Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1907-05-21

"She almost died, that's ~. sald sn
unblushingIy. 81 was afsaii to cabl
the news to father. He might stop m
If he knew it in time. A letter wa
much smarter"
"You dear, dear little sacrifice" b
cried tenderly. 81 will give all my llf
to make you happy"
II am a soldiers daughter. and cal
be a soldiers WIFE, have tried har'
to give you up. Paul. but | couldn't
You are loves soldier, and 1t is at
relief to surrender and have It ovel
with"
They fell to discussing plans for the
future. 1t all went smoothly and airily
until he asked her when he should go tC
Washington to claim her as his wire
She gave him a startled. puzzled look.
"To Washin'ton?" she murmured,
turning very cold and weak. you
you won't have to go to Washin'ton,
dear. I'll stay here"
my dear Beverly. can afford the
trip" he laughed. 81 am not an abso-
lutte pauper. Besides, it is right and
Just that your father should give you
to me. 1t is the custom Of our land"
She was nervous and uncertain.
"But-but, Paul, there are many
things to think Of" she faltered.
"You mean that your father would
not consent"
"Well-he-he might be unreasona-
ble," she stammered. "And then there
are my brothers, Keith and Dan. They
are foolishly interested in me. Dan
thinks no one is good enough for me.
So does Keith. And father, too, for
that matter-and mother. You see, it's
not Just as If you were grand and
wealthy nobleman. They may not I'M
derstand. We are southerners, you
know. Some of them have peculiar
ideas about
Don't distress yourself so much,
dearest" he said, with laugh.
Though 1 see your position clearly
and it Is not an enviable one"
1--WE can go to Washin'ton just as
soon as we are married" she compro-
missed. Father has a great deal Of in
auence over there. With his help be-
hind you you will soon be power in
the United But his hearty laugh
her eager plotting. Its moth
ing to laugh at, Paul." she said.
Il beg your pardon thousand times.
was thinking Of the disappointment
must give you now. cannot live In
the United States-never. My home is
here. / am not born for the strife Of
your land. They have soldiers enough
and better than /. 1t is in the turbu-
lent east that we shall llve-you and
l." Tears came into her eyes.
"Am not toto go back to Wash
ln'ton?'' She tried to smile.
when Prince Dantan says we may,
perhaps"
"Oh, he is my friend" she cried in
great relief. Il can get any favor /
ask Of him. Oh, Paul, Paul, know
that my folks will think I'm an awful
fool, but l can't help it. shall let you
AAAOW hoI lHlSuu 10 De DllSSIuI one,
at least"
He kissed her time and again out
there in the dark, soft light of the fairy
grOtto.
Before we can be married, dearest,
have journey of some Importance
to take" he announced as they arose
to leave the bower behind.
"a journey? Where?"
ITO Vienna. l have an account to
settle with man who has just taken
up his residence there" His hand
went to his sword hilt, and his dark
eyes cleaned with the fire she loved
Count Marlanx and | have postponed
business to attend to- dearest. Have
no fear for me. My sword is honest,
md | shall bring it back to you my
self"
She shGddered and knew that It
would be as he said