Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-07-07

upon these two tall men from another
world. 1t could be seen that the castle
was astir with excitement, slbdued
and pregnant with thriving hopes and
fears. The nobility of Graustark was
there. The visitors Of Axphain were be-
ing entertained.
At the castle doors the two men met
their first obstacle, but they had an
ticipated its presence. Two guards
halted them peremptorily.
1--WE must see her royal highness,"
said Anguish, but the men could not
understand him. They stoically stood
their ground, shaking their heads.
Let US find some one who can un-
derstand U.S." advised Lorry, and in .
few moments they presented them
selves before the guards, accompanied
by a young nObleman with whom they
had acquaintance. He succeeded In ad-
vancing them to the reception hall In
side the doors and found for them a
servant who would carry a message to
the princess If 1t were possible to gain
her presence. The nobleman doubted
very much, however, II the missive
hastily written by Lorry could find Its
way to her, as she had never been 30
occupied as now.
Lorry in his brief note prayed for q
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
guish, requesting that Count Halfont
be present. He informed her that his
mission was Of the most imperative ma
ture and that it related to discovery
made concerning the prince who had
tried to abduct her. In conclusion he
wrote that Baron Dangloss had re-
Quired him to lay certain facts before
her and that he had come with no in
tention to annoy her.
While they sat in the waiting room
they saw through the glass doors doz-
ems Of richly attired men and women In
the hall beyond. They were conversing
animatedly, Graustark men and WON.
en- with detected faces, Axphainians
with exultation glowing in every
glance Lorry's heart sank within him.
1t seemed hours before the servant re-
turned to bid them follow him. Then
his blood leaped madly through veins
that had been chilled and lifeless. He
was to see her again.
Their guide conducted them to q
small anterOom, 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 80 hard to
conceal. Both men were on their feet
in an instant, advancing to meet her.
"The princess? Is she ill?" demand
ed Lorry.
Not Ill, but mad, fear" answered
she, giving a hand to each. "Mr. Lor-
ry, she bids me say to you that she
cannot see you. She appreciates the
Importance Of your mission and thanks
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
ly, his face whittier than ever.
Nay; she begs that you will excuse
her. Her highness is sorely worn and
distressed today, and, fear, cannot en-
dure all that is happening. She Is ap-
parently calm and composed, but l,
who know her so well, can see the
strain beneath"
"Surely she must see the urgency Of
quick action in this matter Of ours"
cried Anguish half angrily. I'VE are
not dogs to be kicked out Of the castle.
We have right to be treated fairly
1--WE cannot censure the princess.
Harry" said Lorry calmly. 1--WE have
come because we would befriend her,
and she sees fit to reject our good Of
fees. There is but one thing left for US
to do-depart as we came"
but don't like it little Bit"
growled the other.
IF you only knew, Mr.. Anguish, you
would not be 30 harsh and unjust" re-
monstrated the lady warmly. Turning |
to Lorry, she said, "She asked me to
hand you this, and to bid you retain 1t
as a token Of her undying esteem"
She handed him a small, exquisite |
miniature Of the princess framed In
gold inlaid with rubies. He took II
dumbly in his fingers, but dared not
look at the portrait 1t contained. With
what might have seemed disrespect he
dropped the treasure into his coat
pocket.
"Tell her shall always retain 1t as a
token of her esteem" he said. "And
now may ask whether she handed my
note to her uncle, the count"
The countess blushed in q most un.
accountable manner.
Not while was with her." she said,
recovering the presence Of mind she
apparently had lost.
"She destroyed 1t, I presume" said
he, laughing harshly.
II saw her place 1t in her bosom, SIR,
and with the right hand" cried the
countess as II betraying state secret.
"In her You are telling me the
truthy cried he, his face lighting up.
"Now, see here, Lorry, don't begin to
question the countess word. won't
stand for that" interposed Anguish
good humoredly.
II should be more than base to say
falsely that she had done anything 50
absurd" said the countess Indignantly.
where is she now?" asked Lorry.
"In her boudoir. The Prince Lorenz
is with her-alone."
"Whatw he cried, jealousy darting
into his existence. He had never known
jealousy before.
"They are betrothed," said she, with
an effort. There was 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 huge painting and stared at
II, but did not see line or tint.
"You don't mean to say she has &C.
cepted" half whispered Anguish.
Nothing less"
"Tnank God, you are only count.
sss," he said tenderly.
"Why-why-what difference can 1t
make-I mean, why do you say that%