The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-05-18
BY Eleanor Ingraham.

we'll enough to remain with us OIL
would you prefer to retire until
tomorrow? Our friends will still
be here. then"
Delight was very pale and shak-
en- by the knowledge her word had
condemned a man to death. But
she met Count Balsic's eyes firm
ly.
Thank you. will stay" she
answered. She comprehended
that Stefan believed his brother
guilty of plotting the cowardly
crime with the Albanian.
There was a long pause. The
servants brought fresh coffee, and
retired at gesture by the mas
ter. Sir Robert sat musing, trou-
bled and uncertain.
Countess" the Englishman at
last said, you saved your hus-
bands life, just now. May ! ask
whether you acted as a Christian
or a wife,"
"As BOTH" she answered with
dignity.
II have been told that you have
reason to hate and fear your hus-
band. That Is not true?"
you choose a curious subject
for discussion in my home. Sir
Robert" Stefan Balsic COM
mented. "Yet let me not restrain
you; II you desire more freedom
with my wife, l will leave you
together"
Stay" the old man urged.
Count Balsic, I seem to repay
your hospitality with insult, yet
vas chosen to come here because
] am your friend. There has been
grave deception practiced on your
king, unless much lies beneath the
surface of your household. Stay,
but let me beg the countess to re-
ply to questions not put willingly
or wilfully."
Answer him, madame
Yes, SIR" complied Delight.
Countess, Lieut.. Michael Bal
sic has brought to Cetinje story
that you were on your way to
marry him, when Count Balsic alb
Quoted you and forced you to be-
come his wife against your will.
He told the king you were cruelty
and harshly used, your husband
venting on you the feud-enmity
toward his brother. He said that
as a rebellious prisoner, you were
made to suffer-"
Delight stopped him by rising
to her feet, scarlet with shame
( and anger.
do | look SOL" she challenged.
do | look such spiritless crea-
ture that I would be here now If
| were treated so? Do you see
In me the traces of cruelty and
harshness? AS Count Balsic treats
me when alone. But-much of the
rest is true. l was engaged to
Lieut.. Balsic and was on my way
to become his wife when Count
Balsic took and married me; yes,
by force. He will not tell you his
reason for that violence. | know
it, and it was not for feud OF
cruelty. L" she faltered for an
instant. 81 believe he was mis-
taken in that reason. But think
ing as he did and does, I say he
acted honorably and justly"
Countess, | am empowered to
take you back to Cetinje with
me-"
For WHAT" she asked simply
ITO undo what has been done
by violence, that you may return
to your friends in America, where
you can-ah-have your marriage
set aside-in short, by divorce"
Delight WINGED. my friends in
America will hear from me when
I am ready to return" she'stated
when the time comes that we
are awaiting every day, when an.
other doubt is settled, Count Bal
sic has already promised to sci
me free in that manner. There ID
no need for two governments tC
concern themselves with the mat
ter. I thank you and the king
but ask you, things being as they
are, to let all be. Count Balsit
can best govern this affair and
am content with his decision.
81 am heartily glad Of this
end" Sir Robert made reply. 81
hope good may come of evil, In
all things. Count, IL you can for
give me this ungracious errand We
will rest here tonight and rid,
back tomorrow.
II am not forgiving, but the err
rand was not yours" Count Bal
sic returned. What now Danilo?'
Lesendra re-entered the room
THE dog that drank the coffet
is dead, SIR" Danilo said.
Very well. You spoke, ma
dame?"
mol" Delight rose hurried
ly. 81 will go to my rooms, please
II all is over. l am tired, very
tired!"
As on so many evenings, De
light and Stefan ,Balsic walked
side by side to the door of hel
apartments. There they stopped.
You are more generous thar
WISE" he said brusquely. "You
should have confirmed Michael'i
story and asked to be taken tt
Centinje."
You would not have let m,
CO." she asserted, too weary fol
argument.
you knew that?"
II felt 1t. Your pride Il
does not matter; I have no better