Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-06-13
CHAPTER Xv-CoNT1NUED

not dogs to be kicked out Of the castle.
We have q right to be treated fairly
1--WE cannot censure the princess.
Harry" said Lorry calmly. "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 I don't like it q little bit"
growled the other.
IF you only knew, Mr.. Anguish, you
would not be 80 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 token Of her undying esteem"
She handed him small, exquisite
miniature Of the princess framed In
gold inlaid with rubies. He took It
dumbly in his fingers, but dared not
look at the portrait it contained. With
what might have seemed disrespect he
dropped the treasure into his coat
pocket
: 'Tell her shall always retain it as q
token Of her esteem" he said. "And
now may ask whether she handed my
note to her uncle, the countT'
The countess blushed In q most un-
accountable manner.
"Not while I was with her." she said,
recovering the presence Of mind she
apparently had lost.
"She destroyed it. I presume" said
he, laughing harshly.
Il saw her place it in her bosom, sir,
and with the right hand" cried the
countess as II beraying state secret.
I'm her You are telling me the
truth 2" cried he. his face lighting up.
"Now, see here, Lorry, don't begin to
question the countess word. I won't
stand for that" interposed Anguish
good humoredly.
II should be more than base to say
falsely that she had done anything 30
absurd" said the countess Indignantly.
"Where Is she now| asked Lorry.
"In her boudoir. The Prince Lorenz
In with her-alone."
"what. 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 III
front Of huge painting and stared at
1t, but did not see line or tint.
"You don't mean to say she has ac-
cepted?" half whispered Anguish.
"Nothing less"
"Thank God, you are only a count
ess," he said tenderly.
"Why-why-what difference can 1t
make-I mean, why do you say that"
she stammered, crimson to her hair:
Because you won't have to sell your
self at 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 tie wretch
es!" she cried vindictively her pretty
face in helpless frown. To-day was
the day, you know, on which he was
to have his answer. He came and knelt
In the audience chamber. All Grau-
stark had implored her to refuse the
hated offer, but she bade him rise, and
there, before US all, promised to be-
come his bride.
1.-THE greatest sorrow Graustark has
ever known grows out Of that decision.
She is determined to save for US what
her fathers folly lost. To do this she
becomes the bride Of q vile wretch.
man who soils her pure nature when
he thinks Of her. Oh, we sought to dis
suade her-we begged, we entreated.
but without avail. She will not sacri-
fee one foot Of Graustark to save her
self. See the triumphant smiles on
their faces-the brutes" She pointed
maliciously to the chattering visitors
In the hall. ALREADY they think the
castle theirs. The union Of Graustark
and A1phain-just what they most de-
sired, but we could not make her see it
SOL!
"Is the day set?" asked Lorry brave
ly after a moments silent inspection
Of the dark browed victors.
Eyes, and there Is to be no delay.
The marriage contract has already
been signed. The date is Nov. 20, the
Aay on which we are to account to
Bolaroz for our war debt. The old
princes wedding gift to Graustark Is
to be document favoring us with a
ten years extension" she said scorn-
fully.
"And where Is she to live"
"Here, of course. She Is Graustark's g
ruler, and here she insists on abiding.
Just contemplate our court! Overrun
with those Axphain dogs! All. she has
wounded Graustark more than she has
helped her."
There was nothing more to be said
or done. so after q few moments the
Americans took their departure. The
countess bade them farewell, saying
that she must return to the princess.
"Tll see you tomorrow" said An
guish, with rare assurance and the air
Of an old and indispensable friend.
"And you, Mr.. Lorry?" she said curl
ously.
81 am very much occupied" he mum
bled.
"You do wrong in seeking to deceive
me-" she whispered as Anguish passed
through the door ahead Of them. 81
know why you do not come"
HAS she told you"