The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-07-28

good humor without half trying. Oh,
Count Marlanx. Come here, please.
You aren't angry with me, are you?
Wasn't it awful for me to run away
and leave you to play solitaire instead
Of poker? But, don't you know. l was
so wretchedly tired after the ride. and
l knew you wouldn't mind If T. and
so she ran glibIy on. completely fore
stalling. him. to the secret amusement
Of the others. Nevertheless, she was
nervous ana embarrassed over the sit
uation. There was every reason to
fear that the Iron Count had heard and
seen enough to form pretty good opin-
ion of what had passed between her
self and Baldos in this remote corner
of the park. A deep sense of shame
was taking possession of her.
MarlanX, smiling significantly, looked
into her brave little face and permit
ted her to talk on until she had run out
of breath and cOmpOsure. Then he
bowed with exaggerated gallantry and
informed her that he was hers to com
mand and that it was not for him to
forgive. but to accept whatever was
her gracious pleasure. He called upon
the chair bearers. and they took up
their burden. Beverly promptly cha nged
her mind and concluded to walk to the
castle. And SO they started Off, the
chair going ahead as if out of colIi-
mission forever. Despite her efforts
to do so the American girl--feeling
very much abused. by the way-was
unsuccessful in the attempt to keep
the princess at her side. Yetive DELHI
erately walked ahead with Halfont
and Dangloss. 1t seemed to Beverly
that they walked unnecessarily fast
and that Marlanx was prOvokingly
slow. Baldos was twenty PAGES be-
hind, as was his custom.
us it necessary for me to ask you tc
double the number of lessons | am to
haye:" MarlanX asked. He was quite
too close to her side TO please Beverly.
Cant you learn in one lesson? Most
Americans think they know all about
poker after the first game"
II am not SO quick witted, your high
ness
Ear he 1t from me to accelerate
your wits. Count Marlanx. 1t might
not be profitable"
you might profit by losing. you
know" he ventured, leaning still clos
er. Poker is not the only game of
chance. 1t vas chance that gave me Il
Il don't understand"
ut shall be my pleasure to teach
you in return for instructions / am to
have. | have tried to teach your ex-
cellent guard one phase of the game.
He has not profted. | fear. He has
been blind enough to pick a losing
hand in spite of my advice 1t is the
game of hearts" Beverly could not
but understand. She shrank away
with a shuddcr Her wits did not lie
sert her, however.
81 know the game" she said steadily
Zones object is to cast off all the
hearts. l have been very lucky at the
game, Count Maranx."
"Uump,"' was his ironical comment.
"Ah int this night for lOvers!' he
went o:i. c'.>nging tack suddenly. 40
stroll in the shadows. where even the
noon is blind. is Il joy that love alone
provides. Come. fair mistress, share
this JOY with me-"
With that his hand closed over her
soft arm above the elbow, and she
was drawn close to his side. Beverly's
first shock of revulsiOn was succeeded
by the distressing certainty that Bal.
dos was helpless witness of this in
dignity She tried to jerk her arm
away. but he held it tight
Release my arm. SIR she cried,
hoarse with passion.
call Your champion, my lady. 1t
will mean his death. ! have evidence
that will insure his conviction and eX-
ecution within an hour. Nothing could
save him. Call him, | say. and
Il will call him. He is my sworn
protector. and | will command him to
knock you down if you don't go away
she Jared stopping decisively.
AT his peril
"Baldos"' she called. without a sec
ond's hesitation. The guard came up
with rush just as Marlanx released
her arm ar'i fell away with NUT
tered imprecatiOn.
"YOur highness!" cried Baldos, who
had witnessed everything.
Are you afraid to die" she demand
ed briefly and clearly.
"No."
"That is ALL" she said, suddenly calm.
IT merely wanted to prove 1t to Count
Marlanx." Tact had come to her re-
lief most OPPORTUNITY. Like fash she
saw that conflict between the com