The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-10-05
ITO be continued.)

was patrolling the narrow piazza
which fronted the house. Toward the
close OF the rather trying luncheon she
was almost unable to control the i'm
pulse to rush out and compel him to
relax that imposing machine-lilSe
stride She hungered for few min
utes of the old time freedom with him.
The Iron Count was showing her
some rare antique tronzes he had col
lected in the south. The luncheon was
over, and the countess had strolled of
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 candles
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 an eagerness that was
annoying.
II prize it more dearly than any
other piece in my collection" he said
ut 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
small fortune if l would part with it,"
And you wouldn't sell i'll"
Il was saving it for an occasion.
your highness," he said. his steeIy eyes
glittering. 1.-THE glad hour has come
when | can part with it for a recon-
pense far greater than the baron's
gold"
"Oh, isn't 1t lucky you kept it?" she
cried. Then she turned her eyes away
quickly, for his gaze seemed greedily
e..deavoring 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.
'The recompense of sweet smile. a
tender blush and the unguarded
thanks of a pretty woman. The can
dlestick 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 a rare old jester you are,
Count MarIanx," she said without
smile IF thought you were in ear
nest 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 o'clock" The
counts glare of disappointment lasted
but moment. The diplomacy of ego
tism came to his relief. and he 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 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
eddy.
Il stand in greater awe of tennis
ball than do of 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 IL
something had stung her, and a cold
SILVER raced over her warm flesh. His
eyes for the moment held her spell
bound. He Withdrawing the hand to
his lips when a shadow darkened the
French window, and saber ratified
warningly.
Count Marlanx looked up instantly,
a scowl on his face. Baldos stood at
the window In an attitude Of alert at
tention. Beverly drew her arm away
spasmodically and took a 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 thereY' snarled
the count.
"Did your highness call? asked Bal
dos coolly.
"She did not call, fellowp' said the
count, with deadly menace In bis voice.
"Renort 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 Marlanx that the guard had DELHI |
erately interviewed in her behalf.
"He cannot corle in half an hourF'
she cried quickly. II 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.
Il 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 viii report to me tomor-
row, sir, at 0 o'clock In Colonel Quin-
nox's quarters. Now, goT commanded
the count.
swat minute, Baldos. We are 60