Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1907-01-25
CHAPTER XVIII.

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mlslnformed. He is honest in his be-
lief, and you should not misjudge his
motives. How he could have been SO
blind as to confound you with that
frisky American girl-but | beg your
pardon. She is TO be your guest.
thousand pardons, your highness.'
She had been struck dumb by the
wording Of the note, but his apparently
sincere apology for his friend set her
every emotion into play once more.
While he was speaking her wits were
forming themselves for conflict. She
opened the campaign with bold at
tack. "YOu-you believe me to be the
princess, sure enough, don't you"
But with all her bravery she was not
able to look him In the face.
How can you doubt it, your high
ness? Would | be serving you in the
present capacity If believed you to be
any one elseY
"Ravones warning has not shaken
your faith in me"
"It has strengthened ii. Nothing
could alter the facts in the case.
have not, since we left Ganlook, been
in doubt as to the Identity of my bene-
/ factress."
"It seems to me that you are beat
ing around the bush. I'll come straight
to the point How long have you
known that | am not the Princess Of
| Graustark?"
What he exclaimed, drawing back
In well assumed horror. "Do you mean
are you jesting? beg of you, do
not Jest 1t is very serious with me-"
His alarm was so genuine that she was
completely deceived.
~ am not jesting," she half whis-
pered. turning very cold. "Have you
thought all along that am the prin-
cess; that am Grenfall Lorry's wife?"
you told me that you were the prin-
cess"
But I've never said that was-was
any ones wife"
There was a plt"ous appeal in her
voice, and he was not slow to notice 1t
and rejoice. Then his heart smote him.
But what Is TO become Of me II you
nre not the princessf" he asked after
long pause 81 can no longer serve
you. This is my last day in the castle
guard"
| "You are TO 90 on serving ms-I mean
you are to retain your place In the serv-
ice." she hastened to say. 81 shall
keep my promise to you" How small
and humble she was beginning to feel!
II did not seem so entertaining after
all. this pretty deception of hers Down
In his heart underneath the gallant ex-
terror, what was his opinion of her?
Something was stinging her eyes fierce
ly, and she closed them to keep back
the tears Of modification.
Miss calhoun" he said. his manner
changing swiftly. 81 have felt from the
first that you are not the Princess Of
Graustark. | knew 1t an hour after l
entered Edelweiss. Franz gave me a
note at Ganlook but did not read IL
until was member of the guard"
You have known 1t so long?" she
cried joyously. And you have trusted
me; You have not hated me for de-
ceiving you:"
Il have never ceased to regard you
as my sovereign" he said softly.
/ But just moment ago you spoke of
me as n friSky American girl" she said
resentfully.
Il have used that term but once,
while | have said your highness'
thousand times knowing that you
were Miss calhoun, could not have
meant either"
Il fancy | have no right to crlticise
YOU she humby admitted. After all.
1t does not surprise me that you were
NOT deceived. only an imbecile could
have been fooled all these weeks. Ev-
cry one said that you were no fool II
seems ridiculous that It should have
gone to this length doesn't itYr
Not ut ALL your hlghness. | am
not
You have the habit, I see" she
smiled
Il have several months yet to serve
as member Of the guard. Besides. | /
am under orders TO regard you as the /
princess. General Marlaux has given /
me severe instructions In that respect" ,
You are willing to play the game to |
The endt' she demanded. more graft .
ncd than She should have been.
'ASSuredly, yes 1t is the only safe
guard have. To alter my belief pub /
.l'.y would expose me toto
Io what. BaNost"
To ridiculc for one thing. and TO the
generous mercies of Count Marlanx
Besides IL woull deprive me Of the
privilege | mentioned a moment ago /
'h' right TO kiss your hand, to be your
Save and 90 DO homage to the only
sovereign | can recognize. Surely. Won
WI. NOT subject me TO exile from the
'.t joys chat life hold, for me. You
nave sought TO deceive me. ana hava
Ir.DI t' deceive you. Each has farp5
'-e Other o0t s' we g-c quits. Nav we
"'. Ao" combine forces in the worry
..A'o'.e effort o deceive the yvr-IIe
IL l-e world docsa, know that wa
know why. the comedy may be- long
uf""n out and the climax be made the