"The Princess Candace ceases to be his sister," volunteered the Duke of

Mizrox. "She is and long has been his affianced wife."

Enchanted and confused over all that had occurred in the last few

moments, Beverly murmured her heartfelt congratulations to the joyous

couple. The orchestra had again ceased playing. All eyes turned to

Baldos,--the real Prince Dantan,--who, glass in hand, rose to his feet.

"Your Royal Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen: Graustark and Dawsbergen are

entering a new era. I pledge you my honor that never again shall the

slightest misunderstanding exist between them. They shall go forth to

their glorious destiny as one people. Your gracious ruler has seen fit

to bestow her hand and affections upon an American gentleman, your

esteemed prince consort. We all know how loyally the people have

approved her choice. There is one present, a trusted friend of your

beautiful princess, and lovingly called in your hearts, Beverly of

Graustark. Whose example more worthy for me to follow than that of the

Princess Yetive? With whom could I better share my throne and please you

more than with your beloved American protege. I ask you to drink a toast

to my betrothed, Beverly Calhoun, the future Princess of Dawsbergen."

Every glass was raised and the toast drunk amidst ringing cheers. The

military band crashed out the air so dear to all Americans, especially

to southern hearts. Beverly was too overcome to speak.

"You all--!" she exclaimed.

There was a tremendous commotion in the gallery. People were standing in

their seats half frightened and amused, their attention attracted by the

unusual scene. A portly negress totally unconscious of the sensation she

was causing, her feet keeping time to the lively strains of music, was

frantically waving a red and yellow bandanna handkerchief. It was Aunt

Fanny, and in a voice that could be heard all over the banquet hall, she

shouted: "Good Lawd, honey, ef der ain't playin' 'Away Down South in

Dixie,' Hooray! Hooray!"

* * * * * Hours later Beverly was running, confused and humbled, through the halls

to her room, when a swifter one than she came up and checked her flight.

"Beverly," cried an eager voice. She slackened her pace and glanced over

her shoulder. The smiling, triumphant face of Baldos met her gaze. The

upper hall was almost clear of people. She was strangely frightened,

distressingly diffident. Her door was not far away, and she would have

reached it in an instant later had he not laid a restraining, compelling

hand upon her arm. Then she turned to face him, her lips parted in

protest. "Don't look at me in that way," he cried imploringly. "Come,

dearest, come with me. We can be alone in the nook at the end of the

hall. Heavens, I am the happiest being in all the world. It has turned

out as I have prayed it should."




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