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


some rare antique bronzes he had col
lected in the south. The luncheon was
over, and the countess had strolled 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.
at is the dearest thing l have seen"
said Beverly, holding a rare old candle
stick at arms length and looking ut 1t
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 an eagerness that was
annoying.
IL prize it more dearly than any
other piece in my collection" he said.
at came from Rome. 1t has a history
which l shall try to tell you some day
md which makes it almost Invaluable.
A German nobeman offered me q
small fortune if I would part with it."
"And you wouldn't sell it,
81 was saving it for an occasion,
your highness," he said, his steely eyes
glittering. THE glad hour has come
when can part with it for recon.
pense far greater than the baron's
gold"
ooh, isn't 1t lucky you kept IT," 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
Gers. Outside the window the steady
tramp Of the tall guard went on mo.
notonously.
"The recompense Of sweet smile,
tender blush and the unguarded
thanks Of pretty woman. The can
llestick Is yours, Miss Calhoun-if you
will repay me for my sacrifice BY &C.
repting 1t without reservation
Slowly Beverly Calhoun set the can.
elestick down upon the table, her eyes
kleeting his with steady dsdain.
What Q rare old Jester you are
Count Marlanx," she said without o
smile. "If thought you were in ear
nest l should scream with laughter
May suggest that we join the count
ess? We must hurry along, you know
She and have promised to play tennis
With the princess at 3 o'clock" The
counts glare of disappointment lasted
but moment The diplomacy Of ego
ism came to his relief, and he held
back the gift for another day, but not
tor another woman.
1T grieyes me to have you hurry
away. My afternoon is to be a dull
one unless you permit me to watch the
tennis game" he said.
II thought you were interested only
n the game of war" she said point
o..
Il stand in greater awe of n tennis
ball than I do of Il cannon ball, If it is
sent by such an arm as yours" and
he not only laid his 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 a shadow darkened the
French window, and saber ratified
warningly.
COUNT MuTElnA lOOkeu up luStdulII,
scowl on his face. Baldos stood at
the window IN an attitude of alert at
tenton. Beverly drew her arm away
spasmodically and took a step toward
the window. The guard saw by her
eyes that she was frightened; but. II
his heart beat violently, his face was
the picture of military stonness.
What are you doing there" snarled
the count.
Did your highness call?' asked Bal
dos coolly.
she did not call, fellow" said the
count, with deadly menace in his voice.
Report to me in half an hour. You
Still have something to learn. I 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 MarlanX that the guard had DELHI
erately interviewed in her behalf.
"He cannot come in half an hour!'
she cried quickly. II have something
for him to do. Count Marlanx. Besides,
l think l did call" Both men stared
at her.
my ears are excellent" said Mar
lanx stifily.
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, nsolcnt. your
highness. You will report to me tomor-
row, sir, at o o'clock in Colonel Quinn
noxs quarters. Now, CO., commanded
the count
wait minute, Baldos. We are 60
ing out TOO. viii you open that win
dow for me" Baldos gladly took il as
command and threw open the long
French window. She gave him a CRATE
full glance as she stepped through, and
he could scarcely conceal the CLEAN of
JOY that shot into his own eyes The
dark scowl on the counts face made
absolutely no impression upon him. He
closed the window and followed ten
PAGES behind the couple.
Your guard is priceless treasure"
said the count grizzly.
That's what you said about the can
dlestick," said she swcetly.
She was disturbed by his threat 10
reprimand Raldos. For some time her
mind had been struggling with what