The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1910-05-02

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. 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 well
| beloved, but that he held the destinies
of the land in Midas-Iike 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 hymeneaI altar The hus-
band who claimed her was 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 wnisked 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 q
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 al
men were expected to look upon Will
envy in their hearts,
Then the Duke of Perse resumed hi
residence in Edelweiss, opening tn,
old palace once more to the world. Hi
daughter after the death of the prin
cess began her extended visits to tn,
home of her girlhood. So long as tn
princess was alive she remained ava,
from Edelweiss. reluctant to meet tn
friend who had banished her HUSBAND
, long before the wedding day in Buda
pest. Now she came frequently an
stayed for weeks at a time. apparent
happy during these escapes from lif
:, in the great capitals.
2 OF late she came more frequently
l EdeIweiss than before. John Tuli
u was always to remember the momer
e when he looked upon this eXquisit
creature for the fast time. That wa
O months ago. After that he never cease
being secret, silent worshiper at he
transient shrine.
Ten O'Clock on this rainy night
, carriage has drawn up before the low
d er gates to the Perse grounds. and
n tall, shadowy figure leaves it to hurl
h through the shrub lined walks to I'll
f. massive doors.
O. Tullis had long since ceased to be
3 welcome visitor in the home of IL
Duke Of Perse. The men were open
unfriendly to each other. The dull
r. resented the cool interference Of tt
}, sandy haired American: on the 9th
l. hand. Tullis made no effort to conce
his dislike. if not distrust, of the old
+. man.
The countess was alone in the Ion
- warm tinted library
le "It is good of you to come" she sa
Y know it is almost a year since you la
came to this house?"
u sit would be century. countess.
- | were not welcomed in other hous
~ where l am sure of a glimpse of v
d. from time to time and a word now a
then
adj They both seated themselves befc
Fl a glowing open fire
"The duke has gone to Ganook
play bridge with friends" she said
IN once. "He will not return till late.
4. have just telephoned-to make sur,
y. Fer smile did more than to reassr
him.
ne OF course you Will understand h.
re impossible it is FOR me to come no
Nv countess. Your father, the duke dc
,is not mince matters. and I'm NOT ou
fool"