The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1907-07-04
CHAPTER Viii;

CHAPTER Viii:
Shortly before six o'clock-dinner
in the palace was rarely served until
| half-after eight-the Honorable Betty
sat down to her writing desk in her
boudoir, which opened directly into
that belonging to the princess, to write
few letters home. A dinner was to
be given to the state officials that
night, and she knew from experience
that after that solemn event was con-
cluded 1t would be too late for the de.
parting mails. She seemed to have
no difficulty in composing her thoughts
and transferring them to paper There
were times when she would lean back,
nibble the end of her pen and smile
in dreamy, retrospective fashion. No
doubt her thoughts were pleasant and
agreeable.
She had completed addressing three
envelopes. when she heard the door
leading into the princess boudoir open
and close. She turned to behold the
princess herself.
why, Gretchen, where are you 60
ing?"-noting the gray walking-dress,
the gray hat, the sensible square-toed
shoes.
Il am going to visit sick nurse"
replied her highness, avoiding the 9th
er's eye.
But shall you have time to dress
for dinner?"
THAT depends. Besides the official
dinners are great bore" Her high
ness came forward, caught the dark
head of the English girl between her
gloved hands, pressed it against her
heart, bent and kissed it. What a
lovely girl you are, Betty always un-
rufied, always even-tempered. You
will grow old very gracefully"
Il hope so; but | do not want to
grow old at all Can't go with your"
eagerly.
Impossible; etiquette demands your
presence here tonight. If | am late
my rank and my errand will be my
excuse. What jolly times We used to
nave in that quaint old boarding school
in ST. Johns Wood Do you remem-
ber how we went to your noble ia
theirs country place one Christmas?
went incognita. There was children's
party, and two boys had a fisticuff
over you. Nobody noticed me those
days. was happy then" The prin-
cess frowned. IL might have been the
sign of repression of tears. Betty,
with her head against the others
bosom, could not see Il shall be
lonely without you; for you can not
stay on here forever. If you could, 1t
would be different | shall miss you.
Somehow you possess the faculty of
calming me. | am so easily stirred
into passion; my temper is so sur
face-wise. Some day, however, shall
come to England and spend whole
month with you VIII not that be
fine?"
How melancholy your voice isl"
cried Betty, trying without avail to re.
move her highness' hands.
mo, no; / want to hold you just So
Perhaps l am sentimental tonight
have all the moods, agreeable and dis
agreeable. , Do you love any
body?"
Love anybody? What do you
?'-rising in spite OF the pro-
testing hands, do look as If l were
in love with anybody?"
They searched each others eyes.
oh, you islanders Nobody can
fathom what is going on in your hearts,
You never make any mistakes; you al.
ways seem TO know which paths to
pursue; you are always right, always,
always, I'd like to see you commit a
folly Betty; it's wicked wish, know,
bur | honestly wish 1t. There is GER
tainly more Spanish blood in my veins
than German. | am always making
mistakes; l never know which path is
the right one; / am always wrong. Do
you believe it possible for woman of
birth and breeding to fall in love with
man whom she has known only
three days?"'
Three days! Are you crazy, Hide
garde?"
Call me Gretehen!" imperiously. q
Gretchen, what has come over
you?"
Il asked you. question"
"Well, "a bit Of color stealing into
her cheeks.-''it is possible, but very
foolish. One ought to know something
of mans character" went on Betty,
before permitting sentiment to enter
into ones thoughts"
That is my opinion, wise little
white owl" Her highness took her
friend in her arms and kissed her, held
her at arms length, drew her to her
heart and again kissed her It was
like q farewell Then she let her SO.
'If there Ia anything you need, make