Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1916-11-21

Il, TUESDAY,, MOVE
! accommodation at the Regina Hotel
Jungfraubhck.
| He was somewhat puzzled by the
strange submissiveness Of his compan-
ions. Deep down in his mind lurked
the disQuieting suspicion that they
were conniving to get the better Of the
lovely temptress by some sly and Be-
cret bit Of strategy. What had be-
come Of their anxiety, their eagerness
to drag him Of to Graustark by the
first train?
| Enlightenment came Unexpectedly
and with a shock to his composure
Two people emerged from the door
and. passing by without 80 much as q
glance In his direction, made their
way to the mounting block. Robins
heart went down to his boots. Bede-
liza, graceful figure In smart riding
habit, was laughing blithely over a
soft spoken remark that her compan-
lon had made as they were crossing
the porch. AnA that companion was
no other than the tall, good looking
fellow who had met her at Cherbourg!
The prince, stunned and incredulous,
watched them mount their horses and
canter away, followed by groom who
seemed to have sprung up from no
where.
Good morning, Mr.. Schmidt" spoke
a voice, and, still bewildered, he whirl.
ed. hat in hand, to confront Mrs. Gas
ton. Did startle you?"
He bowed stiffly over the hand she
held out for him to clasp and muir
INJURED something about being proof
against any surprise.
isn't 1t a glorious morning? And
how wonderful she is in this gorgeous
sunlight" went on Mrs. CASTOR, In
what may be described as hurried,
nervous manner.
~ had the briefest glimpse Of her."
mumbled Robin. "When did she
GOMEZ"
Centuries and centuries ago, Mr..
Schmidt" said she, with smile. ~
was speaking Of the Jungfrau,"
"Oh!" he exclaimed, flushing. ~
thought you -er-yes, Of course!
Really quite wonderful"
"Your mind has gone horseback rid
Ing, I fear. At present 1t Is between
here and Lauterbrunnen, jogging be-
side that roaring little torrent that
'T don't mind confessing that you
are quite right" he said frankly.
"You are in love-"
'T am" he confessed.
She laid her hand upon his. Her
eyes were wide with eagerness.
"Would it drive away the blues II !
were to tell you that you have a
chance to win herr"
He felt his head spinning. diff
/ could believe that-that"- he be-
gan and choked up with the rush Of
emotion that swept through him.
"She Is a strange girl. She will
marry for love alone. Her father Is
determined that she shall marry q
royal prince. That much I may con-
fess to you. She has dehed her
father. Mr.. Schmidt. She will marry
for love, and I believe 1t is In your
power to awaken love In that ador-
able heart of hers. YOU
"For Gods sake, Mrs. Castor, tell
me-tell me, has she breathed q word
to you that
"Not q single word. But know
her well. I have known her since she
was q baby. and can read the soul
that looks out through those lovely
eyes,"
But you-you don't know anything
about me. may be the veriest adven.
turer. must be honest with you,
Mrs. Gaston," he said suddenly. II am
not
She held up her hand. "Mr. Totten
has informed me that you are q life
long friend Of Mrs. Truxton King. /
cabled to her from Paris. There is no
more to be said"
His face fell. did she tell you
everything!"
"She said no more than that 3.
Schmidt Is the finest boy in all the
world" Suddenly her face paled. "You
are never-never to breathe word OF
this to-to Bedelia," she whispered.
But her father? What will he say
to-
"Her father has said all that can be
said" she broke In quietly. He can
not force her to marry the man he has
selected. She will marry the man she
loves"
THANK you, thank you. Mrs. Cas-
tom" he cried, with shining eyes. God
bless you!"
Night came and with it the silvery
glow Of moonlight across the hoary
headed queen Of the Oberland. When
Robin came out from dinner he seated
himself on the porch, expectant, eager
and vastly lonesome.
She came at last-and alone. Stop
ping at the rail not more than an arms
length from where he sat. she gazed
pensively up at the solemn mistress OF
the valley, one slim hand at her bosom,
the other hanging limp at her side. he
was In thralldom. 'Bedelta!" he|
whispered softly.
She turned quickly. to find him
standing beside her. his face aglow
with rapture. A quick catch Of the
breath, q sudden movement OF the
hand that lay upon her breast and
then she smiled-a wavering. uncer-
tain smile that went straight to his
heart and shamed him for startling
her. IT beg your pardon" he began
lamely. I'll startled you"
She held out her hand to him, still
smiling. 81 fear shall never become
accustomed to being pursued" she
said. striving for command OF her
voice. ut is dreadful to feel that
some one is forever watching you
from behind. I am glad 1t Is you.
however. You at least are not the
secret eye that never sleeps!" She
gently withdrew her hand from his
ardent clasp. "Mrs. CASTOR told me
that she had seen you. feared that