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.
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.