"I thought you were interested only in the game of war," she said

pointedly.

"I stand in greater awe of a tennis ball than I do of a cannonball, if

it is sent by such an arm as yours," and he not only laid his eyes but

his hand upon her bare arm. She started as if something had stung her,

and a cold shiver raced over her warm flesh. His eyes for the moment

held her spellbound. He was drawing the hand to his lips when a shadow

darkened the French window, and a saber rattled warningly.

Count Marlanx looked up instantly, a scowl on his face. Baldos stood at

the window in an attitude of alert attention. Beverly drew her arm away

spasmodically and took a step toward the window. The guard saw by her

eyes that she was frightened, but, if his heart beat violently, his face

was the picture of military stoniness.

"What are you doing there?" snarled the count.

"Did your highness call?" asked Baldos coolly.

"She did not call, fellow," said the count with deadly menace in his

voice. "Report to me in half an hour. You still have something to learn,

I see." Beverly was alarmed by the threat in his tones. She saw what

was in store for Baldos, for she knew quite as well as Marlanx that the

guard had deliberately intervened in her behalf.

"He cannot come in half an hour," she cried quickly. "I have something

for him to do, Count Marlanx. Besides, I think I did call." Both

men stared at her.

"My ears are excellent," said Marlanx stiffly.

"I fancy Baldos's must be even better, for he heard me," said Beverly,

herself once more. The shadow of a smile crossed the face of the guard.

"He is impertinent, insolent, your highness. You will report to me

tomorrow, sir, at nine o'clock in Colonel Quinnox's quarters. Now, go!"

commanded the count.

"Wait a minute, Baldos. We are going out, too. Will you open that window

for me?" Baldos gladly took it as a command and threw open the long

French window. She gave him a grateful glance as she stepped through,

and he could scarcely conceal the gleam of joy that shot into his own

eyes. The dark scowl on the count's face made absolutely no impression

upon him. He closed the window and followed ten paces behind the couple.

"Your guard is a priceless treasure," said the count grimly.

"That's what you said about the candlestick," said she sweetly.




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