Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1904-02-01

~, but | tell you she is rare. And
she's not betrothed to any of these con-
founded counts or dukes either. They
all adore her, but she's not committed"
How do you know all thisT' de-
manded Lorry, who but half heard
through his dreams.
asked her, of course. How in thun-
der do you SUPPOSE"
and you've known her but a day!
Well, you are progressivei"
''Oh, perfectly natural conversation.
you know" explained Anguish COM
posedly. 'She began it by asking Inc
if | were married, and I said l wasn't
even engaged. Then | asked her if she
were married. You see, from the title.
you can't tell whether a countess is
married or single. She said she wasn't,
and | promptly and very properly eX-
pressed my amaZement. BY Joye, she
has a will and mind of her own, that
young woman has! She's not going to
marry until she finds a man of the
right Sort which is refreshing ! like
to hear q girl talk like that, especially
pretty girl who can deal in princes,
it comes to a matrimonial trade By
Jove, I'm sorry for the princess, thought
Sorry fer the princess? Why?" ask
ed the other, alert at once.
oh, just because it's not in her pow
er to be 50 Independent. The countess
says she cries every night when she
thinks of what the poor girl has to con-
tend with.
Tell me about it"
Il don't know anything to tell. I'm
not interested in the princess, and 1
| didn't have the nerve to ask many Ques-
tons. 1 do know, however, that she is
going to have an unpleasant matrimo-
| NAL alliance forced upon her in some
way"
THAT is usual
That's what I gather from the
countess. Maybe you can pump the
| countess and get all you want to know
| in connection with the matter. It's a
| pretty serious state Of affairs, | should
say, OF she wouldn't be weeping through
| sympathy"
| Lorry recalled a part of the after
| moons sweetly dangerous conversation,
| and the perspiration stood cold and
| damp on his brow.
| There was a rap at the door, and An
| guish fastened to open it. A servant
presented Count Halfont's compliments
| and begged leave to call.
"Shall we see the old boy?" asked
Harry.
Eyes, yes" responded the other. The
servant understood the sign made by
Anguish and disappeared. Diplomat
ic call, suspect"
HE is the prime minister. L under
stand. All, good evening, your excel,
lency! We are bonored.'
The count had entered the room and
was advancing toward the couch, tall
easy and the personification of cor
diality.
81 could not retire until 1 had salts
fed myself as to Mr.. Lorrys condition
and his comfort" said he in his broker
English. He seated himself near the
couch and bent sharp, anxious eyes or
the recumbent figure.
ooh, he's all rightv' volunteered All
| Su1SH DC dUtC " AhI>
battle again tomorrow"
''That is the way with you aggressive
Americans, | am told. They never give
I'D until they are Dead" said the coun
courteously. your head is better?'
1T does not pain me as it did, ant
I'm sure I'll be able to get out tomor
row. Thank you very much for you
interest," said Lorry. MAY l inquire
after the health of the Countess Hal
font? The excitement of last nigh
has not had an unpleasant effect,
hope"
''She is with the princess, and bot
are quite we'll. Since our war, gentle
men, Graustark women have nothin,
to acquire in the way of courage ant
endurance. You, of course, know moth
ing of the horrors of that war"
'But we would be thankful for tn
, story of it, your eXcellency. War is
hobby of mine. l read every war scar
that gets into print" said Anguisl
, | eagerly.
, 1--WE of Graustark at present hav
| every reason to recall the last war an
bitterly to lament it's ending. The wa
, occurred just fifteen years ago-Du
will the recital tire you, Mr. LOrry!
came to spend a few moments soclall
Y and not to go into history. At an
: other time l shall be-
: cit will please and not tire me.
i am deeply interested. Pray, go on,
Lorry fastened to say, for he was II
terested more than the count suspec
q ed. s
Fifteen years ago Prince Ganloo
l. of this principality, the father of OF
princess, became incensed over the del
relations of the AXphain soldiers WI
e patrolled our border on the north.
J. demanded restitution for the devast'
d ton they had created, but was refuse'
Graustark is a province comprlsln
n some 800 square miles of the best Ian
:" in this part of the world. Our neig
Y Dor is smaller in area and population
lie Our army was better equipped, but n
An