Graustark

er during her brief day in the capital. He dreamed of a drive over the avenues, a trip to the monument, a visit to the halls of congress, an inspection of public buildings, a dinner at his mothe

er uncle and aunt, utter a few commands to the maid, and, while he was adjusting his collar and necktie, pass from the car. No man ever made quicker time in

hing from the train two minutes after her departure. The porter attempted to relieve h

n called at the same time. With eyes intent on the crowd ahead, he plunged along, seeing nobody in his disappointed flight. "I'll nev

e trans

b,

n on B.& O.," he cried, tossing his burdens to a transfer man and giving him the checks so quickly that the fellow'

offered hand. Only for a brief second did this strange and uncalled-for hauteur obtain. A bright smile swept over her face, and her repentant fingers sought his timidly, even awkwardly. Something told him that she was not accustomed to handshaking; that same something impelled him to bend low and touch the gloved fingers with his lips. He straightened, with face flushed, half fearful lest his act had been observed by curious loungers, and h

now, is to go on to New York with our boxes. He will have them aboard ship when we a

might stay over

cities in the world, I have most desired to see the capital of your country. Per

about baggage, said he would return in a mome

back to where he had left the two ladies. Mr. Guggenslocker had joined them and they

akfast there. Quicker than a flash a glance, unfathomable as it was brief, passed between the three, not quickly enough, however, to escape his keen, watchful eyes, on the alert since the beginning of his acquaintance with them, in conjunction with his ears, to catch something that might satisfy, in a measure, his burning curiosity. What was the m

You can talk to us of your wonderful city. Now, say that you will be good to us; stay your hunger and neglect yo

tuation growing deeper and stronger as he sat for the hour beneath the spell of those eyes, the glorious face, the sweet, imperial a

s, and he had every reason in the world to feel that his suggestion would be received with pleasure. It was a shock to him, therefore, to see the friendly smile fade from her ey

is were wide with surprise and the glowing gleam of injured pride. His lips closed tightly; little red spots flew to his cheeks and then disappe

lmly, without taking his eyes from hers. "I am forced to believe, much to my reg

rm, while into her eyes came again the soft glow and to her lips the most pathetic, appealing smile, the forerunner of a pretty plea for forgivene

did, but, let me say, I richly deserved the rebuke. Pray forgive me and forget that I have been disagreeable. Do not ask me to tell you why I was so rude to you just now,

ould he resist such an appeal? "I beg for the first time i

penitent," he

icans can be masterful men. And now I thank you for your invitation, and ask you to let me withdraw

ar the elder members of the party, who had paused to wait f

armed. Aunt Yvonne, Mr. Lorry has asked us to drive with him over th

t their niece. Then Aunt Yvonne turned questioning eyes toward her

ver be forgotten, sir. When

is mother, but two objections presented themselves readily. First, he was afraid of this per

ll give us the afternoon. You lea

as I did yours!" she cried, merrily, although he could detect the blush that returns with the recollection of a reprimand. "You should profit by what I have been taught." The g

ange trio entered the elevator and then sauntered downstairs, his hands in his pockets, his heart as light as air. Unconsciously he ji

Your mistress is an odd bit of humanity, a most whimsical bit, I must say. First, she's no and then she's yes. You're lucky, my coin, to have fallen into the custody of one who wi

" At one o'clock, faultlessly attired, he descended to the brougham, telling Mrs. Lorry that he had invited some strangers to see the city. On the way downtown he remembered that he was in business, the law business-and that it would be well to

osite, explaining to her the many places of interest as they passed. They entered the Capitol; they saw

ves upon the President, Lorry finding entertainment in the changes that came over her unconscious face. Instead of noting the veneration he had expected, he was astonished and somewhat provoked to see a slight c

as the carriage whirled by. He was ret

er voice. "You Americans have one consolation; when you tire of a ruler

. Expedient is better. I am to

!' For centuries, in my country, every child has been born with the words: 'Long live the Prince!' in his heart, and he learns to say them next after the dear parental words are

? Has there ever been a homage-surfeited ruler in your land who has known the joy that comes with the knowledge that he has earned the right to be cheered from one end of the country to the other? Is there not a difference between your hereditary 'Long live the Prince' and our wild,

our rulers are born, not made. Perhaps we are afflicted at times with brainless monarchs and are to be pitied. You are generous in your selection

of the United States, I am magnanimous to an unfortunate who can never h

se of this fascinating dream. More than once he feared that he was about to awake to find bleak unhappiness where exquisite joy had reigned so gloriously. As it drew to an end a sense of depression came over him. An hour at most was all that he could have with her. Nine o'clock was drawing nigh with its regrets, its longings, its desolation. He determin

e station with you. I sha

sider it an honor. His face grew hot and his heart cold with the fancy t

he sleeping car a few minutes before the time set for the train's departure, and stood at the bottom of the steps, uttering the good-bys, the God-speeds and

said, and proceeded to assist Aunt Yvonne up the steps. She

e made it so very pleasant f

tleman was waiting to assis

irl made Lorry happy by saying.

which she could not misunderstand. The uncle shook hands warmly with th

u not al

him from the steps and

hat I have not seen more of you," she said. He

have put something into my life that can never be taken away. You will forget m

tly, but did not take her

e you not the ideal American whose name I bought? I

ve been sinc

nce first I saw you?

ore I saw you. I am glad I have not

s I will say that they are trust

that I have cha

mock disappointment. "Still," she added, sweepingly, "you are

rise. "You are going out of my land, but not out of my mind. If you wish your eyes to see the change in me, you ha

eyes wavering beneath his. T

r it was in her telltale eyes. His blood leaped madly. "You will be hurt if you wait till the train is running at full speed," she cried, suddenly returning to the

, then,"

erican," she

sparkling with something that suggested mischief, her face more

shall expect you!" He thought there was a

aven, I will!"

arted as if in protestation. As she leaned forward, holding s

e. He stood, hat in hand, watching the two red lights a