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

riedly. she was eager to be rlu OF him.
AS he turned away she observed a
faint but peculiar smile at the corner
OF his mouth.
stCome here, sir!' she exclaimed hot
". He paused, his face as somber as
an owls. what do you mean by
laughing like that?' she demanded. He
caught the fierce note in her voice, but
gave it the proper Interpretation.
Laughing, your highness?" he said
In deep surprise. You must be mis-
taken. am sure that could not have
laughed in the presence of a princess"
1T must have been a-a shadow,
them, she retracted. somewhat star
tied by his rejoinder. very well. then.
You are dismissed"
AS he was about to open the door
through which be had entered the room
it swung wide and Count Marlanx
strobe in. Baldos paused irresolutely
and then proceeded on his way with
out paying the slightest attention to the
commander of the army. Marlanx
came to an amazed stop, and his face
flushed with resentment.
aHalt, STRIP he exclaimed harshly.
Don't you know enough to salute me,
STRIP
Baldos turned instantly, his figure
Strengthening like flash. His eyes
met those of the Iron Count and did not
waver, although his face went white
with passion.
ssAnd who are you, sir?" he asked in
cold, steely tones. The court almost
reeled.
'sYour superior officerl That should be
enough for your he half Kissed, with
deadly levelness.
"Oh, then see no reason why /
should not salute you, sir" said Baldos,
with one of his rare smiles. He salut-
ed his superior officer a shade too e1ab-
orately and turned away. Marlanx's
eyes glistened.
'sStop! Have l said you could go,
sir? / have bit of advice to-
my command to go comes from
your superior sir" said Baldos, with
irritating blandness.
BE patient, general" cried Beverly,
in deep distress. Gle does not know
any better. | win stand sponsor for
him." And Baldos went away with a
light step, his blood singing, his devil
may-care heart satisfied. The look in
her eyes was very sustaining. AS he
left the castle he said aloud to him
self with an easy disregard Of the con-
sequences:
''Well, it seems that / am to be asso-
ciated with the devil as well as with
angels. Heavens! June is a glorious
month";
Now, you proGlised you'd be nice to
him, General Marlanx," cried Beverly
the instant Baldos was out Of the
room. Hes new at this sort Of thing,
you know, and, besides, you didn't adj
dress him very politely for an utter
stranger"
1.-THE insoient dogp' snarled Marianx,
his self control returning slowly. "He
shall be taught well and thoroughly,
never fear, Miss Calhoun. There is a
way to train such recruits as he, and
they never forget what they have
learned"
*Oh, please don't be harsh with
him. she pleaded. The smile of the
Iron Count was not at all reassuring
Il know he viii be sorry for what he
has done, and you''
q am quite sure he will be sorry
said he, with most agreeable bow in
submission to her appeal. 49,
DO you want to see Mr.. Lorry?' she
asked quickly. II viii send for him,
general" She was at the door, impa-
tent to be with the banished culprits.
"My business with Mr.. Lorry can
watt he began, with a smile meant to
be inviting, but which did not impress
her at all pleasantly.
'WelI, anyway, I'll tell him you're
here she said, her hand on the door
knob 'syVill you wait here? Goodby."
And then she was racing of through
the long halls and up broad staircases
toward the boudoir of the princess.
There is no telling how long the rufled
count remained in the anteroom, for
the excited Beverly forgot to tell Lor-
~ that he was there.
There were half q dozen people in
the room when Beverly entered eager
II, She was painting with excitement.
OF all the rooms in the grim old castle
the boudoir of the princess was the