The evening world., 1915-01-30

reason that It was outside the path
OF light from the open doorway.
and the faint glow from the adjacent
porches did not penetrate the quiet
He sprans toward her with q glad
cry. expecting her to rise. She re-
mained seated. her hand extended.
have been the result OF cool premedi-
tation. In any event, II served to
check the impulsive ardor Of the
Prince, who, 1t 10 to be feared. had
lost something In the way OF self
restraint. 1t In certain-absolutey
certain-that had she come forward
10 meet him. she would have found
herself Imprisoned In pair OF strong.
eager arms-and q crisis precipitated.
He AAd to be content with a warm
hand-clasp and a smile Of welcome
from his devouring eyes.
my dear, dear Bodelia," he MUIR
INJURED. II had almost given you UP.
Three long days have I waited for
you. YOU
Il have never broken q promise,
Rex she said, coolly. 1T In you
who arc to be commended, not I. for
you SEQ ] was coming TO Graustark
anyway. l should not have been sur
prtsed u you had failed me. sir. II
Is long way from Vienna to this
out-of-the.w
The most distant spot In tho world
would not have been too far to cause
an instants hesitation on my part"
said he. dropping into tho chair oppo-
site her. II would 60 to the end of
tho world. Bedelia.'
But your personal affairs-your
business" she protested. Can you
neglect 1t SOL
MY business Is to ind happiness"
said he. II should be neglecting 1t
indeed II failed to pursue the only
means Of attaining It. You are hap
piness, Bedelia."
What would You sacrifice for hap
piness?" she asked softly.
IAN else IN the world" he replied
steadily. IF we're a king, my realm
should go II 1t stood between me and
You. Bedelia."
She drew back with a queer little
gasp, as II suddenly breathless.
she said, with difficulty steadying her
voice. This night may see tho end
OF our adventure. Rex Let US think
we'll before we say that II 10 over.
know. II you do not, that q great
deal depends upon what we are to say
to each other tonight. You will ask
ma to be your wife. Are you sure that
you appreciate all that II means to
you and to your future IL ! should
say yes to that dear question:"
He looked at her intently. What
do you know. Bedella?"
IT know that you are the Prince of
Graustark and that II is ordained
that you shall wed one whose station
u the equal OF your own. You must
think well. dear Rsx. before you ask
Bedelia Guile 10 be your wife"
You know who ] am he began
duly, and then burst into . mirth-
les laugh. And knowing who I
am. why do you not leap at the
chance TO become the Princess OF
,Graustarkl Why. not realize an
ambition that"
.Hushl You sec how we'll I con-
sidered when I advised you to think
before speaking. You are noe say
Ing things that are unworthy OF you.
You are forgetting that II 10 my
privilege 10 say no. J. too. am In
search OF happiness. too"
He stood up. leaning Tar over ma
table. a penetrating look In his eyes.
How long have you known. BE-
de,iaf"
"since the second day out on the
Jupiter" she replied serenely.
He slowly resumed his seat, over
wheimed by the sickening realiza-
tion that his bubble had burst. She
had known from the beginning. She
had played with him. She had de-
ded hini