The Glasgow courier., 1916-09-29

~ huOW tnat you V8lue our securities
80 highly as a legacy" said Count
Lazzar suavely. MAY venture the
hope. however. that your life may be
prolonged beyond the term of their
existence? They expire in a very
few years-a dozen. in fact"
"Oh. I think l can hang on that
long," said Mr.. Blithers. a little more
at ease. He was saying to himself
that these fellows were not so bad
after all. "Still one never knows. l
may be dead in a year. My daughter
but. of course. you will pardon me
il l don't 60 into my private affairs.
l fear l have already said too much"
ION the contrary, sir. we are all
only too willing to be edited. The
workings Of an intelligence such as
yours cannot fail to be of interest to
US who are so lacking in the power
to cope with great undertakings"
II am only too willing. my lords, to
give you the benefit of my expert
ence."
The prime minister tapped reflec-
lively upon the table top with his
fingers for moment or two.
"Thank you," he said. 1--WE are at
this very moment in something of a
quandary in respect to the renewal
of treaty with one of our neigh
bors. For the past twenty years we
have been in alliance with our next
door neighbors, Axphain on the north
and Dawsbergen on the south and
east. The triple alliance will end
this year unless renewed. Up to the
present our relations have been most
amiable. AXphain stands ready to
extend our mutual protective agree
ment for another term of years. but
Dawsbergen is lukewarm and in
clined to withdraw"
whats the grievance?" inquired
Mr.. Blithers bluntly. He was edging
into familiar waters now. "What's
the matter with Dawsbergen? Mon
ey controversy"
"Not at ALL" said Lazzar hastily.
"Why not let 'em withdraw" said
Mr.. Blithers. eve can get along
without them"
There was a general uplifting OF
heads at the use of the pronOun and
more fixed concentration of gaze.
The baron leaned forward, still
tapping the table top with his long,
slim fingers.
"The report that Prince Robin is
to marry your daughter. Mr.. Blith-
ers. has reached the Prince of DAVIS
bergen's ears. 1t is only natural that
| he should feel resentful. For fifteen
years there has been an understand
ing that the Crown Princess of DAVIS
bergen and the Prince of Graustark
were one day to be welded to each
other"
Mr.. Blithers settled back In his
chair ut seems to me that he is
making mountain out of MOLE
| hill"
Baron Romano shrank perceptibly.
ut devolves upon me. sir, as spokes-
man for the ministry, the court and
the people OF Graustark. to inform
you that marriage between our
prince and any other than the Crown
Princess of Dawsbergen is not to be
considered as possible"
"My lords" said Mr.. Blithers. ris-
ing, his face suddenly pale. III beg
leave to assure you that my daugh-
! ter's happiness is of far more impor-
tance to me than all the one horse
principalities in the world. | do not
resent your attitude. nor do | resent
your haste in conveying to me your
views on the subject. 1t may be di-
plomacy to go straight to a question
and get it over with. but it isn't al
ways diplomacy to go off half cooked.
l will say with perfect candor that |
should like to see my daughter the
Princess Of Graustark. but. by CAD,
want you to understand that her
own wishes in the matter are to gov
ern mine in the end. want to say
to you now. all Of you. that il my
girl should love your prince and he
should love her In return. there isn't
power below heaven that can keep
them apart. II she doesn't love him.
and he should be unlucky enough to
love her, I'd see him hanged before
he could have her. l intend to leave
this matter entirely to my daughter
and Prince Robin. They are to dc
the deciding, so far as l am con
cerned. And II they decide that the!
love each other and want to get mar.
ried, they will get married. Do
nake myself perfectly plain. my
lords?"
The dignified ministry Of Graustari
sat agape.
Baron Romano arose. "You place
us in the extremely distressing posi-
ton of being obliged to oppose the
hand of benefactor, Mr.. Blithers
You have come to our assistance in {
time of need. You have
"If it is the loan you are talkins
about, baron, that is quite beside th'
question:" interrupted Mr. Dlithers
Il do not Speculate. | have made ;
satisfactory loan, and | am not com
planning"
"As you please, sir" said Roman
coldly. Il may at least question you