The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 1, 1901, Page 16

TI—Continued R N o He will be here, In this ¢ brought this calamity upon Graustark; I must lift it from the peop! appiness to do with it silenced him, , with the real awakening of stocd beside her, cold mcnastery, jous that she was gazing toward the give my answer. and have a t Jooks so peacefu! up there,” she said and cheerless,” There was another long silence ccmmuned through of that taraway clew to the which iwo Learts proper sphere. s he has a clew actory one. he ad- actions of a strange Count of Araba med to be of Vienn er eyes still hent on the home of yvou taought heart's desir riing into her stopping as e forced me to can do no h : ughed with th 0 has charmed and d feebie mite to sit on that Il that comes within its ected his attention to the te end of the hall hrone, your High- workmanship t screen of the un se of the low vel ck tower of that f; e clouds, the home ssive arms and trom the lof! inlaid with pre- part of the sky 1ly ieaning my the discus- uld not move. To have ve swept it forever fri How he reveled in the giory knew not, for it was as he looked from a dream. At last he upon the roses, lift wly and drop them over the rail. to the ground below. He thought the gift of a prince med to confe i went to sieep on o keep awake very well of late. e my throneroom And to think that it is It is this room that gi to be hatled with ‘Long live th npaign yells and ‘Hurrah for w does that sound? * was laughing merrily. It sounds sacrilegious— saw her look down s me the right he understood; They 'were not {wenty feet apart. advanced tp her side, his hat in one hand, his_stick—the one that felled the Vien- nese—trembling in the othe: know you were here,” frightened amazement. eign_prior to that time How often 1 begged him here was so mu tainly must have g time I cried be rsisted in the ing beside me. jown with me nding beside her, down into the r because of your igno- I have seen a | never leave my memory uncle's tired through my that I would ha remember say- the drama o of mortification, g ur highness, the crown is always a mask.” were—wrere of no conse- she faltered. have heard how you stand between two sultors and that wretched treaty. My ed to tell you how I pity rnation or mirth,” princess you n, weeping and pouting and created cor going to sleep, heart has ac ali along that some on effort 1o be dignified and se- ay 1 am wise and good and gracious, but that is to be expected. They of sovereigns as far back as “It is not pity I need. but courage. Pity will not ald me in my duty, Mr, Lorry, It before me, this duty, but h > to take it up and place it about my neck forever.” “You do not, cannot love this Lorenz?” stands plain] 1 really like to see me in that old chair?” *Ah, you are stlll a woman,” he sald, * she cried. “Ach, T forget! Yet I shall doubt- * There was an eternity of despair in that low, steady “¥You shall not! he is a Prince’ t means salvation to you make it harder with torture which you think is kindness? could {mpress me more She stepped carelessly and impulsivel: upon the royal You do not know him 1 swear you shall no charming blush of consciousness turned to him with the quickness of a guilty conscience, eager to hear hls praise, but secretly condemne His eyes were burning with the admiration that knows no defining, and his breath came quick and sharp through arted lips. He involuntarily placed a oot upon the bottom step as if to spring to her side. %4 “You must not come up here!” she cried, shrinking back, her hands extended in fluttering remonstrance. ‘I cannot permit that at all!” “I beg your pardon,” he cried. “That is all the humble plebeian can say. That 1 may be more completely under this fairy spell, pray cast about yourself the robe of rank.and take up the epter. Perhaps T may fall upon my fac “And hurt your head all over again.” she said, laughing nervously. She hesi- tated for a moment, a perplexed frown g her brow. Then she jerked a obe from the back of the throne and ced- it about her shoulders as only a man can. Taking up the scepter she stood before the great chair. and, with a on her lips, held it above his head, welcomes the American 'Grau Prince.” sank to his knee before the real s. kissed the hem of her robe and arose with face pallid. The chasm was now endless in its immensity. The Prin- cess gingerly seated herself on the throne, placed her elbow on the broad arm, her white chin in her hand, and tranquilly surveyed the voiceless American Prince. “You have not said, ‘Thank you,’ " she said. finally. her eves wavering beneat! his steady gaze 3 THE SUNDAY CALL. “I am a fool—an ingrate. You have been too gentle with me. For this de- spicable act of mine I cannot ask par- don and it would be heaeath you to grant it. I have hurt you, and I can never atone. I forgot how sacred is your throne. "Let me depart in disgrace.”” He as if to forsake the throne she, swayed by a timid'y, stood erect, he had stalned, but complete reversal of feeling, Plendluqu touched his arm. “Stay! It is 'my throne after all I shall divide it, as well as the sin, h you. Sit 'down again, b For a_brief cpell I wouid ru beside 'a ‘man who Is fit to be a King but who is a desecrator. There can be no harm and no one shall be the wiser for this sentimental departure from royal custom. ‘We are children, anyhow—mere ckildren, With an exclamation of delight. he re- sumed his position beside her. His hand trembled as he took up hers to carry it to his lips. “We are children—playing with fire,”” he murmured, this ingrate, this fool! She allowed her hand to lie limply in his, her head sinking to the back of the chdlr. When her hand was near his fev- erish lips, cool and white and trusting, he checked the upward progress. Slowly he raised his eyes to study her face, find- ing that hers were closed, the semblance of a smile touching her 1lips as if they were in a happy dream. The lips! The lipsl The lips! The mad- you. bered the blighting kisses and then the averted disaster. “You—what did you say to him?” he asked, “I—I—oh, T will not tell you,” she cried. “I beg of you.” “I told him that he was to—was to put down his gun.” I know that, but why?” he persisted. “I—Ach, to save you, stupid!” “How did you explain| the—the—"" He hesitated, generously. ' “I told him that I had not been—that I bad not been— ‘Say 1t “That I had not been—offended,” she gasped, standing stiff and straight, with eyes glued upon the obedient guard. “You were not?” he rapturously cried. “I sald it only to save your life!’ she cried. turning fiercely upon him. *T‘shall never forgive vou! Never! You must go —you must leave here at once! Do you hear? I cannot have you near me now— I cannot see you again, Ach, God! What have I given you the right to say of me?"” “Stop! It is as sacred as—"" “‘Yes, yes—I understand. I trust you, but you must go. Find some excuse to give your friend and go to-day. Go now!” she cried intensely, first putting her hands to her temples, then to her eyes. Without walting to hear his remon- strance, if indeed he had the power to utter one, she glided swiftly toward the curtalns, allowing him to follow at his will. Dazed and crushed at the sudden “Her command came too late, for e was beside her on the throne of Groustark!” “I am only thinking how easy it would be to cross the gulf that lles between us. With two movements of my body I can place it before you, with a third I can be sitting at your side. It is not so difficult he said, hungrily eying the broad chair. *“No man, unless a Prince, ever sat upon thie throne,” she sald. “You hav ed me a Prince.” “‘Oh, 1 jested,” she cried quickly, com- prehending his intenticn. *“I forbid you!" Her command came too late, for he was beside on tine throne of Graustark! She sat perfectiy rigid for a moment, in- tense fear in her eyes, “Do_you know what you have done?” hispered, miserably, | the throne.” he replied, as- ¢ and ccmplacence he did he was guilty of unpre- ption ecrated—desecrated! Do you hear?” she went on, paying no atten- tion to his remark, : “Peccavi! Ah, your Majesty, I delight in ny sin. ¥or once 1 am a power; I speak from the throne. You will not have me abdicate in the zenith of my glory? Be kind, most gracious one. Besides, did you not once cry because your uncle re- fused to sit with you? Had he been the possgessor of n sangerovs wound, as I am, and had he found himnself so weak that he could stand no longer, I am sure he would have dose as I have—sat down in preference to falling limp at your feet, ou do not know how badly I am wound- ed,” he pleaded, with the subtlest double meaning. “Why should you wound me?’ she asked, plaintively. “You have no right to treat the throne I accupy as a subject for pranks and indignities. I did not be- lleve you could be so—forgetful.” There was a proud and pitiful resentment in her volce that trought him to his senses at once. He had defiled the throne, In shame and humfliation he cried: ness of love rushed into his heart; the ex- ectant hand was forgotten; his every ope and every desire measured them- selves agalnst Kla discretion as he looked upon the tempting face, Could he kiss "lmtne 1ips but once his life would be com- plete. With a start she opened her eyes, doubt- less at the command of the masterful ones above, The eyes of blue met the eyes of gray in a short, sharp struggle, and the blue went down in surrender, His lips triumphed slowly, drawing closer and closer as if restrained and impelled by the same emotion—arrogant love. Open your eyes, darling,” he whis- pered, and she obeyed. Then thelr lips met—her first kiss of love! She trembled from head to foot, per- fectly powerless beneath the spell. Again he kissed a_princess on her throne. At this second kiss her eyes grew wide with terror, and she sprang from his side, standing before him like one bereft of reason, “Oh, my God! What have you done?”’ she walled. He staggered to his feet, dizzy with joy. " ohod a gruff voles from the door- way, and the gullty ones whirled to look upon the witness 1o their blissful crime. Inside the curtains, with carbine leveled at the head of the American, stood Al- lode, the guard, his face distorted by rage. The Princess screamed and:leaped between Lorry and the threatening car- ine, “‘Allode!” she cried, in frantic terror, He angrily cried out something in’ his natlve tongue and she breathlessly, im- ploringly replled. ~ Lorry did not under- stand thelr words, but he knew that she had saved him from death at the hand of her loyal, erring guard. Allode lowered his gun, bowed low and turned his back upon the throne. 3 “He—he would have killed you,” she said, tremulously, her face the picture of combined agony and relief. She remem- end to everything, he dragged his foot- steps after. At the door she spoke In low, imperative tones to the motionless Allode, who dropped to his knees and muttered a reverential response. As Lor- ry passed beneath the hand that held the curtain aside, he glanced at the face of the man who had been witness to thelir weakness. He was looking straight ahead and, from his expression, it could not have been detected that he knew there was & man on earth save himself. In the hall she turned to him, her face cold and pale. “I have falthful guards about me now. Allode has said he did not see you in the throne room. He will die before he will say otherwise,” she sald, her lips trembe ling with shame. “By your command?’’ “By my request, I my Jnen to e, ide by side they ed down the qulel hall, silent, thoug the strain o death upon their hearts. “I shall obey the only command you have given, then. This day I leave the castle. You will let me come again—to - ou? There can be no harm—" 0l You must leave Graustark at once!' she lntenu{ted. the tones low. “'I refuse to go! I shall remain in Edel- welss, near you, just so long I feel that 1 may be of service to you.” “I cannot drive you out as I would a thiet,” she sald, pointedly. At 'the top of the broad staircase he held out his hand and murmured: “Good-by, your Highness!™ “Good-by,” she sald, simply, her hand in his after a moment’s tion. Then she left him. An hour later the two do not command lacing esita~ Americans, one strangely subdued, the other curious, ex- cited and impatient, stood before the cas- tle walting for the carriage. Count H font was with them, begging them to re- main, as he could see no reason for the sudden leave-taking., Lorry assured him ». COPYRIGET. BY HEEBI’:M‘.‘S STONE & GO. that they had trespassed long enough, on the court’s hospitality and that he would feel much more comfortable at the hotel. Anguish looked narrowly at his friend's face but said nothing. He was beginning to understand. “Let us walk to the gates. The Count will oblige us by instructing the coach- man to follow,” “sald Lorry, eager to be off. “Allow me to join you in the walk, Eentlemen?” sald "Count Caspar, immedi- ately instructing a lackey to send the car- rlage after them, He and Lorry walked on- together, Anguish lingering behind, having caught sight of the Countess Dag— mar. That charming and unconventional fece of nobllity promptly followed the rime Minister’'s example and escorted the remaining guest to the gate. Far down the walk Lorry turned for a last glance at the castle from which love had banished him. Yetive was standing on the balcony, looking not at the monas- tery but at the exile. She remained there long after the car- riage had passed her gates, bearing the Americans swiftly over the white castle avenue and there were tears in her eyes. XV—-THE BETROTHAL Harry Anguish was a discreet, forbear- ing fellow. He did rot demand a full ex- Planation of his friend. There was enough natural wit in his merry head to, see that in connection with their departure there was something that would not admit of discussion, even by confidential friends. He shrewdly formed his own conclusions and held his peace. Nor did he betray surprise when Lorry informed him, in an- swer to a question, that he Intended to rerain in Edelwelss for some time, add- ing that he could not expect him to do likkewise if he preferred to return to Paris. But Mr. Anguish preferred to remain in Edelweiss. Had not the Countess Dag- mar told him she would always be happy o see him at the castle, and had he any Jeuson to renounce its walls? And so it was that they tarried together. Lorry loitered aimlessly, moodily about the town, spending gloomy days and wretched nights. He reasoned that it were wisdem to fly, but a_force stronger than reason held him in Edelweiss. Hs vertured several times to the castle wall, but turned back resolutely. There was hcpe in his breast that she might send for him; there was, at least, the possibility of seeing her should she ride through the streets. Anguish, on the other hand, yis- ited the castle daily. He spent hours with the pretty Countess, undismayed by the noble moths that fluttered about her fame, and he was ever persistent, Hght- hear'ted and gay. He brought to Lorry's ail that he could learn of the Prin- Several times he had seen her and spoken with her. She inquired casu- ifter the health of his friend. but From the Countess he as- ally nothing more. certained that her Majesty was sieeping soundly, eating heartily and apparently enjoying the best of spirits—information decidedly irritating to the one who re- ceived it second-hand. They had been at the hotel for over a week when one afternoon Anguish rushed into the room, out of breath and scarcely able to control his excitement. What's up?” cried Lorry. Countess sacked you Not on your coin! But something is “Has the and | am its discovercr. You remember what you said about suspecting Prince Gabriel of being the chief rascal in the abduction job? Well, my boy, I am now to stake my The news-b willing life that he is the man.” . arer sat down on t edge of the bed and drew the first long breath he “Why do you think so?” other had had in a long time. demanded ihe il interest. SR ard him talking just now. 1 didn’t wh fellow was at first, b some strange ook As soon as 1 W Michael jon about it, Lorry. He did not_observe me, but this time he has learned toat )b was frustrated by 1 who heard the plot near the He has nerve to come here, 1 American castle gate . yes. Still, he may f secure because he is a powereful pr and able Lo resent any accusation with a show of force. Where Is he now? ‘[ ieft him there. Come on! We'll go and you can see for yourself.” They hurried to the corridor, which was swauiming with men in strange uniforms There were a few Graustark officers, out majority of the buzzing conversation- alists were dressed in a rich gray uni- form. % “Who are these strangers?” asked Lorry. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. Prince Lor- so here, and these gray fellows are a part ot his retinu orenz has goue on to the castie. What's the matter” Lorry had turned pale and was reaching | with unsteady hand. onte for his answer,” . paintuily. hat's right! I hadn't thought of that. 1 hope she turns him down. But there's Gabriel over yonder. See those three fellows in blue? The middle one is the Prince.” Near the door leading to the plazza stood several men, gray and blue. The man designated as Gabriel was in the center, taiking gayly ana somewhat loud- ly, puffing at a cigarette between sen- tences. He was not tall, but he was strongly and compactly bullt. His hair and cropped beard were as black as coal, his eyes wide, black and lined. It was a pleasure-worn face, and Lorry shuddered as he thought of the Princess in the power of this evil-looking wretch. They Jelsurely made their way to a spot near ihe talkers. There is no mistaking the Prince Gabriel and Michael wers he sald, e (‘;;lf ©d the same, beyond all doubt. But how to prove it to the satisfaction of others? /7 Skepticism would follow any attempt to Proclaim the Prince gulity begause his Volce sounded like that of the chief con- spirator. In a matter where whole na- tions were concerned the gravest im- portance would be attached to the accu- sation of a ruler. Satisfying themselves as to the identity of that pecullar voice, the friends passed througn to the plazza. “What's to be done?” asked Anguish, bolling over with excitement. “We must go to Baron Dangloss, tell htm of our positive discovery, and then consult Count Halfont.” 3 “And the Princess Yetive, of course. “Yes, I suppose s0,” sald Lorry, fiicking the ashes from his clgar with a finger that was now steady. He was serving the Princess again. They hurried to the Tower, ‘and were soon In the presence of the flerce little chicf of police. Lorry had spent many hours with Dangloss of late, and they had become friends. His grim old face blanch- ed perceptibly as he heard the assertions of the young men. He shook his head despairingly. “It may be as vou say, gentlemen, but I am afrald we can do nothing. To charge a Prince with such a crime and on such evidence would be madness. I am o. your bellef, however. Prince Gabriel is the man I have suspected. Now I am con- vinced. Before we can do anyt'ing in such a grave matter it will be necessary to consult the Princesa and her Ministers. In case we conclude to accuse the Prince of Dawsbergen, it must be after careful and judiclous thought. There are many things to consider, gentlemen. For my part, I would be overjoyed to seize the villain_and to serve him as we did his tools, but my hands are tied, you see. L would suggest that you o at once to the Princess and Count Halfont, tell them of your suspiclons—' “Not suspicions, my lord—facts,” inter- rupted Anguish. “Well, then, facts, and ascertain how they feel about taking up a proposition that may mean war. May I ask you to come at once to me with their answer? It is possible that they will cail for a consultation with the Ministers, nobles and high officers. Still, T fear they will be unwilling to risk much on the rather filmsy proof you can give. Gabriel is owerful and we do not seek a war with fllm, There is another foe for whom we re %ulctly whetting our swords.” The significant remark caused both listeners to prick up their ears. But he pointed their curiosity, and they were eft to speculate as to who the other fos might be. Did he mean that Graustark was secretly, slyly making ready to resist, treaty or no treaty? It required prolonged urging on the part of Anguish to persuade Lorry to accom- snny im _to the castle, but, when once etermined to go before the Princess with thelr tale, he was eager, Impatient to cross the distance that lay between the hotel and the forbidden unds The: walked rapidly down C: avenue an ‘were soon at the gates. e guard knew them, and they were admitted without 2 word. As they hurried through the park they caw many strange men In gray, gaudy uniforms, and it occurred to Lorry that their visit, no matter how great its {mportance, was ili-timed. Prince Lorenz was holding the center of the stage. Anguish, with his customary impulsive- ness, overruled Lorry’s objections, and they proceeded toward the entrance, The guards of the Princess saluted profour ly, while the minions of Lorenz st: with {ll-bred wonder upon these two t men from another world. It could be seen that the castle was astir with excite: X subdued and pregnant with thriving hopes and fears. The nobility of Graustark was there; the visitofs of Axphain were being entertained, At the castle doors the two met their first obstacle, but they had anticipated its presence. Two guards halted them per« emptorily. “We must see her Majesty,” said An- guish, but the men could not understand him. "They stofcally stood their ground, shaking their heads. “Let us find some one who can undp:- stand us,” advised Lorry, and in a few moments tley presented themselves 'be- fore the guards, accompanied by a young nobleman with whom they had acquaint- ance. ile succeeded in advancing them to the reception hall inside the doors and found for them a dervant who would car- ry a message to the Princess if it wera possible to gain her presence. The noble- man doubted very much, however, if the missive bastily written by Lorry could find its way to her, as she had never been 80 occupied as now. Lorry, in his brief note, prayed for a short audience for himself and Mr. An guish, requesting that Count Halfont be present. He informed her that his mis- sion was of the most imperative nature and that it related to a discovery made concerning the Prince who tried to abduct her. In conclusion, he wrota that Baron Dangloss had required him to lay certain facts before her and that fia had come with no intention to annoy her. ‘While they sat in the wailting room they saw, through the glass doors, dozens of richly attired men and women in the hall beyond. They were conversicg ani- matedly, Graustark men and women with dejected faces, Axphainians with exulta- tion glowing in every glance. Lorry’s heart sank within him. It seemed hours before the servant returned to bid them follow him. Then his blood leaped madly through veins that had been chilled and fifelcss. He was to see her again! ~ Their gulde conducted them to a small ante-room, where he left them. A few moments later the door opened and thers swept quickly into the room—the Coun- tess Dagmar, not the Princess. Her ‘tgy was drawn with the trouble and sort@w she was trying so hard to conceal. Bota men were on their feet in an instant, ad- vancing to meet her. ““The Princess? lIs she 117" demanded Lorry. “Not {Il, but mad, I fear,” answered she and to each. she see you. of your mi to you that preciates and thanks importance ou for ths , she au- t nothing r Higa essed to-Ggay T that. the other. “If you only kmew, Mr. J would not be so har: monstrated the to Lor sh hand you this = a token of her un¢ She handed nim iature y Turning She asked me (o a retain it steem.” juisite mi s, He took it dumbly in dared not look at the With what might he dropped the sure into his coat pocket. ““Tell her I shall always retain it as a token of her—esteem,” he sald. “And now may | ask whether she handed my note to her uncle, the Count?" The Countess blushed in a most unac- countable manner. “Not while I was with her,” she said, recovering the presence of mind she ap- parently had lost. “‘She destroyed it, I presume,” sald he, laughing harshly. “l saw her place it in her bosom, sir, and with the right hand,” cried the Coun- tess, as If betraying a state secret. “In her—you are teiling me the truth?” cried he, his face lighting up. “Now, see here, Lorry, don’t begin to question the Countess’ word. I won't stand for that,” interposed Anguisi good-humoredly. = but portrait it contained have seemed disrespect fingers, tr “1 should be more than base to say falsely that she had done an d absurd,” said the Count ty. “Where is she now?" asked Lorry. “In her boudofr. Prince Lorenz is 'ha [t‘e lh’;‘ne."cfled “What!" he X lousy dart!: Into his existence. He fi‘d’ never nowng T ey are petrothed said she, “They are betrothed,” with effort. " There was a dead silence, broken by Lorry’s deep groan as he an walked blindly to the ov?mn. side of the room. He stopped In front of a huge painting and stared at fit, dld not see a line or a tint. ‘“You don’'t mean to say she has ac- cepted?”’ half whispered Anguish. “Nothing less.” “Thank God, you are only & Countess,”™ he said, tenderly. “Why—why—what it make—I mean, why do you say_ that™" she stammered, crimson to her 3 ‘‘Becauge you won’t have to sell your- self at a sacrifice,” he sald, foolishly. Lorry came back to them at this junc- calm and deliberate. difference can ture, outwardly “Tell us about it, pray. We had guessed as much.” “Out there are people—the wretches!" she cried, vindictively, her pretty face in a helpless frown. ‘“To-day was the day, you know, on which he was to have his answer. He came and kneit in the audience chamber. All Graustark had implored her to refuse the hated offer, but she bade him rise, and there, before us all, promised to become his bride, “The greatest sorrow Graustark has ever known grows out of that decision. She is determined to save for us what her father's folly lost. To do this she be- comes the bride of a vile wretch, a man Wwho solls her pure nature when he thinks of her. Oh, we sought to dissuade her-- we begged, we entreated. but without avall. She will not _sacrifice one foot of Graustark to save herseif. See the tri- umphant smiles on their faces—f§o brutes!” She pointed maliciously t. o chattering visitors in the hall. they think the castle theirs. The union of Graustark and Axphain! Just what they most desired, but we could not make her see it so.” . “‘Is the day set?” asked Lorry, bravely, after a moment’s silent inspection of the dark-browed victors. “Yes, and there is to be no delay. marriage contract already beem signed. The date is November 20, the day on which we are to account to Bola: for our war debt. The old Prince’s wy ding gift to Graustark is to be a docue ment favoring us with a ten years' exe tension,” she said. scornfully. “And where is she to Itv “Already «Here, of course, She is Graustark'y ruler, and lere she Insists on abiding. Just contemplate opr court! Overrun with those Axpbain dogs! Ah, she has wound. ed Graustark more than she has heiped her.” ' There was nothing more to be said or done, so. after a few moments, the Amer- jcans took their departure. The Countess bade them farewell, saying that she must return to the Princess. “1'll see you to-morrow."” sald Anguish, with rare assurance and the air of an old and Indispensable friend. “And you, Mr. Lorry?" she asked, cu- riously. “1 am very much occupied,” he bled. (Continued next week.)