Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-11-29
you all success, and assure you that your eff
forts will not go unrewarded,"


The beautiful ballroom in the Conversation
shaus were brilliantly lighted, wreathed with
garlands banked with flowers from which
statutes peeped, and hung with flags of all ma
lions. In honor Of the birthday of member of
the Grand Ducal House OF Baden. All the idle
word OF Eaden-Baden had been hidden to the
Jete, ana all who had a fine toilet or proficiency
IN the newest waltz to display had responded.
Every one of the f1fty-Odd musicians Of the
orchestra had been pressed into service. the
c!cerona OF the establishment were radiant in
silver-braid scarves. cooked hats and green uni
forms. and there were glitter and color and
PIE rom the waXed parquets--bright enough
almost to reflect satin slippers and shiny boots
treading them--to the richly frescoed ceilings
which made one apt to forget that there be such
dreary things as darkness and cold and suffer-
ing IN the outer world.
When Felix went away, Doris made the heroic
resolve that she would forego all gaities until
ms return: perhaps there was something in the
fact that most of her acquaintance had dritted
away TO other scenes and. without Felix to
bring new friends to her, she would perhaps
md IL dull at an entertainment like the present,
Wnere too much affability towards strangers
might lead to unpleasant results. However,
the brilliant fete, so easy OF access was very
tempting, and two little rooms in the hotel
seemed unbearaby doeful by contrast; so. at
the eleventh hour. Mrs. Bracondale and her
daughter decided to join the other guests
Doris had salved her conscience by resolving to
dance little or not at all, and for that reason
wore demi-toette Of cream-cOlored cashmere
with scarlet poneSranates nesting in lace at
her neck and in her thickly powdered hair
1.-The powder makes you look much older,
Doris; nevertheless it Is very becoming Think
any additional black on your eyebrows was IN
necessary. However, you will do" said Mrs.
Bracondale, looking up at her tall beautiful
daughter.
The fete was drawing to a close; Doris and
her mother had hidden farewell to the last Of
their few acquaintance, and. while Mrs. Bra
condale had gone in search of their wraps
Doris sat down to rest In a small salon Off the
great ballroom. Believing herself to be alone,
she amused herself in various ways. looking at
her pretty reflection in the countless mirrors
giancing at the pictures and. with head thrown
back In a luxurious faateuii. curiousy examin-
ing the ceiling. with its odd orndmentation of
roses made OF Grape in colors of every hue
massed thickly together and suggesting an i'm
mense inverted fower-bed.
Half hidden behind a marble pillar care
fuly-dressed Oldish-lOoking man was scanning
her intently with pair of sharp small eyes. his
attitude and expression suggesting keen inter-
est rather than admiration-thOugh Doris even
when she yawned In the palm of her pretty
white hand, was bewitching. He looked many
times alternately from her face to bit of paste
board concealed In his hand, and at last adj
yanced quietly to where the girl sat-
Doris started to her feet, frightened by his
sudden appearance. and then nervously sat
down again, wishing devoutly either that this
stranger would take himself off or that some
one else would appear upon the scene-a state
of confusion which her unwelcome companion
strangely misinterpreted.
What can delay mamma so long ?" Doris
thought. casting longing glance toward the
door.
'.Would madame have the goodness to assure
me that this is photograph of herself? should
not like to be mistaken" said the interviewed
parsonage, standing before Doris and holding
out photograph for her inspection.
Doris took the card in her trembling fingers
and saw, to her establishment. her own face.
with happy. smiling expression on it. very
different from its frightened look at that
moment.
sit is my photograph, sir May ask how it
came into your possession" she asked. flushing
angrily.
1--WE will not waste words as to how came
by madame's likeness will only request her to
follow me quietly, and without disturbance OF
any Kind, to the nearest cab-stand."
what do you mean?" exclaimed Doris
her knees ready to give way beneath her with
fright.
Madame is my prisoner. and 1t is high time
that her clever assumption of innocence
ceased''
'Oh. mamma. mamma, save me from this
dreadful mani" the terrified girl cried, flying to
her mother, who at that moment appeared
laden with wraps. "He is either mad or dream
ing"
The fur-lined NANTES and soft downy head
gear fell on confused heap On the floor while
Mrs Bracondale's eyes dilated with amazement
and anger.
Explain yourself sir How dare YOU insult
my daughter"
The stranger began to lose his temper
II have strict orders to arrest the original of
this photographs your so-called daughter"
"So-called indeed" angrily interrupted Mrs.
Bracondale.
HAS declared it to be hers. and there is moth
ing more TO be said. For her own comfort
advise her to come with me without further re-
sistance."
But 1t is all mistake! Of what is she &C
cused?"
'Theft."
errand?"
Il have no time to answer questions. Mad
anne, advise you to put On your cloak, as the
ais is cold outside"-to Doris
Heavens" cried Mrs. Bracondae. "The man
Is memorable, and there is not soul here to
whom can appeal for help!"
For reply the keen-eyed little man actually
dared to take Doris by the arm and draw her
gently towards the door; whereupon ell Mrs.
Bracondales bravery left her. and, with tears
streaming down her face she begged to be al
lowed to follow, the awful idea of her daughter
being torn forcibly from her coming upon her
with overwhelming force.
1hey ieit tic SotoH Dy private door. meeting
no one on the way-but an appeal to strangers
would have availed little, even il they had been
allowed to make it-and got into close cab. as
silent, uncongenIal trio as ever fate threw to-
gether. They alighted at the police station in
certain obscure street. aud the two ladies
were given in charge of a serious-visaged Off
clai. with many iniunctions muttered in low
tone from their companion. The police official
escorted them down long, dreary corridor
with stout doors opening out from each side,
and ushered them into bare room at the end
not common prison cell. hut chilling and COM
fortress enough to depress the most buoyant
spirits.
"Oh, mamma, what misery and disgrace is
this that has oVertaken u.s." cried Doris, as the
heavy door was double-locked upon them
They huddled forornly together In the cold,
the one feeble candle courteously allowed them
showing their ballroom fnery in CHASTITY con-
trast to their surroundings.
sit is shame and an outrage which the
world shall know tomorrow" calculated the
elderly lady, mingling her tears with her daugh-
ter's II have heard OF the prosecutions which
unprotected foreigners are liable to in this in
iquitous country; but this exceeds my worst
imaginngs. Oh, it is scandalous-my heart
feels ready to bust with indignation! You,
my precious child, reared and tended like a
young princess, to be thrust into a common
prison-cell by the freak of mailman! I am
choking with rage at the tholght-and am SO
utterly helpess!"
Don't excite yourself so. mamma; be thank
full that we are not separated. II Felix were
only here. But we cannot hope for his return
yet"