Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-06-28


was almost unable to control the i'm
pulse to rush out and compel him to
relax that imposing, machine-like
stride. She hungered for few min
utes of the old time freedom with him.
The iron Count was showing her
some rare antique bronzes he had coli
lected In the south. The luncheon was
over, and the countess had stroiled off
toward the bastions with the young
officers, leaving Beverly alone with the
host Servants came in to clear the
tables, but the count harshly ordered
them to wait until the guests had de.
parted.
1T is the dearest thing / have seen, :"
said Beverly, holding rare old candle
stick at arms length and looking at it
in as many ways as the wrist could
turn. Her loose sleeves ended just be-
low the elbows The counts eyes fol
lowed the graceful curves of her white
forearm with ain eagerness that was
annoying.
II prize it more dearly than any
other piece in my collection he said.
1T came from Rome. 1t has history
which / shall try to tell you some day
and which makes it almost Invaluable.
A German nobleman offered me a
small fortune If / would part with it. =
And You wouldn't sell it
81 was saving it for an occasion,
your highness,' he said, his steely eyes
giittering. 1.-THE glad hour has come
when I can part with it for recon-
pense far greater than the baron's
gold
"Oh, isn't it lucky you kept it 2" she
cried. Then she turned her eyes away
quickly, for his gaze seemed greedily
endeavoring to pierce through the lace
insertion covering her neck and shout
ders. Outside the window the steady
tramp Of the tall guard went on mo-
notonously
1.-THE recompense of sweet smile,
tender blush and the unguarded
thanks of pretty woman. The can
diestick is yours, Miss Calhoun-if you
will repay me for my sacrifice by ac-
cepting it without reservation"
Slowly Beverly Calhoun set the can
dlestick down upon the table, her eyes
meeting his with steady disdain.
what rare old jester you are,
Count Marlanx," she said without a
smile "If thought you were in ear
nest / should scream with laughter.
May l suggest that we join the count
ess? We must hurry along, you know.
she and / have promised to play tennis
with the princess at 8 o'clock. The
counts glare Of disappointment lasted
but a moment The diplomacy of ego
tism came to his relief, and be held
back the gift for another day, but not
for another woman.
1T grieves me to have you hurry
away My afternoon is to be q dull
one unless you permit me to watch the
tennis game he said.
II thought you were interested only
in the game of war, she said point
edly.
II stand in greater awe of tennis
ball than do of cannon ball, il it is
sent by such an arm as yours" and
he not only laid bis eyes, but his hand,
upon her bare arm. she started as if
something had stung her. and cold
SILVER raced over her warm flesh. His
eyes for the moment held her spell
bound. He was drawing the hand to
his lips when shadow darkened the
French window, and saber ratified
warningly.
Count Marlanx looked up instantly,
q scowl on his face Baldos stood at
the window in an attitude of alert at
tention. Beverly drew her arm away
spasmodically and took q step toward
the window. The guard saw by her
eyes that she was frightened; but, if
his heart beat violently, his face was
the picture Of military stoniness.
what are you doing there9" snarled
the count.
did your highness call?' asked Bal
dos coolly.
"She did not call, felloww said the
count, with deadly menace III mis- voice.
"Report to me in half an hour. You
still have something to learn, ] see."
Beverly was alarmed by the threat in
his tones. She saw what was In store
for Baldos, for she knew quite as well
as NIarlanx that the guard had delib-
erafely interviewed in her behalf.
ssHe cannot come in half an hourw
she cried quickly. Il have something
for him to do, Count Marlanx. Besides,
think did call" Both men stared
at her.
my ears are excellent said Mar
lanx stiffiy.
II fancy Baldos' must be even better,
for he heard me-" said Beverly, herself
once more. The shadow of smile
crossed the face of the guard.
He is impertinent, insolent, your
highness. You will report to me tomor-
row, sir, at 8 o'clock in Colonel Quin-
nox's quarters. Now, gov' commanded
the count.