The Duke of Matz and his associates reached Edelweiss in the afternoon.

Their attendants and servants carried luggage bearing the princely crest

of Dawsbergen, and meant for Prince Dantan and his sister Candace. In

the part of the castle set apart for the visitors an important

consultation was held behind closed doors. There Dantan met his

countrymen and permitted them to renew the pledge of fealty that had

been shattered by the overpowering influence of his mad

half-brother. What took place at this secret meeting the outside world

never knew. Only the happy result was made known. Prince Dantan was to

resume his reign over Dawsbergen, as if it never had been interrupted.

Advertisement..

The castle, brilliant from bottom to top, filled with music and

laughter, experienced a riot of happiness such as it had not known in

years. The war clouds had lifted, the sunshine of contentment was

breaking through the darkness, and there was rejoicing in the hearts of

all. Bright and glorious were the colors that made up the harmony of

peace. Men and women of high degree came to the historic old walls,

garbed in the riches of royalty and nobility. To Beverly Calhoun it was

the most enchanting sight she had ever looked upon. From the galleries

she gazed down into the halls glittering with the wealth of Graustark

and was conscious of a strange feeling of glorification. She felt that

she had a part in this jubilee. With Candace she descended the grand

staircase and mingled with the resplendent crowd.

She was the center of attraction. Dressed in a simple, close-fitting

gown of black velvet, without an ornament, her white arms and shoulders

gleaming in the soft light from the chandeliers, she was an enticing

creature to be admired by men and women alike. Two stalwart Americans

felt their hearts bound with pride as they saw the conquest their

countrywoman was making. Candace, her constant companion in these days,

was consumed with delight.

"You are the prettiest thing in all this world," she ecstatically

whispered into Beverly's ear. "My brother says so, too," she added

conclusively. Beverly was too true a woman not to revel in this subtle

flattery.

The great banquet hall was to be thrown open at midnight. There was

dancing and song during the hours leading up to this important

event. Beverly was entranced. She had seen brilliant affairs at home,

but none of them compared to this in regal splendor. It was the

sensuous, overpowering splendor of the east.

Prince Dantan joined the throng just before midnight. He made his way

direct to the little circle of which Beverly and Candace formed the

center. His rich, full military costume gave him a new distinction that

quite overcame Beverly. They fell into an animated conversation,

exchanging shafts of wit that greatly amused those who could understand

the language.




Most Popular