Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Jan. 6, 1907, edition 1 / Page 18
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CifAI.LO iTC li All, Y : ... , CHAPTEH VI ' ' ' '. " ' FRINA MAVROT.T v8 QUEST. For some Uma Monsieur Da Froi- lette remainsd Uent ( The return of the .Princess 'was ' contingency he toad not provided tor. '; v'li -. ' "Where la aha?" toe asked euddenly. ' , "Alas, monsieur, I do not know," FtmooI answered, "She has power- ful frlenda in 8turatzberg, and they eonoeal her well. I saw her for one t moment In Konlgsplata. She was ' alone, and entered a shop there. I followed her, but she was gone. I ; called myself her servant, and ln- culred about her. making the frn that nas so long been used by her partisans to secure an answer. It had no effect ,1 was told fast I was mistaken, that no such lady as I had described had enetered. Do you un derstand, monsieur, the sign must "; have been changed?" De Froilette understood only too well. At his very door were enemies, the more dangerous because they had ' been partially admitted Into his plan. He had himself given them reason lor watching him, and the opportunity Of doing so. That was pant and bey " end reparation, but this arch shem - er was not the man to stand Idly re gretting a mistake. Even mistakes might be used to advantage. 'I will drew, Francois," he said presently. "I had not Intended to go to Court to-night, but this n-ws com pels me." . i De Froilette's face was suddenly ' pale. He did not speak, but Francois read the question In his even. It U SO, monsieur," he said. "The Prlnoess Marltza Ik n .Sturatzber." And !now Khali we find the Prin cess, monsieur ?" We Will not trouble, We will set ethers to do that. Matters will be for our benefit In the end. Francos. Quickly I murt dress." De Frollettte dined alone and dis missed the man who waited upon him as soon as possible. A portrait of Queen Elena stood on a side table, and he got up and placed It beside Mm. contemplating It thoughtfully as he sipped his wine. "If we succeed," he mused, "there la high place and distinction to be won. This Englishman may win It for me. In a revolution a King's life is as other men's, dependent on the Inaxard of a die. If I read her mile aright I shall have my reward. And if we fall?" he paused to con sider the course of events In such a case "who knows? My reward might come the easier. Tnere would be few shelters open to her. Only In defeat through Princess Marltja's influence is there danger to me. Hue- ,cess or failure otherwise, what does It matter 7 I shall win. Tno paths to' mountain peaks are ever rugged, but men reach the summits. Why Should I fall? The road to power may be closed against me, but the road to love " And he guzed In to the eyes of the portrait, finding an , answer In them. This man of action was a dreamer too. When he entered the palace that v " evening, De Froilette Inquired wheth- - er Lord Cloverton had arrived. anl r" being answered In the negative, re. malned at the head of tne stairs, bow ing a well-turned compliment to one v fair lady, or meeting another's pleas- . try with an answering Jest. He was v In excellent good humor. ' v Presently Lord Cloverton came . tnlneing ud the sten. pausing half a t ; dozen times to greet acquaintances. " V' H, too, was In excellent humor; but 'JV-then 'ne seldom allowed people to V. J, see him otherwise. i, ff 'ow I hate the man." De Froilette "V. 'iSvid to himself, going toward the am- ' .basaador as he reached tne vestibule. "May I havo a word with you, my lord?" . - , ' "A thousand, my dear Monsieur " De Froilette. Ah. a private word Is ' t It?" he added as the Frenchman led , ' him aside. v V "My lord, you havo my greatest es I,.. teem, as you arc awaru.'' Lord Cloverton bowed "If. as a loyal Frenchman. I would ' see France predominant In the affairs Of this country, that U natural. Is not so?" "Most natural Indeed, and, monsi eur I say frankly France la playing a Vary worthy purl." "No doubt, my lord," Dc Froilette answered. "I am but a looker-on, With certain business Interests which , politics inlgnt affect, and thereforo I take some nntlrn of poll! Irs. Perhaps ' I see more clearly than some, my lord 4hs lookers-on often do: and I am convinced that Ilrltlsh policy m in prrseiu monieni inn smcjus.ru f Wallarla." "1 rejoice li hour It, monsieur" f.'. "And If you will allow me. my lord, I will add that your presence In Htu ratsberg l the if -D security." "You llatt.r me," joni Cloverton J.,. returned. "Y.,u will l,n flensed ft learn that 1 have recev.l notification , that I am likely to be removed from i Bturatzberg " -"That would Indeed hr h dUister," a''vY aald De Froilette. ".s... my lord, any . , . ' amall help, any Infonnntlon I ran give 'u ' you, I ahsl give gladly. Itegnrdyfor ; t ' t. yourself snd my bulMf Intereits rr .)': Will prompt me WV have all a vein ,'. cf eelflshness in u " "I am honored by your confidence, ajjdJrftU wl" ke welcome st the Km- 1 Will give Vfill the Information BOW, said De Froltelic And he low- red his voice as he leaned toward the mbaseador: "The princess Marl- - ts!" a "Is in Australia st present, I b JUeve." "EKactly, said the Frenchman. Making a tour of ths F.ngllen colo-g"v" ner credit for such knowledge, ilea. A delicate attention to an hon-;n,l who was content to he guided In ord guest and unfortunate exile, de- J me tnoasua by her advice. Signed to keep hr out of the way I Thl" person, at present, occupied a while the present unsettled feeling In ! u,t" f rooms in Frlna Mavrodln's .Wallaiia lasts; Is It not so?" I house, and this evening she reclined .'' "Tour political acumen Is not at , fl)11 length among the cushions of ' fault' ' 14 low coui'n, and watched a door at my lord, but yours la. The""e end or the room expectantly. Her lady at present in Australia, or where- lmn1 was stretched out to a bowl of ever she may be. Is not tne Prln-1 lowers in a table by her side, and , nut a substitute. It needs vtry powerful friends to carry through guest a deception as tnat:" Lord Cloverton turned sharply to ; ward hm. and, as Francois had done, De FroiletU answered the unasked question, . ; "Tea, my lord; Princess Marltsa Is la ' Bttiratef berr." . ''lilding Woere?" ' Tbat I oe not know. Tou wilt doubtless take means to find out Command tne Jf I can help you In any way. '- . H Ihanic y6u for the Information. If yod ere tot mistaken, ths way ward child has been very II! advised. I gather, monsieur, that your bust rets affairs would suffer were eucn a th'ng as a rising In ths Prlnoess Ma rius's favor to take place?" "L'ivs t m aaid jtbat Ihtj-g J !sh wtta Ift,g4t $t -VmVi,.. p. . Dy PEHCT DRCDNER. Lord Cloverton smiled, and together they crossed the vestibule, - - Their snort colloquy had hot been overheard, nor had , their presence been particularly noticed .there ex cept, by one , ' personthe ; Countess Mavrodln. She had reached the nead ot the stairs , as D " Froilett had leaned confidentially forward to wara uie amoas4uiorr ana sne nasuiy greeted a friend, keeping her stand- tn at xns , iop oi mm eiatre wuiie they talked. 8e had good reason to be curious regarding , euCa .a confi dence between two such . men, and while- she laughed and - talked she watched them, fine did not move un til they had crossed tne vestibule, and when they separated she follow ed Lord Cloverton. - Desmond Bllery met her and found her in a gracious mood. "Have I quite pardoned you lor mlatakllng me for another woman that night In the Altstrasse?" she said gayly. "I hope so; Indeed, I thought so." "I am sorry. I ought to have re served some of my displeasure." "Why?" "Soi thut I might demand a favor." "You have but to demand, Coun tess." "Then atay with me and keep me near Lord Cloverton," she said.. "What! Has he Incurred your dts, pleasure, too?" "Must I, give reasons for my de mand ?" "No." "Then you trust me?" e)r a moment she seemed satisfied, and then she turned toward him. "Is tne re a meaning underneath that? Do you trust no woman?" "I have learnt my lessons, in a hard school. Countess, I trust few, cither men or women, and I have more knowledge of men than women." They followed Lord Cloverton across the rooms, and she noticed every one to Wnom he spoke. Present ly he stood to watch the dancing for a moment, but he seemed to avoid any person who might detain him In con versation for uny length of time. "I think the ambassador will leave erly Ko-nlgnt." the Countess ' said. 'May I beg another favor, Captain Ellery? Will you see that my car riage Is ready walling for me?" Ellery went to do her bidding, won dering why she was watching the am bassador so keenly. It took him some time to find her servants, and as he returned lie met Lord Cloverton. With the slightest of recognitions the am bassador, got Into his carriage. "The Embassy, oulckly." ho said, Countess Mavordln came down the stairs as Lord Cloverton drove away. "I thank you," she said. "I have a 'habit of remembering favors." "I shall remember that you have said So," Ellery answered. "Indeed, I can even now ask one. Onlv this afternoon Lord Cloverton was pleased to tell me that he looked upon me as an enemy. Hhould you discover any thing which mig'nt affect me, will you tell me?" "Ho said you were an enemy; then I am not suspicious In vain. Yes. 1 will tell you If I can. One word, mon sieur. You neither trust women nor men, so perchance the warning Is un necessary;', but of all men at least uBistrust onts Jules Do Frollotte." "Did her Majesty hid you give me that message?" Ellery asked. "No, monsieur; It is an original Idea. I have Ideas of my own some times. I 'have one now. If you are leaving the palace, I wll drive you to the Western Oate." She was pretty, and Ellery was on ly human. Htrlctly speaking, his duty was to remain, lest the Queen should send for hltn; but he helped rne Countess Into her carriage and seated himself beside her. Hho re fused to be serious as they drove through the city, and when KHery entered his lodging he was left to wonder at What point tho Incidents of the evening touched his mission Why should the Countess become sudden ly Interested In the movements of Lord Cloverton? and since sno was closely attached to the Queen, wy 'should sho wurn hltn against De Frol- lette, who was also deep In her Ma jesty s cotiflednce? The problem was beyond his power to solve. Frlna Mavrodln was a far more Important person In Bturatibetr than t.llery Imagined. It was not only at Court fast she was popular; she was besides the Idy Uountlful to the poor. Hh was Immensely wealthy, and her beautiful home by the rlv- i er .In the southwest of the city, 'nad ls'thl) been called the beggars' paradise, for se who asked charity were seldom sent uwiiy mply The general crit icism of her was thnt rfne was a pret ty woman, very adorable, little frivolous perhaps, and possessed of much more heart than head. She seemed to take delight In such criti cism, and to bo ut some pains to fully merit It. Hut tnere was an other Kids to her character which few perwins ever got even a glimpse "f. Her profound knowlodge of cur- ! rent politics would have startled Lord Cloverton, and her capacity for Intrigue and scheming would have astonished even Mons'eur De Froilette Into admiration. There were fow clubs and societies In Htuartsberg, where discontent was fostered and secret plans discussed, which were not known to Frlna Mavrodln. Hho was conversant with their secret signs, rneir aims, ami their means. ftn" kncw y "'"' most of their In- nuentlal members. A slnals word from hr would havo sent many a man to prison who wslked the streets freely. Perhaps In all Hturnti- iig, tnere was only on person who she piu kvd H petal at Intervals which len crushed and let fall. Homs- rnlng of the girl's character seemed to b lit the action. Hha waa not weary, not worn out with the day's i ?0Tk or l'eure, whichever It might have been, but was waiting antlously, Irritably evon, for nws, or for some one's coming. Iter hair nad loosened by contact with the oushlons. and fell about her shoulders In luxuriant cop- colored tresses, presently the door opened, and on elderly woman enter ed n English women, plain la fee lure and resolute In manner "You have been SDOlllna vonr flow. ere," sne said, seeing the scattered petais on rne carpet. "Never m'nd them. Has Dumltru come, Hannah T "Just corns." "Then brltut him In hrtn t,lm In Why do you wait?" exclaimed the girl, half-rising from toer , reclining position, " "l cannot afford to have fools about me In such times , as these." . , , , ,' ... , . y; . , ! , "You haven't," the woman answer ed ' bluntly, evidently quite used to the petulant moods i ot her mistress. "I was one when I came out of De von to heathen place Ilka, this; but that time la oast." And she went to the door and beckoned to a man to come In. As he entered she went out, closing the door behind him. When Me had' gone the man drop ped swiftly on one -knee by the couch. "Well, Dumltru?" Vw,-:'r "He returned to-day," said the man, rising and standing erect. "He went straight to the lodging of this English Captain." ; ' , "And then?"-f v " To Court, Princess." "And 'Ms mission, Dumltru was It In my Interests think you?" The man mad a fierce clicking sound with his togue. "Ah. no, no, oo; 'and again a hun dred times no,- He ia for the Queen a little, and for himself very much. Have you still a doubt, even now? A sudden death Should be his re ward." "PatlenceDumitru." .1 'The English Captain had anoth er visitor to-day the British minis tor." ' "This English Captain la in great requisition, It would seem," she said. "Aye, Tie is a man, I grant you that strong, resolute and rides as though horse and rider were in one piece." "And honest Dumltur. I have look ed into his face' and thought him so." "Can one ludgo so easily?" asked the "Besides! honest or not. he is for our enemies." "Our enemies must be swept aside,' she said Imperiously, as though not only the will, but the power to do so Were hers. "Thus, Princess," and the man's dark eyes gleamed as ho Just showed the keen, thin blade of a dagger which he carried in his cloak. "Not without my command, Duml tru," she said hastily. Tne man bowed low, disappointed perhaps that the same spirit was not In her as was In him. "We may use this English Captain for our ends," she went on. "I have a way and you shall 'nelp me. Dumltur, when the time comes. That Lord Cloverton has visited him shows that some new pressure is to be brought to bear upon him. We s'nall see how he stands in this, whether firm or not, and may learn how to act ourselves." "He Is ready" to act when tne token Is given him," said Dumltur. "He has a few desperate men who are pledg ed to his service." "You are sure of this?" "Quite sure." "Who will follow for love of him?" she asked. "They are of tne kind who fol low more readily for money," answer ed the man. The girl reamlned thoughtful for a few moments. Something in the man's Information had set her thoughts running In a new channel, and while she mused Frlna. Mavro dln entered the room hurriedly. Dumltur bowed low before her. "You are early," said the Princess. Frlna turned to Dumltur. "Captain Ellery has returned early to his lodging, too; it would be well to watch. 1 do not t'nlnk It will hap pen to-night, but ahould any messen ger seek him we must know at once." "Go. Dumltur," said the Princess, and when ho had gone sho turned to her companion: "Wnat has brought home so early?" "You, Marltsa. I wondered wheth er you had remained safely here, or whether you had again Jeopardized your cause by going so openly into the street. It Is known tnat you aro In Bturatxberg." "By whom" That lynx-eyed survant of De Prollettrs saw yoji. a you know. You thought he woul believe himself mistaken, but I knew better. His masteS returned to-day and to-night I found Monsieur Do Froilette and Lord Cloverton In confidential con versation. When two men who hate each other as thoy do, agree, It Is time l prepare for the storm. You mutlt remain an absolute 'prisoner here for a While." "I am tired of Inactivity." "You will not have to wait long," Frlna answered. "Within an hour, I warrant you, there wll be spies out In every quarter of tho city to try and find your'hldlng place. You are safe so long as you remain nere. WhiU ii n advantage It Is to have suci a reputation f itw-hps'ilpdne an I have. No doubt De Froilette played a trump card In telling Lord i toverton or '-our nresenee in Jurats. mr presence In urats- berg The task of finding you will occupy the minister's atentlon for a little while, and sf Do Froilette Is ready, he wll seise the opportunity to strike his blow, Tnat Is why I of fered to drive Captain Ellery to his lodging. If the token Is to be given tu-nlght he will not be there to re ceive it " "It may be sent to him," said the I Princess. "That Is why Dumltur watoTies by the western gate." "The moment the token Is given I must know," said Marltsa. "I have a plan. I have had plenty of lonely hours in whlctn to ' mature plans. I am longing to put them into action. We are too cautious, Frlna." "Your want of caution In going op enly into the city has nearly ruined us. Marltsa." "I have many friends In the city." "True, and many enemies; and It Is tho enemies who happen to be In power Do not be Impatient" "Over-csutlon may be as fatal as Impatlenoe," Marltsa answered. "We should advenes a step each day, each night; do we advance? "Ro fast that we ahall have run quickly to keep abreast of affairs shortly. A faw.weeke ago had you snv real hona of bet"- l .pturatt- j btrg? Yet you are nere, Had you even a suspicion that Jules De Froi lette had been working In his own Interests for these two years past snd not In yours?" "True, Frlna, we have advanced. Heaven help De Froilette when I touch power. Who knows what Inju ry vie may not have done to my cause In these two years? And he has succeeded In drawing this English Captain Into his eohsmee." "Captain Ellery .does nor like De Froilette," aald Frlna. "Tell ma your plan. Meritaa.,V The Prlaeess drew sv flower ear, fully from the bowl and held It to her ,face, as though aha - were ah orbed for a moment In It beauty and fragrance... : v - ". I , vepisia ,uery ten in vourt wun you, to-ti!..fit," ene suld. "That Vws wisely thought of. Did he come wil lingly?" Frlna laughed, such a, Joy In her laugh the Princess . looked at. her ill aetOnlalMMOUt. .. i ' i . "Yes, he came willingly, most will ingly, I think." ,. "You hope to win tolm to my Causer',. , ' , . "He is,a man, , I iim'; woman; 1 shall try.".,..;-...., ,., ',; ...v.r,; :fl "Ann , then Ci-stf? ';;" "t When Marltza ah, we run on too fast. Tell me your, plan." , ?. a "It Is strange," said tha Princess lowly; '"but In England, as I told you, once I met Captain Ellerey. I told him who I was, and promised Jilm ; work; for his word should too ever come to Wallarla," , "You told him thatl ' WhyT" "I am a woman, and he is, a man," the Princess answered. '.; For a moment this two women looked Into each other's eyes. Then Frlna looked down and straightened a fold of her Dress, while Marltza bent to Inhale tha perfume of the flowers in the vase. , The princess did not tell her plan. and Frlna Mavrodln forgot to question, ner. :' ' CHAPTER VII. THE ' TIMEARRrVES. Within a 'short time of Lord Clo verton' return to the Embassy, spies and secret-service agents were abroad in the city endeavoring to discover the whereabouts of princess Marltza. The ambassador at once tlegraphed, to the foreign office In London and re qelved the. answer tnat the report of her return to Wallarla was absurd, that she waa certainly on her way to Australia. Thla confident answer, how- Bver, aia not satisiy ixra wioverion, In spite of the fact that no news of the Princess was forthc' That she could have returned to Stu ratzberg without his knowledge, more, without the knowledge of any of those who were so eager to keep her out of the country, seemed lmpbs slble; but then In diplomacy it was not all the Impossible things whlcsh happened. 'He was too astute a man to undertake the undoubted ability of De Froilette. There were few men who probed more accurately the' likely trend of future events, or who were quicker to recognize opportuni ties and seize tnem than the French man, and Lord Cloverton argued tnat he was far too clever a man to tell such an unlikely story merely to serve his own ends, He would know that the very improbability of the tale would have' the effect of draw ing attention to himself and his ac tions. "Jro, Wn ether the report were true or not De Froilette believed it, and evidently saw danger to himself In the presence of Princess Marltza. At the same time he might perceive a favorable opportunity in the state of affairs to exploit his own plans. and Lord Cloverton tok the precau tion to have the Frenchman under carerui oDservauon. The unexpected Information had also caused the ambassador to re consider Captain Ellery'a position In SturaUberg. It was quite poaelble that he knew rrfore about the Prin cess than any one else. He was the kind of man Wno would have nerve and determination enough to attempt a desperate venture, and having lit tle tQ lose and all to win, might go far toward success. He and De Froi lette apparently held little communi cation with each other; the charac teristics of the two men weree antag onistic; and tie Englishman might be 'quite capable of playing a deep game as the Frenchman was. It waa. a sleepless Vlght for the ambassador. This was just Buch a complication ua might embroil the nations of Europe In strife, an ex cutfc which mig'nt serve to snap dip lomatic relations and spread the lurid clouds of war from the Ural range to the shores of the Atlantic. One Ihlng seemexl certain, De Froilette had not repeated his Information broadcast. No intimation reached Lord Cloverton that the report had even been whimpered In any of the other embassies, and there was some consolation In tnls. No news came during the following day. Wherever tho Princess was, her secret waa w ell kept, probably because only a few persons had been admitted Into' It. and it seemed evident that no special movement had taken place In her favor, or had been arranged for. Some bold coup d'etat might be In contemplation, and although the many' and diverse Interests In the country were probably sufficient to render any attempt abortive In Itself, yet such an attempt might be the one thing needed to fan the smoul dering ashes Into flame, starting a conflagration which would burn throughout Europe. 8uch fires never die out they are always smouldering. Any person who had watched Lord Cloverton clof ly when he went to the palace th it night, would nave been Btruck 1 his particular ulert noss. He was observant of tho com position of tin' different groups in the rooms, of those who were chiefly about 'ner Majesty, and of those who danced togethi r. The slightest cn tldentlal whlxpcr near htm attracted his attention, and moro than once caused a blush to mount to a pretty woman's cheek by suddenly surpris ing a murmured love passage meant for no other ears, but her own. To those to whom he spoke he succeed ed In giving t'ie impression that he had only a few moments to snare them, that he was purposely keeping himself free, but he managed to sug gest that It was not business, but some pleasure he anticipated. He glanced round all the rooms In search of Captain Ellerey, who eith er had not yet arrived, or 'nad al ready retired Into some quiet corner, pobably with the Countess Mavrodln. The last conleoture waa wron how ever, or. sianmng in a position which commanded the entrance to the suite of state rooms, the ambas sador presently saw Frlna Mavrodln on fne arm of an attache of the Aus trian embassy, an offshost of a prince ly house who. rumor said, had al ready been twice refused by the fair lady, and was only awaiting an op portulty to adventure his case tor a third time. Hn was evidently per suading her t danoe with him, and she was laughingly protesting, per haps promising to do so later In the evening. Khe was, however, not averse to his t orn pan y, for she pal pably kept him by her aide, and they remained talking and laughing to gether, the mon extremely happy, the woman watchful and rarTier pre occupied, the nmbsssador thought. For half an hour or mors she re mained there, evident! ualnr the Aus trian present to keep herself free from other companions. Several poke to her, but sine tha attache did cot move away, the hew arrivals were obliged lo leave-fcer after.es, Changing a few words. . At last Lord Cloverton noticed that tha expres sion of her face suddenly changed, the looked at him, or rather beyond him, and turning to discover r tha cause, ha saw Desmond Ellerey cross ing the roonrtoward her. He also be tame, aware mat Baron telrsscu waa f'l.MI.'!: ' ( ' t i . ill Cat 1 ' w.. 1... ,f J.SU.rry, too. Frlna JlavroUla fiiukti quickly to her tuvali r, telling Mm perhaps where he. would find her for tne promised dance, but at any rate she dismissed him, For a few moments Ellerey stood beBlde iher, her smiling face raised to hl, and then they went slowly toward. tne ball-room.. ;. "The little comedy interest you, my lord." "-,,. . ."Well, Baron, my white balr gives me credit for greater age ' than does the feeling of youth whlcn Is atlll in me. I am young enough, even now, to recognize love, and to taka an in terest in It In others, of course." Baron. Petrescu snrugged his shoulders rather contemptuously. ;i ., ; ' ''The moth " floats to candid and usually gets burnt", he said. .' Would pot tha toaestone be the mora apposite simile?", asked : Lord Cloverton. . , "In that case tha ttrav Uon brings .no Inurt, Baron.'" , ; -' v . "Time wju show ,. which la tha best slmfle." waa tb ; answer V !He , In seems," replied tha ambassador. "In deed, Captain Ellerey Interests many people.", , v"' -'. '):, i,' ;::' -4'.. 'I trust his courage Is "equal to his amblflon," said U- the baron I with smile. "There ara othersstytvlrj for the aama prize, my lord, who do not easily ' accept defeat, and are con tent to pin their honpr to the aword's point" ' V n - Jealous," said Lord Cloverton to himself as. the Baron turned away, still with a smile upon tohj face, but with a movement of' tls shoulders which suggested an angry bird ruf fling Its feathers. "He means mischief. Ellerey may find !nis - hands - fuller than tha expects. If the Baron's weap on is" as ready as his tongue. 'Senti ment compels me to wish my coun tryman victory, but politically ahl a cunning thrust which ' would lay him aside for a few weeks weuldbe very convenient to me, and perhaps not the worst thing which could hap pen for him." And l Lord Cloverton went toward the ball-room. The Countess and her Cavalier had disappeared. "Are you still Watching the ambas sador?" Ellerey haa asked, as she placed iher hand upon hla arm. "No." "Thea 'let us get out of the crowd. Few people seem to know ot the al cove off the ball-room." "And why such a desires for soli tude. Captain Ellerey?" she aald, seat ing herself In a corner and making room for him beside her. "Not solitude, Countess, but restful companionship. I am not deslrus of living perpetually under the eye of Lord Cloverton, and, after what he said, I imagine he watches me pretty closely." "And is as closery watched," she replied. "Have you found out anything that affects me?" Ellerey asked after a pause. She (hesitated. "Not directly." "Indirectly, then?" "Perhaps, a little.. It Is a small matter, but It Interested me. It has notnlng to do with Bturatzberg, but with England." Ellerey was silent. Could Lord Cloverton have repeated his story? "May I know vtht nature of the crime Is it? which r Imputed to me?" "It is no crime. Captain ElleTejr rather a romance, I should have re pudiated Me idea or a crime ln-con-nectlon with you.' "Countess, that la the kindest thing you have ever said to me." She looked into his face, and the color came Into her own. "Are we not friends," she aald. "and is it not the elemental part of friend ship to believe nothing ill? I would hardly believe a confession o i mi me. though your own lips spoke It mis Information was about a No. wo- man," "Unknown women are a dangerous subject between us. Countess," said Ellerv. with a smile. "I am barely forgiven yet for the mysterious lady of the Altstrasse." "This Is not an unknown woman, but a very famous one none otner than Princess Marltza of Wallarla. You have heard of her?" "I have not only heard of her, but seen her snd spoken to her." "And admired her?" she asked. "Yes, iher beauty and her indomit able courage." "That Is what I have heard, that you admired her." "It Is a very strange thing ton you to hear. I only saw ner onoe, for ten minutes, perhaps. Hhe waa a school girl, and playing truant We met upon the downs one breezy morning, a hat blown away by tho wind serv ed for introduction, and I have never seen her since." "It was tor her sake,, then, mat you came to Wallarla?" "Ahl is that what Lord Cloverton thinks!" exclaimed Ellerey. "Now 1 understand his attitude more clearly." "You do not answer my question," she said. "Her story of the state of affairs In Wallarla certainly gave me the Idea of seeking fortune in tnls coun try." "And love?" she said. Ellerey looked at her quickly and wondered He waa not one of those who believe that they have the pow er of charming any woman, and his companion's sudden question and at titude startled him. More than one answer sprang to nis lips reaay 10 trip lightly and pleasantly to her ears, but they were not spoken. Instead he laughted gayly and said: "A Princess and a poor Captain of Horse, Countess? Such a flight of fan cy after ten minutes' conversation! Oh, you jest and laugh at me." There was a further question In her glanoe and attitude, but It was not asked, for a man appeared at the entrance of the atoove. "I have been aeeklng you. Captain Ellerey," ha aald. "Her Majesty commands your attention. Will you come with me?" Ellerey rose at once. "You wll pardon me, Countess. 1 must make another opportunity ot quarreling with you for laughing at me. Shall 1 take you back to the ball-room?" wllJtay,'h,er!lAnd wttff alow Cow Ellerey left her. The fact that ia had been sent for and the probable meaning of tnat In terview, did not - take nrst place in Frlna Mavrodln's thougnts for a time. Bh waa considering Ellery'a answer to her question, trying to understand It whan Viewed In tha light of th Princess's declaration. Marltsa could only have Intended Hsr to understand ona thing, Mid to-nrght aha had an deavored to surprise truth from Cap tain Ellirey. Had she succeeded In learning anything? Surely In. auch ft casual meeting no' tasting Impres sion could hava", bean formed, and yet lava worka la auddsn and Inex plicable ' , fashion somsUmeev Tha Princess seamed to have treasured tha memory ot that meeting; Ellerey admitted that It was the reuse of hla coming to IturaUberf. Frlna Mavrt f. in ' 1, t i r ., t: 1 i l I a iiuii.l i nni l,t rot .aiioui Story, every r; ! j (;:'! :, l.iU u y had ever aald to 1 r, un l thn ... tun r In which he hi mild it. ; ho ta, al lowed herself to Indulge in a dream, which had had riaituht but pleasure In It Uiuu Uie ITlutin haa lookud l(ilo her eyes in so strange a fashion; and now that she hud sought the truth from Ellerey , himself, she was-still left in doubt, in a ihalf-waklng un certainly, which (haa a sense of pain in lt, ."?:; . It was : some . time before ; the thought that' Ellerey waa with ' the Queen Came uppermost In her mind, urging iher to be on the alert Bhe waa In tho act of rising when . a shadow tell upon her, and Lord Clo verton sttod In the .entrance.; ;j,i:,';;. - "Alone. Countessl" . he exclaimed. ''What great event haa happened In Bturatzberg ?'!,fH ' "None tnat 1 ame aware - of, , my lord." ;. !:,:l..JJie-' "And : yet;l you art) alone. It la o rare . a circumstance that you .must pardon py agtonlsamenf', ,(.,; "Even such a frivolous person as I am welcome solitude sometimes," aha 'answered:-' 'fZ.w.M: VI would not,, allow my. dearest friend to malign' you, Countess,", said the ambassador, seating himself be side her. "I expeoted to find Captain Ellerey with you! ' - '. a "Too wish to speak with tolm?" .. . "Yes, but It can wait," , answered Lord , Cloverton carelessly, "Success Is the result of skillfully seising op portunity, and In finding you alone an opportunity, comes to ma. Will you spare me a moment?" Bhe bowed a smiling aaqulesence as though the question were unnec essary. . ,-.;, "Like me, Countess, I am aura you take little Interest in uninteresting people, therefore you must have found this Captain Ellerey interest ing. Bo have I so Interesting, . In deed, that I have wondered wihy he came to Wallarla." "Ho has not given bo much of hla confidence as you appear to Imagine, my lord." a has not told you! Ah, then. I will, confidence. Countess In confi dence." . "I understand, and I shall 'respect It," she answered eager to learn what explanation the ambassador would give. i V ' ' "He lhad enemies tn England who mde certain charges aaginst him which were absolutely without foun dation but so skillfully had they been manipulated that Captain Ellerey waa unable to prove th'em false. His na ture la an impatient one, and In an ger he turned Jtls back upon England and came to SturaUberg. In Walla rla there were possibilities. I can understand his action, Countess; It was a natural one in a man of his Independent character, but- it was foolish. It gave credence to the tales which had been circulated. Now, Countess, Influential friends have tak en up his case, and he ought to go back to England.' "But why tell this to me, my lord?" "A woman's persuasion, Countess, Is all-powerful." Bhe looked at him quickly. "But you have told me tnia In con fidence. How can I approach the sub ject and yet keep confidence?" "You flatter me most delicately by asking my advice on such i matter. is it not true that women can frame her questions so that a man is com pelled tp answer?" "Borne men, perhaps." "Captain Ellerey. I think," said the ambassador.. "Exactly," (he answered. "When the questions are asked by one particular woman," she said. "You have caught my meaning ex actly, Countess." "But as It happens, Lord Clover ton, I am not the one particular wo man." , The ambassador turned, a smiling countenance toward her. "My dear lady, you do yourself a gross Injustice." The look he expected to find In iher face he did not see there. He had believed himself possessed of one secret He suddenly perceived that he had possibly discovered another one that might be even mora cer tainly used to his own advantage, and he made baste to turn It to account "If I am mistaken." he said slowly. "Captain Ellerey sinks in my estima tion as a stone. In water. If I am wrong your displeasure should urge his return to England, for he s no fit onxnller for Countess Mavrodln. He would be a mere adventurer to whom every woman Is a pleasant plaything one. wnose honor Is for barter to the highest bidder. Such men may well be advised to retura to their na tive land." "Ae I am not tha one particular woman so am I not a plaything, my lord. Has your philosophy no posi tion which a woman may occupy be tween the two?" "In this case I think not" "Buch a small position as friend ship, for Instance," she said, rising. "Captain Ellerey and I ara fast Mends." "I hardly know whether I can congratulate you," said Lord Clover ton, rising, too, and showing no sign of annoyance or recognition of de feat "Yu will pardon me, but 1 fear I may have been missed," and then as they passed Into the ball-room he, went on, "I will respect your confi dence, but may I suggest that your knowledge oi captain juiiereys a fairs may be useful to him? Why not advise him yourselff At present he la with the Queen; wnen i see him aaln I will tell him that Jrotl wish to speak with him' -I have already given him my aa- vloe, Countess. I thought to do felm ft service by sending him a mora power ful aavooate." Ana me araoassaaor left her and went quickly toward tha vestibule. As she turned. Monsieur Da froilette bowed low to her,- to too waa hastening toward tha vesti bule. When Desmond Ellerey hftd follow d tha messenger across the ball room, hla guide suddenly pattd and aid In a low tonet ' '., "Her Majesty la in her privata apartment, and I am Instructed to take you there. Will you come with ma thla way?" . .", v ' Ha turned from th ball-room and led Ellerey along a- corridor and through a door, which ho looked at tar htm. They passed up ona corridor and down another for a little dlstanoe, and then ushering Vilm Into an ante room, his gulda left' him thsre while ha went to Inform tha Queen of , hla arrival. In few 'momenta ha ra turned. and, Holding ope door, bid him aater. 1 . . . Tha Queen we fttone, seated by ft table ftt whloa aha had been writing. Ellerey approacher tier and bant over bar hand, w v $..-' v "The time has eomaV Captain El lerey. aha eald. i "To ftra ready t -t am only waiting your Majesty's commanda." . ' - . - "You have batn sen! once or twice, Captain Ellsrey, to Ofslodge ft cer tain, brigand. VasUi&r tram bit fast I.. iii t;,f r.iuu;.' s, i,:: 1 ! .e tf P il 'tin 1 -. ii : j ointment I'll . 1 i t liol Iumuiir JUiii. " "That lit to, your ;?y." " "It vvas never Intended that '' ' ahould lind him," she answered, "l" ' r months past loyal subjects havo fctfn gathering in the mountains with Vs lllcl, waiting for our word-to revolt aguinst the thraldom this country I ' under, to foreign nations.. In tha tu-( lure it Is for us to dictate, not to v , obey. Ills Majaaty, watoned ft ae is, cannot' act freely, ao tha duty ' de-' volvea on me., It Is for you to pro- -claim that ws In SturaUberg ara ready . by carrying a token to Vasllicl,. which, v I- will give you, and which you must '. guard with your life, Captain Ellerey.. The mission with which you ara n- ",. trusted la a hazardous, one, - Faction is rife in the country, and spies lurk , In every corner of it Evan, now there-. ' ttlltf ' h lARt atfltl-. Jtti ifflAM itha. ' road to bar youf way to Vasllicl. But,tff i for tha trusted bearer of this token, f await nign nonora naa great rewara. v ' K,"Bva fo , foreigner VK sked EI fc ' lerey. - '.,' 1 ''-'i' ' ' 7 "Thla la tha land ' of our : ftdop- 4 . . Uon, and by thla service are you not- ? proving yourself a worthy sou?"1 a . "rour Majesty commands. ' i j am -r content to trust to your Majesty for my reward; but ona thing trouble , me."' .,'.".", . Jf u "Whafla that?" . -' , ' 'Tha revolution for such It must j be wll tneat men'a blood against tha foreigner. May , I ask consideration, . " for Lord Cloverton and hla staff at tha v , British ambaasyT" ' ' "You have our word that no harm. . hall come to them. We are not flght-v " , ing emoasaies, but the riff-raff WnlcH , x haa come Into our landthe adven- . turers who bear themselves as though they , were our masters, . We have ' bean under an iron flail from tha pal-- , aca to tne hovel. It is against this ; subjection that we jrebel You ara' preparea to nght ana win witn us."", . "I am waiting fbr bhe token, vour Majesty." "I love a man of few words." aha said; "and' as surely its success will come, 1 pledge my. word that the rib-. - bon Of the Golden Lion of Bturataharb shal be yours, Captain Ellerey, and with it revenue sufficient to bear it fittingly. Tola (a the token," aba went on. baring her arms, on which. just abova tha elbow, waa a brace let ot iron, a chain Joining together' four medallions, "it la an ancient treasure of Wallarla worn, it la aald. by aavaga kings In thla country befora ever, the Romans ' had ' trampled it with their all-conquering legions. I wlll .aeal M in thla .box, wtolch . you must guard with youjr Ife and bear to, Vasllicl. Seeing it ha will welcoma you as he would ourself. With him return inumpnantiy to Bturatzberg, ' and It a rabble of rebellion soldiery, led ft way by traitors. Wno are among us, stand In, your way, I can, trust. Captain Ellery'a . sword to cut a path through H. Will you unclasp. the bracelet for me? the fastening is difficult." s .A As she-held out her arm the door opened,' and tha servant wno lhad ; fetched Ellef ey entered. "Monsieur De Froilette; your Maj esty, has just informed me that hla Majesty is on his way here." For one moment the Queen stood' undecided. ' ' "Do not unfasten It, , Captain . El lerey," she said, laying a detaining Siand upon tola. "To-morrow, some time before midnight It shall be sent to you. Not to your todgiT.- that might be dangerus. Wait, for it at the Toison d'Qr. It Is an tnn of no repute in the Bergenstrasee, wnicn runa toward, tha soufijern gate. . This T same messenger who came to you to-, night shall bring it, sealed aa I have said. Then make all speed to Vaslli cl, who Ilea in the neighborhood of Drekner Pass. Now go. Quickly. Ha will show you the way. It waa by s different way they re- ' turned. "The Toison d'Or about midnight,"; aid his guide aa he atood to open . a door, "and monsieur would do wall to leave his lodging by tha western gate aa soob as he. nas prepared for the Journey. This passage will take. monsieur to the vestibule." Aa he went toward the staircase, determined to leave the palace at appeared to follow the Baron like leaning against the marble balustrade talking to one of his companions. - ; ? There were certain men at Court who appeared to follow tha BBaron Ilka hla shadow. Ha waft watching all those who left the , palace . as care fully aa on a former occasion toe had scrutinised all those wno entered It, and again Ellery's appearance seemed to release ntm from hla labors. With a whispered word to Ma-companion he moved hastily among the people who were crossing to the stairs, and contriving to Jostle Ellerey, came to a standstill directly in front ot him. "I am waiting, monsieur," he aald. '"For what?" "Your apology." "You Jest with, rao. 1 have -none to make.".- ."Monsieur Is slow to appreciate." said the Baron, with a curl ot hla Up. "Ha forgets that he oas stared most insufferably at me on many occasions, :. and .tnat now he attempts lo bar. my progress." . . . - ; "I appreciate that vu wish to ouar- rel with me. . Ellerey answered bluntly, "but I am in po mood for . ; quarreling. Will monsieur oblige, by i standing out of my way, or must I be ' at the trouble eg throwing him down . ; . the ataira?" ', Tha answer, came quickly and was to the point. With a sudden sweep . of ibis arm Baron Petrescu struck si- -lerey sharply across the faoe wtth hla glove. ? , Perhaps there waa something in ki- , lerya expression which made thai Baron's companion step taaattly to hla , side. - Experience may have taught .. him that .. Englishmen hava a strange . ' habit of punishing auoh Insults on tha . spot wltln ft total, dlareagrd at all for "- , malitiea. pernsps waa ma aouon, , ., which prevented Elisrey carrying out hla intention. H drew htmaett up to ; hla full hiigat tha ftlr whistling caugta' breathfan.Vn'aMww? A f;(f ffiiuu t wu, nuv imuau . awar. lekvlng hla companion to sat Ua.the matter. - ' . p ."Monslar wll give ma tha name ofj W a .friend, ao that we may arrange-fory thla ftffaif to-morrow," . 7. Way. not to-night? X never aleep upon my quarrela." . . ; . "Impoulbla, monsieur,"' , . f "Is not tha choice with met" ' y "Certainly, but . "Than I say. to-night" Ellerey " answered. "There waa ft noon when - ' entarad'tha pftlftoa." ' - ' : ' , Tha man shrugged tile shoulders, disgusted at tha utter barbarity ot theaa Englishmen. v v ; v "Tha name of ytor friend, thed, " monsieur?',. . '' Ellorey waa ltd .'a , difficulty, lie ', could, think of.no erne .to whom 'he , was desirous of Intrusting an affair ' ' of this kind, ' Before ha could reply, however, he felt a .touch npo a. hla arm. - ' 1- Vftn 1 ba ot aerylcar ' Tha ipeaker waa aa, EngUshmaa s and a. stranger ta him. . V - . , "Tou will be doing ma ft great fa ' vor, monsieur, and 1 thank you." ' Tha atrangar at in want ftaida v- J. a- . 4' J. . . .' ..... ; . ; I
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Jan. 6, 1907, edition 1
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