Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-07-05

stared Dlankly at the hc"
I'D guard. Yetive flushed deeply,
bit her lip in hopeless chagrin
and dropped her eyes. A pretty turn,
indeed, the play had taken! Not word
was uttered for full half minute; nor
did the guilty witnesses venture forth
from their retreat. Baldos stood tall
and impressive, holding the curtain
aside. At last the shadow of n smile
crept into the face of the princess, but
her tones were full of deep humility
when she spoke
1--WE crave permission to retire, your
hghness," she said, and there was vir-
tuous appeal in her eyes. Il pray for
giveness for this ndiscretlon and i'm
plore you to be lenient with two mis-
cradle creatures who love you so well
that they forget their dignity"
Il am amazed and shocked" was all
that Beverly could say. You may go,
but return to me within an hour.
will then hear what you have to say"
Slowly, even humbly, the ruler Of
Graustark and her cousin passed be-
meath the appraised arm OF the new
guard. He opened a door on the oppo-
site side Of the room, and they went
out to al appearance thoroughly crest
fallen. The steady features Of the
guard did not relax for the fraction of
a second, but his heart was humping
disgracefully.
Come here, Baldos,' commanded
Beverly, bit pale, but recovering her
wits with admirable promptness. This
is a matter which | shall dispose of
privately. 1t is to 60 no further, you
are to understand"
Yes, your hiGhness."
You may go now. Colonel Quinnox
will explain everything" she said hur-
riedly. She was eager to be rid of him.
AS he turned away she observed a
| faint but peculiar smile at the corner
Of his mouth.
Come here, sir" she exclaimed hot
ly. He paused, his face as somber as
| an owls. What do you mean by
laughing like that?" she demanded He
caught the fierce note in her voice, but
gave it the proper Interpretation.
Laughing, your highness?" he said
in deep surprise. You must be mis-
taken. am sure that could not have
laughed in the presence of a princess"
1T must have been ia shadow,
them" she retracted, somewhat star
tied by his rejoinder. Very well. then.
You are dismissed"
AS he was about to open the door
through which he had entered the room
it swung wide and Count Marlanx
strobe in. Raldos paused rresoutely
and then proceeded on his way with.
out paying the slightest attention to the
commander of the army. Marlanx
came to an amazed stop, and his face
flushed with resentment.
Halt, sir" he exclaimed harshly
Don't you know enough to salute me
sir?'
Baldos turned instantly. his figure
strengthening like flash. His eyes
waver. although his face went white
with passion.
"And who are you, sir? he asked II
cold. steely tones. The count almos
reeled.
FOUR superior officer That should b'
deadly levelness.
"Oh. then | see no reason why
should not salute you. SIR" said Baldos
with one of his rare smiles. He salut
ed his superior officer a shade too elab
orately and turned away. Marlanx'!
eyes glstened.
stop! Have I said you could 60
sir? have a bit of advice to-
"My command to go comes from
your superior. SIR" said Baldos, will
irritating blandness.
"Be patient, general" cried Beverly
In deep distress. He does not know
any better. I will stand sponsor 70
him." And Baldos went away with q
light step, his blood singing. his devil
mny-care heart satisfied The look In
her eyes was very sustaining. AS he
left the castle he said aloud to him
self with an easy disregard of the con
sequences:
"Well, 1t seems that am to be asso
ciated with the devil as well as will
angels. Heavens. June is glorious
month";"
Now. you promised you'd be nice t.
i, him. General Marlanx." cried Beverl!
: the instant Baldos was out of thu
room. Hes new at this sort Of thing
| you know, and, besides, you didn't ad
dress him very politely for an ute
' stranger
1.-The insoent dog snarled Mar,anx
his self control returning slowly III
: shall be taught well and thoroughly
, never fear, Miss Calhoun. There is
way to train such recruits as he, ant
t they never forget what they hay
learned"
q "Oh, please don't be harsh wit
a him." she pleaded. The smile Of tn
Iron Count was not at all reassurinG
y II know he will be sorry for what h
has done, and you
Il am quite sure he will be sorry,
said he, with most agreeable bow Il
submission to her appeal.
"Do you want to see Mr.. Lorry?" sh
asked quickly II will send for hin
general" She was at the door. impa
:, tient to be with the banished culprits.
= my business with Mr.. Lorry ca
= walt" he began, with a smile meant I
!. be inviting, but which did not impress
!. her at all pleasantly.