Enterprise news-record. [volume] (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1910-1911, 1911-03-18

y
that covered the sidewalks
along Castle avenue
Almost in the center of the imposinp
line OF palathl 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 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-like fingers. More
than that, he was the father of the far
famed Countess Maranx, the most
glorious beauty at the Austrian and
Russian courts. She had gone forth
from Graustark as its most notable
bride since sthe wedding day of the
Princess Yetive, late in the nineties.
lngomede, the beautiful, had journeyed
far to the hymeneal altar. The hus-
band who claimed her was a hated,
dishonored man in his owl land. There
We're those who went so far as to say
that her father had delivered her into
the hands of latter day Bluebeard.
who whisked her off into the high
lands. many leagues from Vienna.
She was seen no more in the CAV
courts for year. Then of a sudden
she appeared before them all. as daz-
zlingly 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 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.
Or 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.
er gates to the Perse grounds. and
tall, shadowy figure leaves it to hurry
through the shrub lined walks to the
massive doors.
Tullis had long since ceased to be
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. if not distrust. of the older
man. rt
The countess was alone in the long.
warm tinted library.
sit is good of you to come" she said
as they shook hands warmly. do you
know 1t is almost year since you last
came to this house?"
ut would be century. countess, If
were not welcomed in other houses
where I am sure of a glimpse of you
from time to time and a 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 al
once. "He win not return till late. |
have just telephoned-to make sure"
Her smile did more than to reassure
him.
"Of course you will understand how
Impossible 1t is for me to come here,
countess. Your father. the duke. does
not mince matters and I'm not quite
a fool"
1T is of the prince that want TO
speak, Mr.. Tullis." she said. 81 do
want to talk very seriously with you
concerning his future-I might say bis
immediate future"
He looked at her narrowly.
Are you quite serious?'
quite. 4 could not have asked you
to come to this house for anything
trivial. We have become very good
friends. you and |. Too good. per
haps. for I've no doubt there are old
tabbies In Edelweiss who are provoked
to criticism. You know what mean"
The prince is sturdy little beg
gar be began. but she lifted her hand
in protest.
And he has sturdy, loyal friends.
That Is agreed. And yer She paus.
co, a perplexed line coming between