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At the castle doors the two met their first obstacle, but they had anticipated its presence Two guards halted theuish, but the round, shaking their heads

"Let us find some one who can understand us," advised Lorry, and in a few uards, acco noble them to the reception hall inside the doors and found for thee to the Princess if it were possible to gain her presence The nobleman doubted very much, however, if the missive hastily written by Lorry could find its way to her, as she had never been so occupied as now

Lorry, in his brief note, prayed for a short audience for hi that Count Halfont be present He informed her that his mission was of the most imperative nature and that it related to a discoverythe Prince who had tried to abduct her In conclusion, he wrote that Baron Dangloss had required him to lay certain facts before her and that he had come with no intention to annoy her

While they sat in the waiting roolass doors, dozens of richly attiredanimatedly, Graustark men and wo in every glance Lorry's heart sank within him It seemed hours before the servant returned to bid theh veins that had been chilled 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 the roomar, not the Princess Her face was draith the trouble and sorrow she was trying so hard to conceal Bothto meet her

"The Princess? Is she ill?" deiving a hand to each "Mr Lorry, she bids me say to you that she cannot see you She appreciates the importance of your mission and thanks you for the interest you have taken

"Also, she authorizesthe 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 worn and distressed today, and I fear cannot endure all that is happening She is apparently calm and composed, but I, who know her so well, can see the strain beneath"