St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-08-12

think you could tell me what is going TO be
put in its''
''My dear lady Rubicon," laughed Stella,
'sto tell the truth, don't even know my
self.''
"What mysterious man your father must
be-" sighed her ladyship.
Mr.. Korner returned to London couple of
days later, aud lost no time In acouainting
Lady Rubicon with the fact. He told her
that he had been eminently successful in
his mission; that, after much anxious cogi-
tation, he had arranged something alto
gether marvellous and sensational for the
fish pond; and that, with the aid of an astute
shopman from the Palais Royal, he had car
ried out his idea in very perfect manner
indeed. In fact he authorized her to add q
couple of lines to the latest edition of posters
and circulars, announcing that the fish pond
would be the greatest attraction of the entire
fair, and guaranteeing no one who spent ten
shillings for the use of rod would ever re-
gret his or her labor or money.
Of course, Lady Rubicon would not con-
fess that she knew as little about Mr.. Kor-
nea'e real intentions as the rest of the
world. She informed all her acquaintance
that she and the Hon. Humphrey had been
initiated into the mystery under inviolable
VOWS of secrecy, and limited that Mr.. Korner
had carried out his design in accordance
with suggestion OF her own.
One condition only Mr.. Korner insisted
upon, which Lady Rubicon and the commit
tee considered on reflection to be extremely
reasonable and proper, and that was that
each persLn who secured one of the mysteri-
GUS parcels should solemnly promise not to
open and examine his or her prize before
reaching home.
s'You will at once see, Lady Rubicon,"
said Mr.. Korner, smiling, ''that this is abso-
lutely necessary If people are allowed to
open the parcels in the hall there will be an
end at once to the mystery"
Her ladyship of course saw the necessity,
and was more than ever impressed with the
astuteness of the millionaire. The evening
before the fair was opened, Mr.. Korner him
self drove down to the Albert Hall, and was
shortly followed by very large van which
contained the parcels for the Miraculous fish
pond.
Lady Rubicon and he had fixed an hour
when every one except few workmen had
left the building, and the operation of ar
ranging the packages in their ''pond" was
performed in the absence Of all responsible
individuals except her ladyship and the Hon.
Humphrey. MI korner was very careful
about his parcels. He explained that manv
of them contained glass, and required eau
tious handling: and he superintendent the
entire operation in person.
''You and the girls will be here early to-
morrow morning won't yous' she said, as
she babe goodnight to the American.
Certainly, we are always punctual." And
he left her charmed with his cou rtesy.
The next morning was bright and fine.
Lady Rubieon was early astir, and eagerly
opened her letters to see if any of her friends
were going to desert her at the fair. Much
| to her disgust she read the following:
Ny DEAR LADY RUBIcoN-I am truly
sorry to be obliged to be absent from the
fair tomorrow. Important business de-
mands my presence in Paris, and am start
| ing by the night boat. Wishing you every
success, to which trust the fish pond will
contribute, with profound regret, believe me
| to be,