Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1907-02-08

sourcefulness to secure his promise
to start with her for Edelwelss on the
following morning. The coach deliv-
cred her at the'hospltal door In grand
style. When the visitor was ushered
into the snug little anteroom OF the
governors Office her heart was throb-
blng and her composure was under
going a most unusual strain. 1t an
noyed her to discover that the ap-
preaching contact with humble goat
hunter was giving her such unmlstak-
able symptoms Of perturbation.
From an upstairs window in the hos
Dital the convalescent but unhappy pa.
tient witnessed her approach and ar
rival. His sore, lonely heart gave O
bound Of joy, for the days had seemed
long since her departure.
He had had time to think during
these days too. Turning over In his
mind all Of the details In connection
with their meeting and their subse-
quent intercourse, 1t began to dawn
upon him that she might not be what
she assumed to be. Doubts assailed
him, suspicious grew into amazing
forms of certainty. There were times
when he laughed sardonlcally at him
self for being taken in by this strange
but charming young woman, but
through 1t all his heart and mind were
being drawn more and more fervently
toward her. More than once he called
himself fool and more than once he
dreamed foolish dreams of her, prin-
cess or not. OF one thing he was sure
he had come to love the adventure
for the sake of what 1t promised, and
there was no bitterness beneath his
suspicious
Arrayed in clean linen and presenta-
BILE clothes, pale from indoor confne-
ment and fever, but once more the
straight and strong cavalier of the
| hills, he fastened into her presence
when the summons came for him to
descend. He dropped to his knee and
kissed her hand, determined to play
the game Notwithstanding his doubts
As he arose she glanced for fitting
second into his dark eyes, and her own
long lashes dropped.
"Your highness!' he said gratefully.
"How well and strong you look!" she
said hurriedly. "Some of the tan Is
gone, but you look as though you had
never been i'll. Are you quite recov-
eredT
'"They say am as good as new," he
smilingly answered. "A trifie weak
and uncertain in my lower eXtremitles,
but few days of exercise In the noun
tains will overcome all that. Is all well
with you and Graustark? They will
give me no news here, by whose order
l do not know"
Turn about Is fair play, sir. 1t is
well established fact that you will give
them no news. Yes, all Is well with
me and mine. Were you beginning to
think that l had deserted your 1t has
been two weeks, hasn't it?"
"Ah, your highness, realize that you
have had much more important things
to do than to think of poor Baldos.
am exceedingly grateful for this sign
Of interest in my welfare. Your visit is
the brightest experience of my life"
BE seatedw she cried suddenly.
'YOu are too Ill to stand"
Were l dying / should refuse to be
seated while your highness stands"
said he simply. His shoulders seemed
to square themselves involuntarily, and
his left hand twitched as though ac-
customed to the habit of touching a
sword hilt. Beverly sat down Instant
ly. With his usual easy grace he took
chair near by. They were alone In
the antechamber.
Even though you were on your last
legs?" she murmured, and then wonder
ed how she could have uttered any
thing so inane Somehow she was be-
ginning to fear that he was not the or
dinary person she had judged him to
De. you are to be discharged from
the hospital tomorrow" she added
hastily.
Tomorrow he cried, his eyes light
!, ing with joy. 81 may go thenY"
Il have decided to take you to Edel-
weiss with me-" she said, very much as
If that were all there was to It BE
stared at her for a full minute as
I, though doubling his ears.
"NOF he said at last, his jaws set.
ting, his eyes glistening. 1t was q
terrible setback for Beverly's conh.
denee. Your hlghness forgets that ]
nave your promise Of absolute free.
DOM"
! But you are to be Free" she protest
q ed. You have nothing to fear. It Is
; not compulsory, you know. You don'i
nave to go unless you really want to
But my heart is set on having you in