Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1907-02-15
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
EvERLY gasped. The countess
ID stared blankly at the new
I'M guard. Yetive flushed deeply
~ bit her lip in hopeless chagrln
and dropped her eyes. A pretty turn,
indeed, the play had taken! Not woru
was uttered for full half minute; nor
did the guilty witnesses venture tortn
from their retreat. Baldos stood tall
and impassive, holding the curtain
aside. At last the shadow of smile
crept into the face of the princess, but
her tones were full of deep humility
when she spoke.
"We crave permission to retire, your
highness" she said, and there was VIZ
tuous appeal in her eyes. Il pray tor-
giyeness for this indiscretion and I'M
plore you to be lenient with two mis-
cradle creatures who love you so well
that they forget their dignity"
81 am amazed and shocked" was all
that Beverly could say. "You may go,
will then hear what you have to say"
Slowly, even humbly, the ruler OF
Graustark and her cousin passed be-
Meath the upraised arm of the new
guard. He opened door on the oppo-
site side of the room, and they went
out, to all appearance thoroughly crest
fallen. The steady features of the
guard did not relax for the fraction OF
a second. but his heart was humping
disgracefully.
"Come here, Baldos," commanded
Beverly, a bit pale, but recovering her
wits with admirable promptness. This
is a matter which l shall dispose Of
privately. 1t is to go no further, you
are to understand"
Eyes, your highness."
"You may go now. Colonel Quinnox
will explain everything" she said hur-
riedly. She was eager to be rid Of him.
AS he turned away she observed a
faint but peculiar smile at the corner
Of his mouth.
"Come here, sir" she exclaimed hot
ly He paused, his face as somber as
an OWLS. "What do you mean by
laughing like thatY she demanded. He
caught the fierce note in her voice, but
gave 1t the proper Interpretation.
Laughing, your highness" he said
in deep surprise "You must be mis-
taken. 1 am sure that could not have
laughed in the presence Of princess
''It must have been "a shadow
then" she retracted, somewhat star
tied by his rejoinder. Every well, then
You are dismissed"
AS he was about to open the dool
through which he had entered the room
it swung wide and Count Marlany
strode in. Baldos paused irresolutely
and then proceeded on his way with
out paying the slightest attention to tn,
commander Of the army. Marlan1
came to an amazed stop, and his fac
flushed with resentment.
"Halt, sirv' he exclaimed harshly
Don't you know enough to salute me
sir?"
Baldos turned instantly, his figur
Strengthening like a fash. His eye
met those of the Iron Count and did nc
waver, although his face went whit
with passion.
"And who are you, sirT he asked 1
cold, steely tones. The count almos
reeled.
''Your superior officer! That should b
J enough for your he half hissed, wit
deadly levelness.
. "Oh, then l see no reason why
I should not salute you, sir" said Baldo
I with one Of his rare smiles. He salu
ed his superior officer a shade too elal
i orately and turned away. Marlanx
eyes glistened.
y "Stopl Have 1 said you could g
4 sir? l have bit Of advice to-
"My command to go comes froI
q yo1r superior, sir" said Baldos, wit
Irritating blandness.
a ''Be patient, general" cried Beverl
I In deep distress. HE does not kno
> any better. will stand sponsor Z,
d him" And BaldOs went away with
light step, his blood singing, his devI
Y may-care heart satisfied. The look 1
t her eyes was very sustaining. AS b
left the castle he said aloud to hin
T self with an easy disregard of the col
o sequences:
"Well, it seems that l am to be asst
It ciated with the devil as well as wit
angels. Heavens! June is a glorioU
n month"
Il Now you proE4ised you'd be nice [
>. him, General Marlanx," cried Beverl
the instant Baldos was out of Ii
. room. He's new at this sort of thin
you know, and, besides. YOU didn't a,