Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, September 2, 1899, Page 2

CHAPTER VIL. (Continued.) - nor do I understand from} whom it comes. Ah,” he added, tear- ing open the letter, “still another invi- tation, but of a very different nature!” and he read aloud the following lines: “The Princess Djella begs Sir John n, civilian, of the Presidency of nd his sons, to do her the to assist at a panther hunt, on Thursday next, September 6, After the hunt the princess hopes to see her guests at supper at Schahabad.” “A panther hunt!” exclaimed George. “Ah, father, nothing could be more de- M lightful!” “But there is danger,” murmured Agnes. “Oh, dear guardian, decline this invitation, I beg you!” “I have very strong reasons, dear child, to aecept. But you need not fear. We will not wantonly expose our lives. Your love renders them too pre- scendant in direct line of ssed of one fortunes tent our greatest wealth Entire provinces be- ercises almost ab- of sovereig She bas 1 the large ci Agra, Dethi se g vhose € nd a dozen which de- are as many ; her influence as the ¢ is, of proportionately immense, and he were not the faithful friend of the Company, she might become its dangerous enemy.” u have never doubted her fidel- : for on several occasions she has wonderfully beautiful women it the imagination of a poet might ne singular light in her eyes, the warm pallor of her complex- jon, the splendor of her black hair, are incom rle—” . John,” interrupted Agnes, n involuntary shudder, “how y that woman must be!” , dear child; but less so} About her unquestioned } ing beauty is something ular a almost repuls one does not feel as with you, the » of purity and innocence.” es thanked her guardian with a but an undefined trouble still incess, who in-} an English ed the man- rage customs of | ed George. r contradc. in the world,” a ered Sir John. s completely a woman of the | the most honorable and ti- iy in all England, She has re- | ived a most thorough and: brilliant tion; she speaks English and Mrench as though she had been born in London or Paris; she has traveled throughout Europe; she has danced at the Tuileries; she has painted and drawn from nature from the loveliest es in Italy and Switzerland, and ed artists who have seen her work ! are that its execution is marvelous. de She imports her jewels from London, | hher toilets from Paris. Her French cook came to her from one of the finance kings of France. One might not push farther the extreme of refine. ment and civilization, and yet, the prin- has preserved all the beliefs and itions and prejudices of her race. She, whose elegance might rival avy woman's: she, who has visited the Windsor cathedral, Notre Dame at Par- is and St. Peter's at Rome, yet abso-; liitely believes herself descended from the god Vishnu, and kneels with pro-; found and ardent conviction in the} ‘Temple of Siva or Bowhanie. If one of these terrible Hindoo divinities should demand, to-day, through the mouth of their priests, a human sacrifice, I am confident that this charming woman, who would be found charming in any country of the globe, would stand by and assist at the torture with a smile, even thoughh her victim were her lat- est partner in the dance.” “Horrible!” said George. “She is a monster!” “In a fashion—yes. She is of her country and her race, and instinct is, with her, stronger than education. She lives in the midst of luxury, of which w Europeans, can form no idea. To cross the threshold of one of her palaces is to be transported from real- ity into fairyland.” “Of her personal life, what is said? “Nothing. If her public life is known, her private life is so completely yeiled that it defies investigation.” “Why does she not marry again?” Sir John smiled. “That is a question she alone can an- swer,” he replied. “Put it to her, if ” you , but understand that the hour she discov widowhood to be a bur- den, the aspirants to her hand would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, or the sands upon the shore.” CHAPTER VIII. The day of the hunt so eagerly antic- ipated, at last arrived. At six o'clock in the morning the horses stood before the bungalow. Farewells were exX- changed, and new promises of pru- dence and speedy return given, before che little cavalcade wes permitted to start; Sir John and his two sons going before; Stop and Kazil following be- hind. In two hours they had reached the forest of Picara, where were already gathered a large number of horsemen, conspicuous among whom was Lord Singleton, who approached Sir George, as, at a little distance, was heard a tri- umphant flourish of trumpets an- neuncing the arrival of the princess and her suite. “You do not know the princess?” questioned Lord Singleton. i “No, my lord.” ee “Your father, then, will present you; but I have one piece of advice to offer. Place over your heart a shield of triple bronze, to preserve yourself from a great danger—the danger of falling in love with the princess.” Sir John’s eldest son smiled incredu- lously. “Do not smile,” answered the govern- or, “and, above all, do not doubt the truth of what I say. The princess, I essure you, is seductive, almost irre- sistible, and when you have seen her you will be, I am convinced, of my opinion.” “My lord,” answered George, I doubt neither her attractions nor her charms, but I am invulnerable.” In his turn Lord Singleton smiled. “Invulnerable?” he repeated. “You are sure?” “Quite sure. I possess an all-power- ful shield—love! The heart of Agnes Purtell’s betrothed can beat for no wo- man but her!” “You are right,” answered the gov- ernor. “I had forgotten your engage- ment with one of the most charming of my countrywomen. Yes; you are right, to love ardently, loyally, wholly. Tap- py the young girl to whom your heart so entirely belongs—happy, indeed, is she to be worthy to inspire such devo- tion!” At this moment the princess and her followers appeared in sight. Preceding her, and a little in advance, were twelve musicians, dressed in purple and silver, and mounted on horses of spot whiteness. After these, on steeds of midnight blackness, came a guard of Amazons, numbering twenty- five, with helmets of polished steel, surmounted with white plumes. Be- lind this graceful bodyguard rode the princess, surrounded by the principal officers of her household, and at her right a Hindoo prince, the Rajah Door- gal Sahib, destined to play in our story a most important part. Then followed a second detachment of amazons, while a large number of valets, splen- didly mounted on fresh horses, . des- tined for the princess’ guests, closed the procession. The princess was dressed in Euro- pean fashion, in a simple habit of blue cloth, cut by the most celebrated tailor of London. A narrow white collar en- circled her throat; a gray felt hat, in| which was a long red plume, was set | racefully upon the thick and shining braids. She rode a superb horse, holl- ing the reins with the left hand, and in the right a curious and beautiful whip. This simple toilet was extremely be- coming. The clos-fitted habit revealed the exquisite beauty of her form, the perfect roundness of her arms. ‘Never in all the glory of her jewels and pre- cious stones, and in the midst of the | most sumptuous of her apartments, had the Princess Djelia been more en- trancingly beautiful. ame mysterious emotion, whose we may divine, caused her heart to beat violently and her eyes to dilate with wonderful light. Her nostrils quivered, her lips trembled, a faint rose-tint crept into her pale cheeks, as she drew rein near George Malcolm. Lord Singleton and his three country- men advanced to meet her. “Thanks, my lord! Thanks, gentle- men!” she cried, saluting them with her hand. “You have accepted my in- vitation. I am most grateful, though, om your courtesy, I expected not less.” In hearing her speak, George trem- bled. Somewhere, it appeared to him, that he had heard that voice before; but that the unknown in the velvet mask was one with the Princess Djella never entered the remotest realm of his imagination. He regarded her at- tentively, and found her superbly beau- tiful; but no innner emotion revealed to him that he had enfolded in his em- brace this woman, whose beauty and power were all unrivalled. “Princess,” replied Lord Singleton, kissing her hand, “we are alike proud and delighted to be permitted to ren- der our homage to India’s real sover- eign!” “Too much gallantry, my lord!” eried “A condition! You impose a condi- tion?” she cried. “Yes. Only one. In case of danger, you permit me alone to confront it!” Djella smiled. “We will see when the hour arrives. I promise nothing. Be my escort, without condition, or yield the post of honor to Rajah Doorgal Sahib, who kuows me well, and that which I can do in the hour of peril.” “Your will shall be done, madame, whatever it may be,” quickly replied George; “but I yield my place to none!” Djella turned and beckoned one of the valets to approach. “Bring Djali,” she commanded. “Sir George,” she resumed, “you are, I pre- sume, a skillful horseman?” “Skillful, madame, I do not affirm; but fearless—yes.” “You are to ride Djali. He is the swiftest horse in my stables—the only one who czn keep pace with Baronet, my pure-bleoded favorite. He does not leap over obstacles. He takes them on the wing. Only he is a devil. I warn you to be on your guard.” ‘The servant, leading a most superb steed, at this moment returned. 4 George was a connoisseur. He gave to the noble animal a look full of en- thusiasm. His skin shone like satin, its jetty blackness forming a strong contrast to his saddle and bridle, of real morocco, embroidered in gold. “How do you find him?” asked the princess. “Magnificent! Without exception, he is the most superb type of his race that I have ever seen!” Saying this, George had dismounted and approached Djali. Seeing his advance, the latter, who was perfectly calm, turned his intelli- gent head toward him, dilated his nos- trils and began pawing the earth with his hoof. Seizing the reins and gathering them in his left hand, which he rested on the mane, he placed the other on the pommel, and sought to put his foot in the stirrup. “Take care!” cried the princess, At the same instant, Djali made a bound so abrupt that he dragged ten feet his would-be rider. A second and a third attempt produced a like result. A new horseman would have been discouraged, but George was master of his art. Making a leap, as the horse jumped for the fourth time, he put himself in the saddle without touching the stirrup. All, however, was not ended. Djali had not yet acknowledged himself con- quered, and between him and his rider began a struggle as frightful as it was short. Excited with anger, neighing in rage, now rearing back upon his haunches until it seemed he must fall backward, now pirouetting as a leaf driven by the storm, now kicking vigorously, it ap- peared he must unseat his burden and hurl him twenty feet over his head. But George appeared less man than centaur. Throughout it all he re- remained in the saddle puiet, firm, smil ing, adapting himself without effort to the enraged efforts of the diabolical beast. Djella, corquering her irrepressible emotion, watched the contest with an agitation which undoubtedly would have been remarked but that the at- tention of all was captivated by the struggle. At Iast the powerful force of intellJ- gence triumphed. Djali understood that he had found his master, and, lit- tle by little, his resistance weakened, until, white with foam, and quivering with shame, he docilely obeyed toe essure of the rein, and, direeted by 2} rasterly hand, stood before the Prin-} cess Djella. Immediately loud applause greeted the victor. George, smiling, bowed his acknowl- edgments, but a vivid blush rose to Djella’s pale cheeks, and her great black eyes sparkled. “You see, princess,” said George, “Djali and I had a little misunder- standing, but we are now agreed, and he is gentle as a lamb.” “I see, Sir George, that you are 2 daring and skillful horseman,” an- swered Djella. “Djalt has found his master. To separate you henceforth is impossible. Djali will re-enter my stables nevermore. I beg you to ac- eept oim.” “But, princess—” answered George, in embarrassment. “Oh!” cried Djella, “he is yours! If you refuse, one of my people shall receive orders to shoot him in the head!” “T accept, then, and am indeed, grate- ful for so royal a gift.” “Now, gentlemen,’ resumed the princess, “exchange, I beg you, your wearied steeds for fresh mounts, and let us be off. Time passes, and the panthers await us. Remember, Sir George, during the day you are my es- cort.” _ Five minutes more and all the guests were in saddle, and a blast from the trumpet had given the signal for de- parture, the princess and Sir George the princess, laughing. “Of the crown which my ancestors wore, nothing is left me but the diadem of my black hair.” Then, turning toward Sir John Malcolm, she added: “You have come, and have brought your sons. Believe me, I am, indeed, happy!” “Princess,” answered Sir John, “your remembrance was an honor; nothing could have pardoned my declining. Permit me to present to you my eldest son, Sir George.” Djella lifted her eyes to the young Englishman, regarding him for several moments so fixedly that he felt almost embarrassed under her gaze. “Welcome among us, Sir George!” she said, at last. “I have many times followed the chase in England, hunting the fox and the wild boar. The pan- ther is game with which you are not yet familiar. Accept me, then, to-day, as guide; become my cavalier until evening. But, rest easy; I am not a timid huntress. I promise you that in not leaving me you will be near dan- ger. Do you agree?” “With great pride, princess; but on one condition.” Djella looked infinitely amazed. Jeading the way. For two hours neither tiger nor pan- ther was~to be seen—nothing but troops of gazelles. But even fhese the hunters did not spare. Djella appeared seized with a very high fever of destruction. She car- ried, hung to her saddle, a small gun- revolver, made for her expressly by the most skillful armorer of London, and each time that a gazelle passed her she let her reins fall on her horse’s neck, seized the gun, adjusted and fired, with incomparable accuracy, the peor little animal falling, mortally wounded, to the earth. George, while filled with admiration for her skill, yet revolted at her; strange insensibility. He rememberea the portrait, drawn two days before, by his father. He remembered the savage instinct, vainly warring against the most refined civilization. He seemed to imagine blood on the hands of this most radiantly-beautiful wo- man, tnough, had an observer noted would have acquired the conviction that she was drawing from the full ar- | senal of feminip: couquetry to attract her escort, and that she had sworn to herself to irresistibly captivate and hold him. It was past noon. Panthers and ti- gers still remained invisible. The sun scattered all clouds from the blue vault, the temperature became op- pressive, when, in a beautiful, shaded spot in the forest, in the midst of which babbled a clear, transparent stream, the princess drew rein, and, putting to her lips a tiny silver trumpet she sounded it, at short intervals, three times. From the depths of the forest came its echo, returned to her. “Princess, what does this mean?” questioned George. ~ “I have spoken, and they have an- swered me,” she said. “Here we will all assemble. It is a charming site for breakfast.” “True; but the breakfast?” Djella smiled. “Do not be troubled; it will not be wanting.” 3 In a few moments more all had gath- ered. With wonderful rapidity, num- berless valets spread on the soft turf an immense carpet. Others placed soft cushions at equal distances apart, and unpacked from huge hampers. the plate, porcelain and crystal. Others, under the immediate supervision of a chef, arrayed the provisions, of every variety, and wines of every country In short, at the end of eight or ten minutes, all was ready. r “I dare not say, to table, gentlemen!” eried the princess, motioning her guests to the picturesque and sumptu- ous feast. “Like the Romans, you may recline, if you cannot be seated. Lord Singleton, will you do me the honor to accept a place at my right, and Sir John Malcolm on my left?” The two men bowed. “Do not separate yourselves from your arms, dear friends,” added Djellz, laughingly. “Perhaps the odor of the truffles may attract some tiger or pan- ther, and, in case of a visit, one must be prepared to receive such distin- guished guests with the honor due their rank.” A burst of laughter followed these words, though all took care to follow the advice thus offered. It had been with some surprise that the guests had seen Sir John Malcolm honored by a place at the right hand of the hostess, in preference to Rajah Doorgal Sahib; for the former, though helding a high position and universally esteemed, had not equal title to the honor with him whose ancestors were those of the Princess Djella_herselt. His fortune and influence equaled hers. In his thirtieth year, he had attained the full perfection of manly beauty as to face and form. Simply as Djella was dressed, he was attired in all Ori- ertal magnificence. His costume, com- posed of cloth of silver and gold, abso- lutely glittered with precious stones. A diamond of remarkable size and bril- liancy held the aigrette upon his tur- ban of white cashmere. His bridle, saddle, stirrups and poniard were in- laid with rubies, topazes, emeralds and sapphires. In short, without exaggeration, a jeweler would have offered unhesitat- ingly several millions for the rajaa’s hunting costume. However, the slight emotion awak- ened by this incident among a portion of those gathered soon disappeared, and all began a brave attack upon the varied and exquisite dishes which rap- idly -and uninterruptedly succeeded each other. The uncorked bottles were emptied, as if by magic, and wine put merriment in all eyes and laughter on ell lips. Suddenly, in tne midst of this gaiety, but a few paces from the banquet, came a ery of such anguish, horror and agony as to make the flesh of all creep. To this cry succeeded a roar of frightful power and ferocity. Kazil, wandering near the border of the stream which we have mentioned, and occupied in gathering flowers, seemed to hear near him some loud breathing. Uneasy, and raising his ey he beheld, seperated from him only by the narrow width of the water, a huge black ‘panther, crouched, ready to spring. The child felt himself lost; instinct- ively he recoiled. He wished to fly, but his paralyzed limbs refused to obey his will. He remained, nailed to the place. It was then that ne uttered that terrible ery which sent a shudder through every heart. Hardly had its last notes died on his lips than the panther, as if awaiting this signal,, took the leap, and, de- scribing a semicircle in the air, his mouth yawning, his paws extended, launched himself upon the boy. The child fell, happily, not on the earth, where the weight alone of the animal would have crushed him, but in the brook, his face turned upward. The panther, squatting himself be- side the narrow stream, put his im- mense paw on Kazil’s breast, and be- gan whisking his tail in the manner of ea cat which plays with a mouse, and cruelly prolongs his vietim’s agony. The guests of the princess were many, young and vigorous, for the most part—all brave, accustomed ev¥- ery day to face danger; several of them sailors or soldiers, who had walked side by side with pale Death in storm and battle. Yet, in this first moment of shock, all remained motionless and stupefied. Their hearts ceased to beat; their dry lips could utter ne sound. A cold per- spiration bathed them from head to| foot. George Malcolm was the first to emerge from this physical and moral lethargy. He screwed the handle of his dagger in the barrel of his rifle, caught up his revolver and made a step forward toward the roaring beast. Eyery hand was extended to arrest him. George smiled at those who would have detained him; but look and smile clearly signified: “My friends, let me pass.” 'rhe detaining hands dropped; but now the princess sprang to his side, and laying her hand upon his shoulder, whispered in his ear: “Sir George—Sir George! you about to do?” “To save the child, madame, or, at least, to make the attempt,” answered George. “To saye him?” echoed Djella. “But it is too late—the boy is already dead!” “J hope that he has only swooned.” “But, seeing you approach, the pan- ther will spring upon you. You go, perhaps, to your death!” “Well, madame, what matters it? God has given man life only that he may have death.” _. + what are The princess would have answered, but George too well understood that euch moment was precious, and gave her no time, as, his rifle in one hand, his revolver in the other, he hastened on. Seeing his enemy advancing toward him with such audacious disregard, the panther uttered several low grow! but George made no pause. The pan- ther half rose and crouched himself ready to spring, his eyes blazing fire, his flanks raised, his mouth wide open, awaiting the audacious approach. In this supreme moment George Mal- colm, always handsome, surpassed the limit of mortal beauty. He stopped, motionless, in the very teeth of the monstrous brute. His eyes were fixed and calm, his face very pale. The panther was about to spring. All the lookers-on at that frightful scene felt an electric thrill of horror. The princess no longer breathed. George Malcolm knew that the time had come to act. Firmly holding his revolver in his right hand, he took a steady aim and fired. The distance was so short between man and beast that the entire charge buried itself in the panther’s mouth. He uttered a roar of pain and sprang forward. But already George had let his re- volver fall, and held in his two hands his rifle, in which he had adjusted ais dagger. The panther precipitated him- self with all his strength against this improvised bayonet, and so great was the violence of the shock that the blade disappeared and broke off in his breast. It was a frighful moment. George was now disarmed, and face to face with this monster, no possible succor could reach him. Yet, among all those whom the scene filled with ineffable horror, he whose life hung by a thread alone was calm. The acute agony of the spectators did not last more than a second. The panther had fallen back two feet from his assailant, his body working con vulsively. Doubtless he would spring again and tear to pieces his brave adversary. But no. A tremor passed over the huge form; it lengthened and stiffen- ed; its tail ceased to thrash the ground. It did not stir—it was dead, The point of the dagger had touched the heart. An enormous weight lifted itself from every breast; an enthusiastic ex- clamation escaped from every lip. The Hindoos, as well as the English, ap- plauded the triumph of courage and its happy ending, for George had come out of the encounter without a scratch, Some drops of blood soiled, here and there his elegant toilet of white linen, but it was the blood of his enemy, not his own. The princess had regained her self- con‘rol, but a lovely crimson flush was on her cheeks, and she pressed one hand against her heart, which, for the first time in her life, beat with uncon- trollable violence. Kazil, whom a little eare had resus- eltated, fell on his knees before his savior. “Sahib,” he murmured, im a voice quivering with emotion, “I already owed my life to your father. and to day I owe it to you. When, then, may I offer mine for him and you?” CHAPTER IX. When George had refused to follow Saugor, the Princess Djella, as we know, had been violently incensed and had sworn revenge. Proud of her regal beauty, whicir she believed and not without reason) to be irresistible, she determined to bring him within its magic scope, and prom- ised herself then to make him sufferall the agony of love disdained. But the skill and splendid bravery twice displayed by him overthrew all} her resolutions. She felt burn anew in her heart the strange flame kindled in the moment she had seen him sleep- ing in the ruined temple. She still wished to conquer him by her fascination and her charms, and to inspire him with ardent passion; | but she no longer desired to make him suffer. She would bring him to her feet and there enehain him, but his chains should be of flomers, yet stronger thar | these of iron. It was his love for Agnes Bartell! which should render impossible the re- alization of her dream. The repast, so strangely interrupted, finished the princess gave a signal, Once more the guests sprang to sad- die, and renewed the hunt, this time more fortunate. A tiger and two panthers were the spoils at the setting of the sun. Then all turned their horses’ heads: toward Schahabad, where the princess had in- vited her guests to sup with her: George rode alone, a little behind Djella, when suddenly a large bird flew upward from a clump of trees. Instantly it rekindled his huntsman’s instinets. Giving the reins to Djali, and Teap- ing a wide ditch rifle in hand, he start- ed in pursuit. The bird appeared to fly with reflective malice, and to let him approach without betraying the lezst uneasiness, only to elude him at the moment he was ready to pull trig- ger. Fascinated by the chase, George gal- loped on to an immense rocky hill, be- hind which the road disappeared. One moment he hesitated, then put his horse up the steep ascent. In a few minutes, though with great difficulty, he had gained the summit. There he halted. The bird could not be seen, but a most unexpected specta- cle was spread before him. In the middle of a natural circle, oval in form, and surrounded by great blocks of solid granite, uprose a gro- tesque statue, cut in stone and illum- inated in bright-colored paints. All about it were numberless skeletons, with bones white as ivory, and colossal in magnitude. Fascinated, though inclined to col the evidence of his senses, George heard. behind him the sound of ‘a horse’s hoofs. Turning, he saw Kazil, who, with mueh labor, compelled his steed to make the abrupt and danger- ous ascent. “Sahib,” he sald, “I have joined you, because you will need me to show you the way to regain the level. Ascent here, though difficult, is possible. De- scent is all but. s “So be it, Iwill follow you. But, first, tell me—what is this place?” ‘It is the cemetery of the elephams,” answered Kazil, “and these bones their huge skeletons. Formerly tley were much more numerous in Init than now, and you must know, saljb, that elephants have almost human |n- stinct. They have shame of loye and death. In love and in death they hid When they felt old age creeping o they were wont to seek this lone} spot—would here lie down and neva rise again.” “But how could they reach it?” “By the narrow opening which stall show you.” “And this gigantis statue?” “Is that of the god Siva. In our re: ligion, sahib, the cemeteries of the ele phants are regarded as sacred places.) When one is discovered the Brahmins| and fakirs use the statue that you see, | and on certain nights, when the moon | is at its full, they come in great pomp to kneel about the idol and sing hymns to the god.” *It must be a curious sight. I should like to be present.” “Unhappily, sahib, that is impossi- ble. They keep the time of such meet- ings secret, and for a stranger to in- trude upon them would not be without great danger.” “And do you know that danger at- tracts me? The full moon, you say, is the time appeinted for their meetings. Yesterday, I think, the moon was at its full, Am I not right?’ “Quite right, sahib,” answered the child. George said no more; but, following his guiue, after a long detour, regained the plain, and, giving rein to his horse, reached the palace of the princess but fifteen minutes later than the other guests. Two fountains played in the im- mense dining hall, where the princess gathered her friends about her, before a table spread with every delicacy and wines of rarest vintage. An invisible orchestra, at some little distance, lent the enchantment of delicious music to the scene. Numberless black slaves, clad in purple and silver cloth, served skilfully and noiselessly. As at breakfast, Djella seated Lord Singleton at her right hand and Sir John Malcolm on her left. “Pardon, gentlemen,” she said, sud- denly, as the repast drew to its close, “you must -must not leave your glasses empty!” You forget, madame,” answered Sir John, “that the burning sands of the desert, if they might receive your hos- pitality, would at the end of an hour no longer know thirst.” The guests received the sally with applause. “Sir John is quite right,” said Lord Singleton. “Your hospitality is indeed royal, and I hope that it may be per- mitted to me, day after to-morrow, to Tenew my appreciation, at the palace of the Presidence.” “I have received your invitation, my lord,” replied Djella, “but, unhappily, a previous engagement renders my ac- ceptance impossible.” “Alas, madame, you grieve me! I had hoped to put in your hands the sovereignty of my fete, and if you de- sert us, its queen: will be absent.” “Ah, my lord,” retorted Djella, smil- ing, “spare my modesty! Among your charming compatriots, you will find those more worthy than I, I doubt not, to bear the septer.” “For grace and beauty, madame, there are but two to bear comparisin, and they are still too young and unac- customed to the world to place in their little hands the scepter that I had hoped to see in yours.” “They are young girls, then?” “Yes, madame. Misses Agnes and Hera Burtell, the wards of our friend, Sir John Malcolm, and the betrothed of his two sons.” Djella trembled conyulsively. “Ah!” she cried, with emotion she was powerless to conquer, but whose eause no one suspected, “ah! Sir George is about to marry?” “Yes, madame,” answered Sir John Malcolm; “and I hope to secure, by this double marriage, not only the hap- piness of my dear wards, but that of my beloved sons.” The princess had become extremely pale. “And when is this dowble union to be eclebrated?’ she stammered. “In a fortnight, madame,” replied the |, judge. “Ah!” resumed Lord Singleton, smil- ingly, “Sir George and Sir Edward lose no time! It would be proof of blindness, were it not so. Miss Agnes | and Miss Hera are marvels of grace, charm and elegance. Have I not al- ready said all this. in affirming that even beside the princess they might sustain comparison?” By a violent effort and indomitable will, Djella succeeded in forcing to her lips a smile. “Do you know, my lord,” she said, “that you greatly pique my curosity?” “It is easy to satisfy it, princess. If you will do me the honor to be present at my fete, you shall judge with your own eyes whether I have overrated the truth.” Djella made a e¢harming gesture. “Have L, then, positively refused?” she cried. “If so, I use my right of eaprice—a right to which I am entitled as a young and—may I add—a pretty woman. I am engaged, I have said. What matter it? I will break my en- gagemeat—that is all. It is the least a princess may do to be free when she so desires. You may rely upon me, my lord. I accept your invitation. I will assist, day after to-morrow, at your fete.” Lord Singleton raised to his lips one of the princess’ hands. “Madame,” he said, “you overwhelm me with joy and gratitude.” ‘I will see her!” murmured Djella to herself. ‘The repast finished gaily. The prin- cess alone seemed conquered by some powerful preoccupation. A servant appeared and whispered in her ear. “My lerds and gentlemen,” she said, “coffee, cordials and cigars await you on the terrace. ‘Will you adjourn there. Sir John Malcolm, filliag his glass, exclaimed: ) claimed: “My lords and gentlemen, one last toast.” Then, lifting the crystal to his lips, he added:* I drink to the Princess Djella!” (To be Continued.) The man who gets a black eye ab ways earns it, oe 4 3 i