The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-01-16
elaSticl. . said she sWeetly.

Glestick," said she sweetly.
She was disturbed by his threat to
reprimand Baldos For some time her
mind had been struggling with what
the count had said about "the lesson"
It grew upon her that her friend had
been bullied and Inundated, perhaps
in the presence Of spectators. Resent
ment fred her curiosity into action.
While the general was explaining one
Of the new gun carriages to the count
ess Beverly walked deliberately over to
where Baldos was standing. Haddan's
knowledge Of English was exceedingly
limited, and he could understand but
Estle Of the rapid conversation. Stand
iSg squarely in front Of Baldos, she
questioned him in low tones.
ssWhat did he mean when he said he
had given you lesson" she demand
ed. His eyes cleaned merrily.
''He meant to alarm your highness."
Didn't he give you talking too"
'sHe coached me in ethics"
"You are evading the question, sir.
Was he mean and nasty to you? Tell
me; want to know
"Well, he said things that soldier
must. endure. A civilian or an equal
might have run him through Tor it, your
h1ghness." A flush rose to his cheeks,
and his lips quivered ever so slightly.
But Beverly saw and understood. Her
heart was in her eyes.
''That settles it." she said rigidly
"You are not to report to him at 6
tomorrow"
"But he will have me shot, your
highness," said he gladly.
Gle will do nothing of the kind. You
aye my guard" And her eyes were
cleaning dangerously. Then she re.
joined the group, the members OF
which had been watching her curious
". Count Marlan1," she said, with
entrancing dimples, will you report
to me at 9 tomorrow morning?'
81 have an appointment" he said
slowly, but with understanding.
"But you will break it, I am sure, y
she asserted confidently. 81 want to
give you a lesson in-in lawn, tennis
Later on, when the victoria was well
away from the fort Dagmar took her
companion to task for holding in pub
lie friendly discourse with a member
Of the guard, whoever he might be.
1T is altogether contrary to custom
aad"- But Beverly put her hand over
the critical lips and smiled like 9
gsilty child.
..Now, don't scold," she pleaded, and
the countess could go no further.
The following morning Count Mar.
lanx reported at 9 o'clock with much
better grace than he had suspected
himself capable Of exercising. What
she taught him of tennis on the royal
courts In the presence Of an amused
audience was as nothing to what he
learned Of strategy as it can be prac-
ticed by whimsical girl. Almost be-
fore he knew it she had won exemp-
tsn for Baldos, that being the stake
feS the first set of singles. To MS
credit. the count was game. Ee took
TIE wager. knowing that BE II his
ignorance could not win from the
b]:the young expert in petticoats. Then
b., offered to wager the brass candle
stick against her bracelet. She consid-
cred for a moment and then in a spirit
Of enthusiasm accepted the proposition.
After all, she coveted the candlestick.
Half an hour later an orderly was rid
ing to the fort with instructions to re-
turn at once with Miss Calhoun's can
dlestck. It is on record that they
were love sets, which goes to prove
that Beverly took no chances.
Court Marlanx, pufing and perspir-
ing, his joints dismayed and his brain
confused, rode away at noon with
Baron Dangloss. Beverly, quite happy
in her complete victory, enjoyed nap
of profound sweetness and then was
ready for her walk with the princess.
They were strolling leisurely about the
beautiful grounds, safe in the shade OF
the trees from the heat of the July sun.
when Baron Dangloss approached
"Your royal highness," be began,
with his fierce smile, may 1 beg mo-
ment's audience?'
.eIt has to do with Baldos, Ell take
OATH" said Beverly with conviction.
eyes, with your guard. Yesterday he
visited the fortress. He went In an off,
cial capacity, it IS true, but be was
privileged to study the secrets Of our
defense with alarming freedom It
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