"
AS fate is not governed by law OIL
custom, | have the best reason in the
world to hope" said l.orry, yet mod
esty.
II would indeed. sir. that you were
a prince of the realm" fervently cried
, the count, and Lorry was struck by the
fact that he repeated, word for word
the wish Gaspon had uttered some