The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1910-01-26
CHAPTER VI.
THE BEAUTIFUL.

IdllluR I'LL eNeuluS, patching
IA softly upon the roof of leaves
that covered the sidewalks
along Castle avenue.
Almost in the center of the imposing
line Of palatial residences stood the
home of the Duke of Perse, minister
of finance, flanked on either side by
structures as grim and as gay as it.
self, yet far less significant in their
generation. Here dwelt the most i'm
portant man in the principality, not
excepting the devoted prime minister
himself Not that Perse was so well
beloved, but that he held the destinies
Of the land in Midas-like fingers. More
than that, he was the father of the far
famed Countess Marlanx, the most
glorious beauty at the Austrian and
Russian courts. She had gone forth
from Graustark as it's most notable
bride since the wedding day Of the
Princess Yetive, late in the nineties.
Ingomede, the beautiful, had journeyed
far to the hymeneal altar. The hus-
band who claimed her was a hated,
dishonored man in his own land. There
were those who went so far as to say
that her father had delivered her into
the hands of latter day Bluebeard,
who whisked her off into the high
lands, many leagues from Vienna.
She was seen no more in the gay
courts for year. Then Of sudden
she appeared before them all, as daz-
zlingly beautiful as ever, but with a
haunting, wistful look in her dark eyes
that could not be mistaken. The old
count found an uneasy delight in ex-
hibiting her to the world once more,
plainly as bit Of property that all
men were expected to look upon with
envy in their hearts.
Then the Duke Of Perse resumed his
residence in Edelweiss, opening the
old palace once more to the world. His
daughter after the death Of the prin-
cess began her extended visits to the
home of her girlhood. So long as the
princess was alive she remained away
from Edelweiss, reluctant to meet the
friend who had banished her husband
long before the wedding day in Buda
pest. Now she came frequently ard
stayed for weeks at a time, apparently
happy during these escapes from life
in the great capitals.
Cs late she came more frequently t
Edelweiss than before. John Tulli
was always to remember the momen
when he looked upon this exquisit,
creature for the first time That wal
months ago. After that he never cease
| ell ha
transient shrine.
Ten O'Clock on this rainy night ,
carriage has drawn up before the low
er gates to the Perse grounds, and ,
tall, shadowy figure leaves it to hurr.
through the shrub lined walks to tn
massive doors.
Tullis had long since ceased to be ,
welcome visitor In the home of tn
Duke of Perse. The men were openl.
unfriendly to each other. The duk
resented the cool interference Of tn
sandy haired American; on the othe
hand, Tullis made no effort to concea
his dislike. If not distrust. of the olde
man.
The countess was alone in the long
warm tinted library.
"It is good Of you to come" she sal
as they shook hands warmly. "Do yo
know it is almost year since you las
came to this house?'
"It would be century, countess,
I were not welcomed in other house
; where am sure OF glimpse of 20
from time to time and word now an
then"
They both seated themselves befor
: a glowing open fire. ....s.ssxsx
, THE duke has gone to
play bridge with friends, Z
: once. HE will not return
have just telephoned-to D.
a Her smile did more than u
> him.