Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-07-15
tan, his younger brother, as his sue
cessor to the throne. The young prince
eoro,i+o xufth tho poonIo

tan, his younger brother, as his sue
cessor to the throne. The young prince
was favorite with the people.
Bolaroz was pleased with the out
come of the sensational accusation and
the consequent removal of complica-
tions which had In reality been un-
pleasant to him.
One feature Of the scene in the
throneroom was not discussed, al
though 1t was uppermost in the minds
Of all. The 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 Halfont and the far
away expression that came frequently
to his eyes revealed the nature Of his
thoughts. The greatest problem Of
them all was still to be solved.
As they left the room he dropped be-
hind and walked out beside Lorry,
rather timidly OBTAINING him until the
others were some distance ahead.
"You were cIoseted 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 men 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-"
81 am only at liberty to say, your ex-
cellency, that it concerns the welfare
Of Graustark." answered the other aft
er a moments thought. They walked
on In silence for some distance.
81 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 plain
question. Have you told her that you
love her?' The counts face was drawn
and white.
81 ha e, SIR loved her before l
knew she was princess. AS her pro-
tector 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 1t has been In
spite of her most righteous objections.
We have both seen the futility of love,
however strong and pure it may be. l
have hoped, your excellency, and al
ways shall"
"She has confessed her love to you
privatelyT asked HalfoHt.
Against her will, against her judg-
ment, SIR"
"Then the worst has come 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 others
eyes.
II admire you more than any man
I have ever known" said the count
huskily. You are the soul Of honor,
of courage, of mau,iness. But you can
not become the husband Of princess
Of Graustark! l need not tell you that,
however. You surely must under
stand"
"I do understand" said Lorry diz-
zily. ~ am not 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 I love is a princess. Until
death destroys this power to love and
to hope I must say to you that shall
not consider the Princess Yetive be-
yond my reach. Frankly, l 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. zone OF
them is fate"
"As fate Is not governed by law or
custom, have the best reason in the
world to hope" said Lorry. yet mod
estly.
81 would Indeed, sir, that you were
q 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
hours before.
BY this time they were Joined by the
others, whereupon Grenfall hurried
eagerly to the balcony, conscious of be-
ing half an hour early, but glad Of the
chance afforded for reflection and soli-
tude. Voices came up from below, as
they did on that night five weeks ago.
bringing the laughter and song Of hap
py hearts. Music swelled through the
park from the band gallery; from afar
off came the sounds Of revelry. The
people Of Edelweiss were rejoicing
over the unexpected deliverance from
q fate so certain that the escape SEEM
ed barely short of miraculous.
Every sound, every rustic of the wind
through the plants that were scattered
over the balcony caused him to look
toward the door through which she
must come to him.
TO BE CONTINUED.