The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-08-02

doubt he was attributing his degrade
ton in sense to the fact that she no
longer relished his services. having
seen romantic little ideal shattered
by his firm assertions. or course she
knew that General Marlanx was alone
instrumental in assigning him to the
unpleasant duty he now observed. but
how was Baldos to know that she was
not the real power behind the Iron
Count!
| A light driZzle began to fall. cold and
disagreeable. There We're no stars, no
moon. The ground below was black
with shadows, but shimmering in spots
touched by the feeble park lamps. She
retreated through her window, deter
mined to go to bed. Her rebellious
brain. however. refused to Danish him
from her thoughts. She wondered if
he were patrolling the castle grounds in
the rain in all that lonely darkness.
Seized by sudden inspiration she
threw Il gossamer about her. grasped
an umbrella and ventured out upon the
balcony once more. Guiltily she search
ed the night through the fine, drizZling
rain. Her ears listened eagerly for
the tread which was so well known to
her
At last he strobe beneath lamp not
far away. He looked up, but of course
could not see her against the dark wall.
For long time he stood motionless be-
meath the light She could not help see
ing that he was detected. tired. unhap-
py. His shoulders dropped, and there
was general air of listlessness about
the figure which had once been so full
of courage and Of hope. The post light
fell directly upon his face. 1t was
somber, Respondent, strained. He wore
the air of a prisoner Her heart went
out to him like fash. The debonair
knight Of the black patch was no more
In his place there stood a sullen slave
to discipline.
'Baldos!" she called softly. her voice
penetrating the dripping air with the
clearness Of bell He must have been
longing for the sound of il, for he start
ed and looked eagerly in her direction.
His tall form Strengthened as he passed
his hand over his brow. 1t was but
voice from. his dream. he thought.
Aren't you afraid you'll get wet?' ask
ed the same low. sweet voice, with the
suggestion Of Il laugh behind it, With
long strides he crossed the pavement
and stood almost directly beneath her.
your highness" he exclaimed gen
tly, joyously. What are yop doing out
there!'
Wondering. Baldos. Wondering
what you were thinking Of as you
stood under the lamp over there"
II was thinking of your highness," he
called up softly. 80
NO. mol" she protested
II. too, was wondering-w wondering
what you We're dreaming of as you
slept for you should be asleep at this
! hour, your highness. instead Of stand
ing out there in the rain
''Baldos." she called down tremulous-
ly. you don't like this work. do you?"
1T has nothing but darkness in it for
me. l never see the light of your eyes.
l never feel the
Ssh. You must not talk like that
IT, not proper, and besides some one
may he listening The night has
thousand carS-or is it eyes? But lis
ten. Tomorrow you shall be restored to
your old duties. You surely cannot be-
| lieve that l had anything to do with
the order which compels you TO work
at this unholy hour
! II was afraid you were furnishing me
! for my holiness. My heart has been
sOre-yOu never can know how sore.
was disgraced. dismissed. forgotten
NO. no; you were not. You must not
say that. Go away now. Baldos. You
will ride with me tomorrow" she cried
nervously. please go TO some place
where You won't get dripping wet
! You forget that am on guard" he
said. with a laugh But you are wise
counselor. Is the rain so pleasant to
yOu?'
Il have an umbrella" she protested
what are You DOING she cried in
alarm. He WAS coming hand over hand
up the trelIiS work that nclosed the
lower vcranda.
Il am coming to place where |
won't get dripping wet" he called
softly There was Il dangerous ring in
his voice, and she drew back in
I panic
''YOu must not" she cried desperate
1y. 'ThiS is madness! Go down. sir
Il am happy enough to fly. but can
not. so | do the next best thing-I
| climb To you" His arm was across the
| stone railing by this time. and he was
painting from the exertiOn, not two
foot .Lor .,h.,