The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-03
 =THE PRINCE OF= =GR AUST K=
  E By George Barr McCutcheOn9
 
Copyright, by Dodo.
(Continued.)

N 0GD0SOSOO0000O0O0Q9NO
 (Continued)
 Flow can you say that to me? Am l not to be trusted? Am so weak and'-
 Don't cry, you old deari Forgive nae. But now tell me-absolutely- just what you've been up to-" and Mrs. Gaston repeated every word of the conversation she had had with R. Schmidt, proving absolutely nothing, but stoutly maintaining that her in- tuition was completely to be depended upon.
 "And, oh," she whispered in conc1u- sion, wouldn't it be perfectly wonder full if you two should fall in love with each other
 Don't be si1ly!"
 .sBut you have said that if he should fall in love with you for yourself and not because'-
 "I have also said that will not marry any Aman-prince, duke, king, count or anything eIse-unless I am in love with him. Don't overlook that, please."
 "sBut he is really very nice. I should think you could fall in love with him. Just think how it would please your father and mother. Just think
 "I won't be buIlfed!"
 "Am bullying you % in amazement.
 'sNo, but father tries to bully me, and you know it.
 When she appeared on deck long afterward she found every chair oc- cupied. A warm sun, a far from tur- bu1ent sea and a refreshing breeze had brought about a marvellous trans formation.
 She made several brisk rounds of the deck, then, feeling that people were following her with their eyes admiringly, to be sure, but what of that?-she abandoned the pleasant ex- ercise and sought the seclusion of the sunless corner where her chair was stationed. The ships daily newspaper was just off the press, and many of the 1oungers were reading the brief telegraphic news from the capitals of the world. She procured a copy of the paper from steward and was g1ancing at the headlines as she made her way into her corner. Double leaded type appeared over the rumor- ed engagement of Miss Maud Apple gate B1ithers, the beautiful and ac- complished daughter of the great capi- fa1ist, and Robin, prince of sGrau- stark. A queer little smile played about her lips as she folded the paper for future perusal. Turning the cor ners of the deck building, she almost collided with R. Schmidt, who stood leaning against the wall, scanning the little newspaper with eyes that were blind to everything else.
 "Ohi" she gasped.
 sT'm sorry,' he exclaimed. crumpling the paper in his hand as he backed away, flushing. Stupid of ms. Good morning"
 "Goc5 morning, Mir. Schmidt. It wasn't your fault. I should have look ed where was going. see you have a paper. It appears that Miss Blith- era and the prince are to be married after all"
 Yes. it is quite apparent that the Blithers family wants a title at any cost" he said
 Her eyes flashed with amusement at his reply.
 Would you like to take few turns sGound the decE, Miss Guf1e?" he in. uuired, a trace of nervousness in his manner.
 Before deciding she shot an investi- gating glance into the corner. Mrs. Gaston was not only there, but was engaged iE conversation with the gray museached gentleman in a nearby CQaE. It required put nall a glance to show that MT. Totten was unmis- takab1y interested in something the vo1uble lady had just said to him.
 "No, thank you, MT. Schmidt" said Miss Guile hastily, and then hurried over to her chair, a distinct cloud on her sEaooth brow. Robin, considering himself dismissed, whirled and went his way, a dark flush spreading over his fa~e. Never in all his life had hs been quite so out of patience with the world as on this bright, sunny morn ing.
 Here comes MT. Schmidt whis- pered Mrs. sGaston excitedly a few moments later and at once made a movement indicative of hasty de- parture.
 .'Sit still," said Miss Guile peremp- torily.
 R. Schmidt again passed them by without so much as a glance in their direction. There was a very sweet smile on Miss Gui1e's lips as she closed her eyes and lay back in her chair. Once, twice, thrice, even as many as six times R. Schmidt strode rapidly by their corner, his head high and his face aglow.
 At last queer little pucker appear ed on the serene brow of the far from drowsy young lady whose eyes peeped through half closed lids. Suddenly She threw off her rug with a brief re- mark to her companion. arose and