Free press., 1907-10-05

reigning grand duke had tried to find
a husband for his rebellious niece. the
that she wed the Prince OF Doppelkinn,
an ugly old widower. ruler of the neigh
boring principality. Though he had been
in the country for six months the Amer
Jean consul had never seen the princess.
While horseback riding in the country
mediation in a dilapidated old castle.
While seeking admission he is startled
by beautiful voice breaking into song.
CHAPTER II.-Continued.
Had I stumbled upon one of my
dreams at last? Had Romance sud-
denly relented, as a coquette some
times relents? For a space I knew
] have never been accused of lacking
courage Il tried once more, by the
aid of match, to locate bell. There
was absolutely nothing; and the beat
ing OF my riding crop on the panels of
that huge door would have been as
noisy as a feather. l grasped the
knob and turned it impatiently. Be
hold! the door opened without sound,
and I stepped into the hallway, which
was velvet black.
SilenceI
The song died. All over that great
rambling structure not even the reas-
suring chirp Of cricket! 1 stood per-
fectly still. What the deuce should 1
do? Turn back? AS formed this
question in my mind a draft of wind
slammed the door shut. 1 was in for
it, sure enough; was positive that 1
could never find tEat door again.
Heaven knows how long I waited.
Soon 1 heard a laugh, light, infec-
tious, fearless! Then heard a voice,
soft and pleading:
Don't go; in mercy's name, don't
go, Gretchen! You may be killed."
English! I had actually heard
voice speak my native tongue.
Nonsense, Betty! I am not afraid
Of any ghost that ever walked, rode
or foated."
Ghost? 1t may be burglar!"
''Or Steinbock! We shall find moth
ing."
Indeed!
Nothing but rat, bugling about in
the armor." The laughter came again.
You are Hst afraid, Betty?"
"Only cautious. But how can you
laugh? A rat?" cried a voice rather
anxiously. why. they are as big as
dogs!"
But arrant cowards."
So! one of these voices spoke Eng
lish as it's birthright; the other spoke
with an accent, that is to say, by adop-
ton. Into what had fallen? Whittier
had my hunger brought me? 1 was
soon to learn.
There came a faint thread of light
on one side of the hall, such as may be
likened to that which filters under a
door-sill. Presently this was followed
by the sound of jangling brass rings.
A heavy velvet portiere-which 1. be-
ing in darkness, had not discovered
slipped back. My glance. rather blind
ed. was first directed toward the flame
of the candle. Then lowered it
and surrendered for ever and for ever!
] beheld two faces in profile, as it
were, one side in darkness, the other
tinted and glowing like ancient ivory.
honestly confess to you that in all
my wanderings-and they have been
frequent and many-I never saw such
an enchanting picture or two more ex-
Quisite faces. One peered forth with
hesitant bravery; the other-she who
held the candle-with cold, tranquil
inquiry.
All my fears, such as they were, left
me instantly. Besides, was not with
out certain amount of gallantry and
humor. 1 stepped sQuarely into the
light and bowed.
Ladies, am indeed not a ghost,
but promise you that shall be if
am not offered something to eat at
once!"
Tableau!
What are you doing here?" asked
She with the candle. her midnight
eyes drawing down her brows into a
frown OF displeasure.
bowed. ITO begin with, find a
gate unlocked, and being curious.
open it; then find a door unlatched.
and enter. Under these unusual cir
cumstances ! an forced to ask the
same question OF you: what are you
doing here in this ruined castle? If
It isn't ruined, 1t is deserted, which
amounts to the same thing" This was
impertinent, especially on the part of
a self-invited guest.
THAT is my affair, sir. / have a
right here, now and at all times.
Her voice was cold and authoritative.
There is an inn six miles farther
down the road; this is private resi-
dence. Certainly you can not remain
here over night"
s--Sixmlles2" echoed dismally.
MADAM. If ! have seemed impertinent,