The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-01-09
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
- BEVERLY gasped. The countess
HAs stared blankly at the new
Mn guard. Yetive flushed deeply
bit her lip in hopeless chagr1n
4aad dropped her eyes. A pretty turn,
Erzaeed, the play had taken! Not word
sas uttered for full half minute; nor
aid the guilty witnesses venture fortn
arOra their retreat. Baldos stood tall
=ana smpassive, holding the curtain
aside. At last the shadow of smile
raus INTO the face Of the princess, but
Eaer tones were full Of deep humility
sszhen she spoke.
I'VE crave permission to retire, your
za5ghness,' she said, and there was Ylr-
snous appeal in her eyes. Il pray for
.iveness for this indiscretion and I'M
nlere you to be lenient with two mis-
serabie creatures who love you so well
saat they forget their dignity
II an amazed and shocked" J" was all
Shat Beverly could say. stYou may so,
but return to me within an hour. l
uzl then hear what you have to say.
Slowly, even hunbly.s 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, aEd they went
s1ut, to all appearance thoroughly crest
.Gaalen. The steady features Of the
nard Gid not relax for the fraction OF
"a .secsad, but his heart was humping
azlsgracefully.
<sCome here, Baldos,'' commanded
Beverly, a bit pale, but recovering her
wits with admirable promptness. 'sThis
8s q matter which 1 shall dispose IF
Drivately. It is to go no further, you
are TO understand. I"
yes, your highness."
You may go now. Colonel Quinnox
wM explain everything" she said hur-
Eedly. She was eager to be rid Of him.
As ne turned away she observed a
SSani but peculiar smile at the corner
ct his mouth.
Come here, sir!p she exclaimed hot
He paused, his face as somber as
aa owls. seWhat do you mean by
zaughing like that?' she demanded He
cGught the fierce note in her voice, but
lave it the proper Interpretation.
Laughing, your highness" he said
IN deep surprise 'You must be mis-
taken. am sure that ] could not have
laughed in the presence Of a princess"
<-It must have been IA shadow,
a5nen, she retracted, somewhat star
ted by his rejoinder. 1svery wei, then.
EoM are dismissed"
As he was about to open the door
sssarough which he had entered the room
It swung wide ana Count Marlanx
ERODE ia. Baldos paused irresolutely
sad then proceeded on his way with
aazpaying the slightest attention to the
7eHumander Of the army. Marlanx
cane to an amazed stop, and his face
a1Hhed with resentment.
Hait, sir!!' he exclaimed harshly.
Dent you kaow enough to salute me,
sr
Raldps turned instantly, his figure
like a fash. His eyes
zzseE those OF the Iron Count and did not
warer, although his face went white
with passion.
.And who are you, sir% he asked in
srold, steely tones. The count almost
Eeeled-
Your superior officer! That should be
enough Tor your' he half hissed, with
.aeadly levelness.
se.oh. then / see no reason why /
should not salute you, sir;;' said Baldos,
with one Of his rare smiles. He salut-
ea his superior officer a shade too elab-
ara1sB and turned away. Marlan1's
eyes glistened.
stop. Fave L said you could go,
are Ihave bit Of advice to-
safy command to go comes from
gcr superior, SIR" said Baldos, with
Esstating blandness.
sBe patient. general" cried Beverly,
IN deep distress @He does not know
ny better will stand sponsor fo1
himo And Baldos went away with a
ghs step, his blood singing. his devil
zzs8y-care heart satisfied. The look in
Aer eyes was very sustaining AS he
aaSs the castle he said aloud to him
-seE Will an easy disregard Of the con-
sequences
: We'll. = seems that am to be asso-
vSzsaed with the devil as we'll as with
weis- Heavens. June is glorious
zaonfhD
-Now. you prot@1sed you'd be nice to
Ams, General Marlanx," cried Beverly
xae znstt;&nt Baldos was out Of the
-oom- Hes new at this sort Of thing,
Eoa ney-. and, besides, you didn't ad-
1ess hlri very politely for an utter
stranger.
The lasa;2nt dog" snaried Mar.aax.
zas self to-1rol returning slowly. He
shall be taaght we'll and thoroughly,
zaeTer fear. aiiss Calhoun. There is
way ID *. ss1c.2 recr;;.;ts as lie, and