Graustark

by George Barr McCutcheon

  XV. THE BETROTHAL

  Harry Anguish was a discreet, forbearing fellow. He did not demand afull explanation of his friend. There was enough natural wit in hismerry head to see that in connection with their departure there wassomething that would not admit of discussion, even by confidentialfriends. He shrewdly formed his own conclusions and held his peace. Nordid he betray surprise when Lorry informed him, in answer to a question,that he intended to remain in Edelweiss for some time, adding that hecould not expect him to do likewise if he preferred to return to Paris.But Mr. Anguish preferred to remain in Edelweiss. Had not the CountessDagmar told him she would always be happy to see him at the castle, andhad he any reason to renounce its walls? And so it was that they tarriedtogether.

  Lorry loitered aimlessly, moodily about the town, spending gloomy daysand wretched nights. He reasoned that it were wisdom to fly, but a forcestronger than reason held him in Edelweiss. He ventured several timesto the castle wall, but turned back resolutely. There was hope in hisbreast that she might send for him; there was, at least, the possibilityof seeing her should she ride through the streets. Anguish, on the otherhand, visited the castle daily. He spent hours with the pretty Countess,undismayed by the noble moths that fluttered about her flame, and he wasever persistent, light-hearted and gay. He brought to Lorry's ears allthat he could learn of the Princess. Several times he had seen herand had spoken with her. She inquired casually after the health of hisfriend, but nothing more. From the Countess he ascertained that HerHighness was sleeping soundly, eating heartily and apparently enjoyingthe best of spirits--information decidedly irritating to the one whoreceived it second-hand.

  They had been at the hotel for over a week when one afternoon Anguishrushed into the room, out of breath and scarcely able to control hisexcitement.

  "What's up?" cried Lorry. "Has the Countess sacked you?"

  "Not on your coin! But something is up, and I am its discoverer. Youremember what you said about suspecting Prince Gabriel of being thechief rascal in the abduction job? Well, my boy, I am now willing tostake my life that he is the man." The news-bearer sat down on the edgeof the bed and drew the first long breath he had had in a long time.

  "Why do you think so?" demanded the other, all interest.

  "Heard him talking just now. I didn't know who the fellow was at first,but he was talking to some strange-looking soldiers as I passed. As soonas I heard his voice I knew he was Michael. There isn't any questionabout it, Lorry. I am positive. He did not observe me, but I supposeby this time he has learned that his little job was frustrated by twoAmericans who heard the plot near the castle gates. He has nerve to comehere, hasn't he?"

  "If he is guilty, yes. Still, he may feel secure because he is apowerful prince and able to resent any accusation with a show of force.Where is he now?"

  "I left him there. Come on! We'll go down and you can see for yourself."

  They hurried to the corridor, which was swarming with men in strangeuniforms. There were a few Graustark officers, but the majority of thebuzzing conversationalists were dressed in a rich gray uniform.

  "Who are these strangers?" asked Lorry.

  "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Prince Lorenz is also here, and these grayfellows are a part of his retinue. Lorenz has gone on to the castle.What's the matter?" Lorry had turned pale and was reaching for the wallwith unsteady hand.

  "He has come for his answer," he said, slowly, painfully.

  "That's right! I hadn't thought of that. I hope she turns him down. Butthere's Gabriel over yonder. See those three fellows in blue? The middleone is the prince."

  Near the door leading to the piazza stood several men, gray and blue.The man designated as Gabriel was in the center, talking gaily andsomewhat loudly, puffing at a cigarette between sentences. He was nottall, but he was strongly and compactly built. His hair and croppedbeard were as black as coal, his eyes wide, black and lined, It was apleasure-worn face, and Lorry shuddered as he thought of the Princess inthe power of this evil-looking wretch. They leisurely made their wayto a spot near the talkers. There was no mistaking the voice. PrinceGabriel and Michael were one and the same, beyond all doubt. But how toprove it to the satisfaction of others?

  Skepticism would follow any attempt to proclaim the prince guiltybecause his voice sounded like that of the chief conspirator. In amatter where whole nations were concerned the gravest importance wouldbe attached to the accusation of a ruler. Satisfying themselves as tothe identity of that peculiar voice, the friends passed through to thepiazza.

  "What's to be done?" asked Anguish, boiling over with excitement.

  "We must go to Baron Dangloss, tell him of our positive discovery, andthen consult Count Halfont."

  "And Her Royal Highness, of course."

  "Yes, I suppose so," said Lorry, flicking the ashes from his cigar witha finger that was now steady. He was serving the Princess again.

  They hurried to the Tower, and were soon in the presence of the fiercelittle chief of police. Lorry had spent many hours with Danglossof late, and they had become friends. His grim old face blanchedperceptibly as he heard the assertions of the young men. He shook hishead despairingly.

  "It may be as you say, gentlemen, but I am afraid we can do nothing. Tocharge a prince with such a crime and on such evidence would bemadness. I am of your belief, however. Prince Gabriel is the man I havesuspected. Now I am convinced. Before we can do anything in such a gravematter it will be necessary to consult the Princess and her ministers.In case we conclude to accuse the Prince of Dawsbergen, it must beafter careful and judicious thought. There are many things to consider,gentlemen. For my part, I would be overjoyed to seize the villain and toserve him as we did his tools, but my hands are tied, you see. I wouldsuggest that you go at once to the Princess and Count Halfont, tell themof your suspicions--"

  "Not suspicions, my lord,--facts," interrupted Anguish.

  "Well, then, facts, and ascertain how they feel about taking up aproposition that may mean war. May I ask you to come at once to me withtheir answer. It is possible that they will call for a consultationwith the ministers, nobles and high officers. Still, I fear they will beunwilling to risk much on the rather flimsy proof you can give. Gabrielis powerful and we do not seek a war with him. There is another foe forwhom we are quietly whetting our swords." The significant remark causedboth listeners to prick up their ears. But he disappointed, theircuriosity, and they were left to speculate as to whom the other foemight be. Did he mean that Graustark was secretly, slyly making ready toresist, treaty or no treaty?

  It required prolonged urging on the part of Anguish to persuade Lorry toaccompany him to the castle, but, when once determined to go before thePrincess with their tale, he was eager, impatient to cross the distancethat lay between the hotel and the forbidden grounds. They walkedrapidly down Castle Avenue and were soon at the gates. The guard knewthem, and they were admitted without a word. As they hurried through thepark they saw many strange men in gray, gaudy uniforms, and it occurredto Lorry that their visit, no matter how great its importance, wasill-timed. Prince Lorenz was holding the center of the stage.

  Anguish, with his customary impulsiveness, overruled Lorry's objections,and they proceeded toward the entrance. The guards of the Princesssaluted profoundly, while the minions of Lorenz stared with ill-bredwonder upon these two tall men from another world. It could be seen thatthe castle was astir with excitement, subdued and pregnant with thrivinghopes and fears. The nobility of Graustark was there; the visitors ofAxphain were being entertained.

  At the castle doors the two met their first obstacle, but they hadanticipated its presence Two guards halted them peremptorily.

  "We must see Her Royal Highness," said Anguish, but the men could notunderstand him. They stoically stood their ground, shaking their heads.

  "Let us find some one who can understand us," advised Lorry, and in afew moments they presented themselves before the guards, accompaniedby a young nobleman with whom they had acquaintance. He succeeded in
advancing them to the reception hall inside the doors and found for thema servant who would carry a message to the Princess if it were possibleto gain her presence. The nobleman doubted very much, however, if themissive hastily written by Lorry could find its way to her, as she hadnever been so occupied as now.

  Lorry, in his brief note, prayed for a short audience for himself andMr. Anguish, requesting that Count Halfont be present. He informed herthat his mission was of the most imperative nature and that it relatedto a discovery made concerning the Prince who had tried to abduct her.In conclusion, he wrote that Baron Dangloss had required him to laycertain facts before her and that he had come with no intention to annoyher.

  While they sat in the waiting room they saw, through the glass doors,dozens of richly attired men and women in the hall beyond. They wereconversing animatedly, Graustark men and women with dejected faces,Axphainians with exultation glowing in every glance. Lorry's heart sankwithin him. It seemed hours before the servant returned to bid themfollow him. Then his blood leaped madly through veins that had beenchilled and lifeless. He was to see Her again!

  Their guide conducted them to a small anteroom, where he left them.A few moments later the door opened and there swept quickly into theroom--the Countess Dagmar, not the Princess. Her face was drawn with thetrouble and sorrow she was trying so hard to conceal. Both men were ontheir feet in an instant, advancing to meet her.

  "The Princess? Is she ill?" demanded Lorry.

  "Not ill, but mad, I fear," answered she, giving a hand to each. "Mr.Lorry, she bids me say to you that she cannot see you. She appreciatesthe importance of your mission and thanks you for the interest you havetaken.

  "Also, she authorizes me to assure you that nothing can be done atpresent regarding the business on which you come."

  "She refuses to see us," said he, slowly, his face whiter than ever.

  "Nay; she begs that you will excuses her. Her Highness is sorely wornand distressed today, and I fear cannot endure all that is happening.She is apparently calm and composed, but I, who know her so well, cansee the strain beneath."

  "Surely she must see the urgency of quick action in this matter ofours," cried Anguish half angrily. "We are not dogs to be kicked out ofthe castle. We have a right to be treated fairly--"

  "We cannot censure the Princess, Harry," said Lorry, calmly. "We havecome because we would befriend her, and she sees fit to reject our goodoffices. There is but one thing left for us to do--depart as we came."

  "But I don't like it a little bit," growled the other.

  "If you only knew, Mr. Anguish, you would not be so harsh and unjust,"remonstrated the lady, warmly. Turning to Lorry she said: "She askedme to hand you this and to bid you retain it as a token of her undyingesteem."

  She handed him a small, exquisite miniature of the Princess, framed ingold inlaid with rubies. He took it dumbly in his fingers, but darednot look at the portrait it contained. With what might have seemeddisrespect he dropped the treasure into his coat pocket.

  "Tell her I shall always retain it as a token' of her--esteem," he said."And now may I ask whether she handed my note to her uncle, the Count?"

  The Countess blushed in a most unaccountable manner.

  "Not while I was with her," she said, recovering the presence of mindshe apparently had lost.

  "She destroyed it, I presume," said he, laughing harshly.

  "I saw her place it in her bosom, sir, and with the right hand," criedthe Countess, as if betraying a state secret.

  "In her--you are telling me the truth?" cried he, his face lighting up.

  "Now, see here, Lorry, don't begin to question the Countess's word. Iwon't stand for that," interposed Anguish, good-humoredly.

  "I should be more than base to say falsely that she had done anything soabsurd," said the Countess, indignantly.

  "Where is she now?" asked Lorry.

  "In her boudoir. The Prince Lorenz is with her--alone."

  "What!" he cried, jealousy darting into his existence. He had neverknown jealousy before.

  "They are betrothed," said she, with an effort. There was a deadsilence, broken by Lorry's deep groan as he turned and walked blindlyto the opposite side of the room. He stopped in front of a huge paintingand stared at it, but did not see a line or a tint.

  "You don't mean to say she has accepted?" half whispered Anguish.

  "Nothing less."

  "Thank God, you are only a Countess," he said, tenderly.

  "Why--why--what difference can it make! I mean, why do you say that?"she stammered, crimson to her hair.

  "Because you won't have to sell yourself at a sacrifice," he said,foolishly. Lorry came back to them at this juncture, outwardly calm anddeliberate.

  "Tell us about it, pray. We had guessed as much."

  "Out there are his people,--the wretches!" she cried, vindictively, herpretty face in a helpless frown. "To-day was the day, you know, on whichhe was to have his answer. He came and knelt in the audience chamber.All Graustark had implored her to refuse the hated offer, but she badehim rise, and there, before us all; promised to become his bride.

  "The greatest sorrow Graustark has ever known grows out of thatdecision. She is determined to save for us what her father's folly lost.To do this she becomes the bride of a vile wretch, a man who soils herpure nature when he thinks of her. Oh, we sought to dissuade her,--webegged, we entreated, but without avail. She will not sacrifice onefoot of Graustark to save herself. See the triumphant smiles on theirfaces--the brutes!" She pointed maliciously to the chattering visitorsin the hall. "Already they think the castle theirs. The union ofGraustark and Axphain! Just what they most desired, but we could notmake her see it so."

  "Is the day set?" asked Lorry, bravely, after a moments silentinspection of the dark-browed victors.

  "Yes, and there is to be no delay. The marriage contract has alreadybeen signed. The date is November 20th, the day on which we are toaccount to Bolaroz for our war debt.

  "The old Prince's wedding gift to Graustark is to be a document favoringus with a ten years' extension," she said, scornfully.

  "And where is she to live?"

  "Here, of course. She is Graustark's ruler, and here she insists onabiding. Just contemplate our court! Over-run with those Axphain dogs!Ah, she has wounded Graustark more than she has helped her."

  There was nothing more to be said or done, so, after a few moments, theAmericans took their departure. The Countess bade them farewell, sayingthat she must return to the Princess.

  "I'll see you to-morrow," said Anguish, with rare assurance and the airof an old and indispensable friend.

  "And you, Mr. Lorry?" she said, curiously.

  "I am very much occupied," he mumbled.

  "You do wrong in seeking to deceive me," she whispered, as Anguishpassed through the door ahead of them. "I know why you do not come."

  "Has she told you?"

  "I have guessed. Would that it could have been you and not the other."

  "One cannot be a man and a prince at the same time, I fancy," he said,bitterly.

  "Nor can one be a princess and a woman." Lorry recalled the conversationin the sickroom two weeks before and smiled ironically. The friendlygirl left them at the door and they passed out of the castle.

  "I shall leave Edelweiss to-morrow," said one, more to himself than tohis companion, as they crossed the parade. The other gave a start anddid not look pleased. Then he instinctively glanced toward the castle.

  "The Princess is at her window," he cried, clutching Lorry's arm andpointing back. But the other refused to turn, walking on blindly. "Youought not to have acted like that, Gren," said Anguish, a few momentslater. "She saw me call your attention to her, and she saw you refuse tolook back. I don't think that you should have hurt her." Lorry did notrespond, and there was no word between them until they were outside thecastle gates.

  "You may leave to-morrow, Lorry, if you like, but I'm going to stay awhile," said Harry, a trifle confusedly.

  "Haven'
t you had enough of the place?"

  "I don't care a whoop for the place. You see, it's this way: I'm just ashard hit as you, and it is not a Princess that I have to contend with."

  "You mean that you are in love with the Countess?"

  "Emphatically."

  "I'm sorry for you."

  "Think she'll turn me down?"

  "Unless you buy a title of one of these miserable counts or dukes."

  "Oh, I'm not so sure about that. These counts and dukes come over andmarry our American girls. I don't see why I can't step in and pick out anice little Countess if I want to."

  "She is not as avaricious as the counts and dukes, I'll wager. She caresnothing for your money."

  "Well, she's as poor as a church mouse," said the other, doggedly.

  "The Countess poor? How do you know?'

  "I asked her one day and she told me all about it," said Anguish.