Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-08-09

bclOTe we can ne married., dearest,
I have n journey of some Importance
TO take he announced as they arose
to cave the bower behind.
"a journey? Wherc?'
T Vienna. | have an account to
settle with a man who has Just taken
up his residence there" His hand
vent to his sword hilt, and his dark
eyes cleaned with the fire she loved.
Count Marlanx and I have postponed
business to attend to, dearest. Have
no fear FOR me. My sword Is honest,
and I shall bring it back to you my
self"
She %shuddered and knew that 1t
would be as he said.
CHAPTER XXXI.
("2TE Duke Of Matz and his asso-
ciates reached Edelweiss in the
afternoon. Their attendants
~ and servants carried luggage
bearing the princely crest of DAVIS
bergen and meant for Prince Dnntan
and his sister Candace. In the part of
the castle set apart for the visitors au
important consultation was held be-
hind closed doors. There Dantan met
his countrymen and permitted them to
renew the pledge of fealty that had
been shattered by the ovcrpowering
influence of his mad half brother.
What took plnce ut this secret meet
ing the outside world never knew.
Only the happy result was made
known. Prince Dantan was to resume
his reign owe Dawsbergen as If It
never had been interrupted.
The %cnstle, brilliant from bottom to
top, filed with music and laughter,
experienced n riot of happiness such
us 1t had not known in years. The
war clouds had lifted, the sunshine of
contentment was breaking through the
darkness, and there was rejoicing in
the hearts of all. Bright and glorious
were the colors that made up tho har-
mony OF peace. Men and women Of
high degree came to the historic old
walls CARRIED in the riches Of royalty
and nobility. TO Beverly Calhoun II
was the most enchanting sight she had
ever looked upon. From the galleries
she gazed down into the halls glitter
ing with the wealth of Graustark and
was conscious of a strange feeling OF
Clo%rihcation. She felt that she had a
part in this jubilee. With Candace she
descended the grand staircase and
mingled with the Respondent crowd.
She was the center of attraction.
Dressed IN n simple. close fitting gown
Of black velvet, without an ornament,
her white arms and shoulders cleaning
in the soft light from the chandeliers,
she was an entiCing creature to be ad-
mired by mer and women alike. Two
stalwart Americans felt their hearts
bound with pride as they saw the con-
quest their countrywOman was max
ing. Candace, her constant companion
in these days, was consumed with de-
light.
You are the prettiest thing in all
this world She ecstatically whispered
into Beverly's car. "My brother says
so, too,'' she added co~nclusively. Bev.
erly was too true a woman not to revel
in this subtle fla'tery.
The great banquet hall was to be
thrown open at midnight. There were
dancing and song during the hours
leading up to this important event
Beverly was entranced. She had seer
brilliant affairs at home. but none OF
them compared to this in regal splen
dor. 1t was the sensl1ous, overpower
ing splendor Of the east.
Prince Dantan joined the throng JUS
before midnight. He made his way di
rect to the little circle of which Bev
erly and Candace formed the center
His rich, full military costume gave
him a new distinction that quite over
mated conversation. exchanging shaft:
of wit that greatly amused those wht
could understand the language.
you must remember" Beverly salt
In reply to one of Ravone's sallies
that Americans are not in the leas
awed by Europe's greatness. 1t ha'
come to the pass when we call Europ'
our playground. We now go to Eu
rope as we go to the circus or tn
county fair at home. 1t isn't mucl
more trouble, You know. and we mus
see the sights"
alas, poor Europe" he laughed. A
he strollcd about with her and Can
dace he pointed out certain men to hel
asking her to tax her memory in III
effort to recall their faces if not thei
apparel. She readily recognized in tn
; lean, tired faces the men she had me
first at the Inn of the Hawk and Ra
ven.
, 'They were vagabonds then, Mis-
Calhoun. Now they are noblemer
Does the transition startle your
isn't Baldos among them?" she asl
ed, voicing the query that had bee
uppermost in her mind since the mt
ment when she looked down from til
galleries and failed to see him. Sh
: was wondering how he would appeu
in court costume.
: you forget that Baldos Is only
guard he said kindly.
| "IIe is a courtier nevertheless" sl
, retorted.
= She was vaguely disappointed b.
: cause he was missing from the seer
= of %splcndor. 1t proved to her thu
! caste overcame all else in the roc
ribbe east. The common man, Il
y matter how valiant, had no place
such affai RS as these. Her pride VIZ
: suffering. She was as n queen anon
the noblest Of the realm. AS the viii