Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-06-18

$50 ssssss
"Cdnnot the lOGn be crtcHdcd u tcp
UcOrS2'
herself. who said that she would be
guided by any decision they might
reach. The counsclors to Il man re-
fused to sacrifice their girliah ruler. and
the people vOciferously ratified IN res
olution. Put tie princess would not al
low them 20 send an answer To AK
plain until she could see Il way clear
to save her people in some other man
Ter. An embassy was sent to the Prince
Of DawSbergen. His domain touched
Grau>tIrk on the south, and he ruled
ii wild, turbulent class of mountaineers
and herdSmen. This embassy sought
10 secure an Endorsement of the loan
from Prince Gabriel sufficient to meet
the coming crisis. Gabriel, himself
snttcn by the charms of the princess,
ut once offered himself in marriage,
agreeing TO advance. in case she ac-
ccptcd him. 20.OUD, 600 gnvvos at Il rath-
or hiGh rate of interest for fifteen wears.
His love for her WAS SO great that he
would pawn the entire principalty for
an answer that would make him the
happrst man on earth. Now. the trou.
blcu princess abhOrred Gabriel. OF the
two. LorenZ was much to be preferred
Gabriel flew into rage upon the re.
ceipt of this rebuff and openly ayowed
his intention to make her suffer. His
infutIalion became mania. and ND to
the very day Oh which the counties,
told the story he persisted in his APP
pcals to tie princess. In person lie had
gone TO her to plead his guilt on his
Knees 2rOveling ut her feet. lie went
so far "a 10 cXclain madly in the pres
encc of the alarmed but relentless oh
jCct Of his love that lac would win her
or turn the whole earth into every thing
unpleasant.
- il WAS that the Princess Of Grau-
stark, crsIWhile Miss Gu-genslocller,
was bcili;, DRAGGED through the most
unhappy affairs that ever hcset SOY
cieign. Within month she was to
sign away tWo-tilirds of her domain,
transforming multitudcs of her beloved
and loving people into subjects of the
hated ANphain or to sell herself body
and soul, To loathSomc bidder in the
suisc of sl:itor, and, with all this con.
fronting her. she had come TO the real
izntion 90 a truth so sad and distract
ING that ii was breaking her tortured
heart. She was in love. but with no
royal prince. OF this, however the
countess knew nothing, so Lolry had
one great secret 10 cherish alone.
Has she chosen the course she will
pursuc:" asked LolTy MS tie countess
concluded her story. His face was
turned away.
"Shc cannot decide. We have wept
together over This dreadful this horri-
bic thing. You do not know what it
means to all of us, Mr.. Lorry. We
love her, and there is not one in our
land who would sacrifice her to save
this territory. As for Gabriel. Grau-
stark would Kill her before she should
60 to him. Still she cannot let herself
sacrifice those northern subjects when
by single act size can save them. You
see the princess has not forgotten
that her father brought this war upon
the people, and she feels it her duty to
pay the penalty Of his error whatever
the cost"
is there no other to whom she can
turn-no other ccuract" asked Lorry.
"rhcre is none who would assist us,
bankrupt as we are. There is a ques-
ton | want TO ask, Mr.. Lorry. Please
look at me. DO not stare at the foun-
tain all the time. Why have you come
10 Edclweiss" She asked the ques-
ton so boldly that his startled embar-
raSsment was an unspoken confession.
lie calmed himself and hcsitated long
before answering, weighing his reply.
Sine sat close beside him, her clear
gray eyes reading him like book.
Il came to see Miss GugGensock-
err" he answered at last.
For what purpose? There must
have been an urgent cause to bring
you so far. You are not an American
banllcrt'
Il had intended TO ask her TO be my
wife" he said, knowing that secrecy
was useless and seeing IA faint hope.
You did not find Miss Guggcnslock-
er?'
"No; have not found her"
Sand are you going home dsappoint-
ed, Mr.. Lorry, because she is not
hereT"
II leave the answer to your tender
Imagination"
There was long pause.
'May | ask when you expect to leave
Graustark!' she asked somewhat tim
idly.
why do YOU wish TO know be
asked in turn.
because | know how hopeless your
quest has been, You have found Miss
Guggenslocker but she is held behind
q wall so strong and imprcgnable (hat