The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1903-08-05

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
anlmatedly, Graustark men and wom-
ea with detected faces, Axphainians
with exultation glowing In every
glance. Lorry's heart sank within him.
II seemed hours before the servant re-
turned TO bid them follow him. Then
his blood leaped madly through veins
that had been chilled and llfeless. He
was to see her again.
Their guide conducted them to a
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 so hard to
conceal. Both men were on their feet
in an instant. advancing to meet her.
"The princess? Is she HIP demand
ed Lorry.
Not i'll. but mad, fear" answered
she, giving a hand TO each. MIR. 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-
gardng 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 APP
parently calm and composed. but /,
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 a right TO be treated fairly
I'VE 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
10 do-depart as we came"
But | don't like 1t a little bit"
growed the other
IF you only knew Mr.. Anguish, YOU
would not he so 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 II
as token of her urrdying esteem"
she handed him a small. exquisite
miniature OF the princess framed in
gold inlaid with rabies. He took 1t
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 IL as a
token of her esteem" he said. And
now may ask whether shedlanded my
note to her uncle, the count?'
The countess blushed I'm a most UNI
accountable manner.
Not while was with her." she said.
recovering the presence of mind she
apparently had lost.
"She destroyed it, l presume" said
he. laughing harshly.
Il saw her place II in her bosom. sir
and with the right hand" cried the
countess as IL betraying a state secret.
"In her You are telling me the
?" 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.
IL should be more than base to say
falsely that she had done anything 20
absurd" said the countess Indignantly.
Where is she now 2" asked Lorry.
'In her boudoir. The Prince Lorenx
is with her-alone."
WHAT he cried. jealousy darling
into his existence. He had never known
jealousy before.
They are betrothed." said she. with
an effort. There was a dead silence.
bi'f4l ny Lofty uctp EIOuu az nc
turned and walked blindly TO the oppo-
site side OF the room. lie stopped In
front of a huge painting and stared at
81. but did not see line or tint.
You don't mean TO say she has &C
bcpted?" half whispered Anguish.
Nothing less"
THANK God. you are only a count
ess," he said tenderly.
"Why-why-wha difference can II
make-I mean. why do you say thatT'
she stammered. crimson 10 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 1t, pray. We had
guessed as much"
"Out there are his people-the wretch
es!" she cried vindictively, her pretty
face In a helpless frown. To-day was
the day. you know. on which he was