The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-01-29

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 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 and stayed for weeks at 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 to remember the moment when he looked upon this exquisite creature for the first time. That was months ago. After that he never ceased being a secret, silent worshiper at her transient shrine.
 Ten o'clock on this rainy night carriage has drawn up before the low CT gates. to the Perse grounds. and tall, shadowy figure leaves it to hurry through the shrub lined walks to the massive doors.
 Tu1lis had long since ceased to be welcome visitor in the home of the | oF Tho " 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 1 his dislike if not distrust, of the older man.
 The countess was alone in the long, warm tinted library.
 "It is good of you to come," she said as they shook hands warmly. ''Do you know it is almost year since you last came to this house?"
 "It would be a century, countess, if I were not welcomed in other houses where I am sure of a 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 to play bridge with friends" she said at once. 'He will not return till late. I have just telephoned-to make sure" Her smile did more than to reassure him
 "Of course you will understand how impossible it is for me to come here, countess. Your father, the duke, does not mince matters, and Pm not quite a fool"
 ''It is of the prince that I want to speak, MT. Tullis," she said. "I do want to talk very seriously with you concerning his future-I might say his immediate future"
 i He looked at her narrowly.
 "Are you quite serious"
 "Quite. I could not have asked you l to come to this house for anything trivial. We have become very good friends, you and I. Too good, per haps, for I've no doubt there are old tabbies in Edelweiss who are provoked 1 to criticism. You know what mean"
 'The prince is sturdy little beg gar," he began, but she lifted her hand in protest.
 "And he has sturdy, loyal friends. i That is agreed. And yet''- She pauS- ed, a perplexed line coming between her expressive eyes.
 John Tullis opened his own eyes very wide. "You don't mean to say that he is-he is in peril of any sort p
 She leaned nearer to him, dropping the ash from her cigarette into the re- ceiver as she spoke slowly, intensely. ''I think he is in peril-in deadly peril"
 He stared hard. What do you mean?" he demanded, with an involun- tary glance over his shoulder. She in- terpreted that glance correctly.
 "The peril is not here. MT. Tullis. know what you are thinking. My fa- ther is a loyal subject. The peril I suggest never comes to Graustark."
 "Never comes to Graustark?'' he eal-