The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1910-10-13
CHAPTER VI.
NoonDE THE BEAUTrFUL.


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. fanked on either side by
structures as grim and as gay as It,
self yet far less significant In their
generation. Here dwelt the most inn
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 its 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 Bluebesrd.
who whisked her of into the high
lands. many leagues from Vienna.
She was seen no more In the gay
courts for a year. Then of a sudden
she appeared before them all. as daz-
xlingly 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 a bit OF property that all
men were expected 70 lock gpon 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 and
stayed for weeks at a time. apparently
happy during these escapes from life
in the great capitals.
OF late she came more frequently to
Edelweiss than before. John Tullis
was always 10 remember the moment
when he looked upon this exquisite
creature for the first time. That was
months ago. After that he never ceased
k,t,.. . ...o-ot .flant xrorShir,or NJ har
transient shrine.
Ten o'clock On this rainy night a
carriage has drawn up before the low
er gates to the Perse grounds. aud a
tall, shadowy figure leaves it to hurry
through the shrub lined walks to the
massive doors.
Tullls had long since ceased TO be a
welcome visitor In the home OF the
Duke Of Perse The men were openly
unfriendly to each other. The duke
resented the cool interference Of the
sandy haired American; on the other
hand. Tullis made no effort to conceal
his dislike, II not distrust. OF the older
man.
The countess was alone In the long.
warm tinted library.
at is good OF you to come" she said
rs they shook hands warmly. do you
know it is almost year since you last
came to this houseT
at would be a century. countess. II
were not welcomed In other houses
where | am sure OF glimpse Of you
from time to time and word now and
then"
They both seated themselves before
a glowing open fire.
'The duke has gone to Ganlook "a
play bridge with friends" she said al
once. "He viii not return TIL late.
have just telephoned-to make sure
Her smile did more than ts reassure
aim.
"Of course you win understand how
impossible 1t Is for me TO come here
countess Your father. the duke. doe
: not mince matters. and I'm not quit
a fool"
ut is of the prince that want 4
speak, Mr.. Tullls," she said. Il d.
want to talk very seriously with yoI
concerning his FUTURE might say hi
immediate future"