Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1910-08-10

turned from the city with the lamen-
table information that the government |
had righted itself. that Marlanx's SEN
sat1onal revolution was at an end and
that the regents would be highly hon.
ored IT his excellency could overlook
the distressingly chaotic conditions at
court and condescend to pay the cas-
tie visit.
The grand duke resolved that he
would visit the castle in a very in
formal way. extend his congratulations
and offer his services. which he knew
would be declined with thanks. Incl
dentally he would mention the bond
issue; also he would find the oppor-
tunity to suggest to the ministry that
his government still was willing to
make large grants and stupendous
promises If any sort Of arrangement
could be made by which the system
might be operated in conjunction with
branch lines of the imperial roads.
And so it was that at midday he
rode in pomp and splendor through
the city gates, attended by his staff
and rather overpowering bodyguard.
The grand duke, with all the AFRO
gance Of real parsonage. was late. It
was not for him to consider the con-
ditions that distressed the court Of
Graustark-not at all. He was a
grand duke and he would take his own
time in paying his respects. When he
finally presented himself at the castle
doors a sleepy group Of attendants
actually yawned in his presence.
No one had slept during the night
just passed. Excitement and the suf-
fering Of others had denied slumber to
one and all. even to those who had not
slept for many days and nights. Now
the reaction was upon them. Relaxa
ton had succeeded tenseness.
When the grand duke entered the
great, somber throne room he was
confronted by punctiliously polite
assemblage, but every eyelid was as
heavy as lead and as prone to sink.
The prince sat far back in the great
chair of his ancestors, his sturdy legs
sticking straight out in front Of him.
The grand duke advanced between the
respectful lines and knelt at the foot
Of the throne.
"Arise, your highness," piped Bobby.
with a quick glance at Count Halfont.
It was a faint, faraway voice that ut
tered the gracious command. "Grau
stark welcomes the Grand Duke Pau
lus. It is my pleasure to-to''- A help
less look came into his eyes. He looked
everywhere for support. The grand
duke saw that he had forgotten the
rehearsed speech and smiled benignly
as he stepped forward and kissed the
hand that had been extended some
what uncertainty.
my most respectful homage to your
majesty. The Fluctuations Of my en-
peror and the warmest protestations
of friendship from his people,"
With this as a prologue he engaged
himself in the ever pleasurable task
of delivering a long congratulatory
address. After five minutes of high
sounding platitudes he again turned
to the prince. 1t was then that he
received his first shock.
Prince Robin was sound asleep. His
head was slipping sidewise along the
satiny back of the big chair, and his
chin was very low in the laces at his
neck. The grand duke coughed en-
phatically, cleared his throat and grew
very red in the face.
The court of Graustark was distinct
ly dismayed.
His majesty appears to have-ahem
gone to Sleep" remarked the grand
! duke tartly. interrupting himself to
address the prime minister.
"He is very tired, your excellency."
said Count Halfont, very much dis.
tressed. pray consider what he has
been through during the"-
"Ah, my dear count, do not apologize
for him. quite understand. Ahem
Ahem" Still, he was very red in
! the face.
II will awaken him, your excellen
cy," said the prime minister, edging
toward the throne.
''Not at all, STRIP protested the Wis
itor. Permit him to have his sleeI
out, sir. l will not have him dis
| ia OCO. w AO dLu LudL i
defeat the claims Of nature? 1t is my
pleasure to wait until his majesty's
nap is over. Then he may dismiss us
but not until we have cried Ions
live the princer"
For awhile they stood In awkward
silence, this notable gathering of mer
and women. Then the prime minister
In hushed tones suggested that i
would be eminently proper under the
circumstances for all present to bt
seated. He was under the impression
that his serene highness would sleeT
long and soundly.
Stiff backed and uncomfortable, thu
court sat and waited. No one pre-
tended to conceal the blissful yawn.
that would not be denied. A drowsy
1neffably languid feeling took posses
sion Of the entire assemblage.
The prime minister sat at the foo