Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-07-22

shut up In a stupid prison. It is happI.
ness that gives one the power to
charm"
You have capuvated everybody,
from the governor down. thought
you hated the prince"
did ever tell you soY'
mo; but your father wrote me to
that effect
and 50 you kept me under surveil.
lance"
II not exactly that, Alma, but I
perhaps misunderstood you and your
fathers directions. II I haYe done
anything to make you unhappy during
your visit, I trust you will pardon me
and believe 1t was done with an eye
single to your welfare"
you have been very kind. pre-
sumo IL was the manner Of my behav-
Tor that made you think 1 was unhap-
py; but, to tell the truth, I was an
cry"
angry! At something did?"
"You and my father. got so weary
Of the stupid story that was in love
with that American that continued
to act MS II were. There comes the
prince. IL he not noble in that splen-
did uniform1 Had my father not been
10 cruel-well, there Is no use rehears-
ing that"
But there is. The governor is infat.
uated with you. He has pet scheme
for the supper tonight. He has watch.
ed you and Dellnikoff. He says you
are the handsomest couple in all Rus
sia."
well, we are" said Alma. with a
toss of her head.
by heaven, I'll wager you thou.
sand rubles you are in love with Dell
nikof."
II will not bet on 90 trivial mat
ter"
Trivial! Then here is another. I'll
wager you 1000 rubles you dare not
let the governor announce your be-
trothel to the prince at the supper"
my betrothal! Do you want me to
throw myself at mani He has not
asked me to be his WIFE,"
He has asked your father, and it is
your fathers dearest WISH"
"But I am not a commodity. l am
not hay or silk. am woman, and a
woman likes to be something besides
the salable goods in bazaar"
well, think 1t over. The supper will
not be for an hour
AS he turned to leave her he signaled
to Dellniko1 that he wanted to speak
privately with him. After dance
Dellnikoft Joined Jurnieff in the smok.
ing room.
my dear prince" said Jurnleff, with
cffusiveness, Il am pleased to congrat-
ulate you. After your promotion to
win happiness also! Have you gained
-FOUR ambition?"
"you are giving me riddles. What
do you mean"
Il was under the impression that you
were In love with my niece"
II adore her. Who could do other
wise?"
'The governor Is much interested in
your little affair, as I am myself. To
tell you the truth, my niece is very ca.
PRECIOUS. Tomorrow she may be un-
willing to have anything to do with
you. Tonight she seems to share your
infatuation. The governor, as you
know, likes little sensation Of pleas
Ing kind. He would like the pleasure
and privilege of announcing your be.
trothal ut the supper"
with all my heart. He may an.
nounce 1t thousand times. The ques-
ton rests with the little lady"
"Go ask her. I wager a hundred ru-
bles you will not find her unwilling"
Jurnieff turned on his heel and walk.
ed away, and Dellnikoff, with fast
beating heart and feverish pulse, sought
Alma.
This waltz" she asked.
"No-I could not waltz must speak
with you. Come to the conservatory"
He led her to quiet nook shaded
with palms.
"Alma," he said breathlessly, taking
her hands, II love you! You know
love you. have longed for you this
past year, believing that you hated me-
and now to find you do not am over
Joyed. The governor wishes to an
nounce our betrothal Will you con
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