El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-07-09

a LIGHT, chilling drizZle had been
"a falling all evening, pattering
"a softly upon the roof of leaves
that covered the sidewalks
along Castle avenue
Almost in the center of the imposing
line of paIatial residences stood the
home of the Duke of Perse, minister
of finance, hanked 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 we'll
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
glOriOns 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 a 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 a sudden
she appeared before them all. as daZ-
zlingly beautiful as ever. but with
haunting. wistful look in her dark eyes
that could not be mistaken. The old
count found an uneasy delight in ex-
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
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 /
than before John Tuliis |
was always to remember the moment |
when ne looked upon this exquisite |
creature for the first time. That was |
months ago. After that he never ceased i,
being a secret, silent worshiper at her |
transient shrine
Ten o'clock on this rainy night |
has drawn up before the low
er gates to the Perse grounds. and a
tall, shadowy figure leaves it to hurry
through the shrub lined walks to the
massive DOORS
Tullis had long since ceased to be q
welcome visitor in the home of the
Duke of Perse. The men were openly
TO each othe!. The duke
resented the cool interference of the
sandy haired American: on the other
hand, TulIis made no effort to conceal
his dislike, If not diStrust. Of the older !
nan.
The countess was alone in the long.
warm tinted library
''It is good of you to come" she said
Is they shook hands warmly. do you
know it is almost year since you last
,ame to this hOuse?''
at would be century. countess, if /
were not welcomed in other houses
where l am sure of a glimpse of you
rom time TO time and a word now and
hen"
They both seated themselves before
| glowing open fire.
''The duke has gone to Ganlook to
,lay bridge with friends" she said at
'nce. HE will not return till late l
lave just. telephoned-to make sure"
Her smile did more than to reassurs
Tim.