The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-02-05
THE PRINCESS DROGUCA.

"No, Herbert, l can't do 1t. You will
have to get out Of the difficulty by your
self. 1t is useless my going to your
father any more; he said the last time he
would never again cripple himself by
paying your debts. His mind is made
up about it, and even if it were not I
know he has not got the money. As for
me, you know l have not.
~Then what on earth am to do?- in
quired the Honorable Herbert Farnham
-The Jews will do no more for me. I'm
BROKE and that's the truth. They say
there's baronet working down at the
docks, glad Of three shillings day when
lie can get it. suppose shall come to
that"
Lady Chetwynd looked at her favorite
son and smiled little. 1t was funny
picture, that Of this grand creature,
resplendent with the beauties of nature
appropriate to "masher, and adorned
by clothes perfectly built, working at
anything but the obtaining as much
amusement as possible out Of life. The
smile was but transient on Lady Chet-
wynd's handsome face; it died away
coon, and she lapsed into profound
thought. Presently she said very
sravely, "There is your Aunt Margaret. +"
"What of her?" inquired the Honor
able Herbert, looking up from his ad-
mirable boots. which he had been study
ing attentively, possibly wondering
whether the hundred well cut pairs that
stood in his dressing room would be of
any use to wear out when he was dock
laborer, or whether it might become
necessary to have a sale of his personal
belongings.
"Well-I know she is in England. She
wrote and told me so. in fact. And it
has occurred to me, once or twice, to
wonder to whom she will leave all her
money"
HAS she no one?" inquired the Hon.
c'able Herbert quickly.
NO one at all, believe; absolutely no
one. She was an only child, and with
no near relatives, when she married your
Uncle George. That is how she came to
bo sole heiress to such an enormous for
tune"
Made out of sausages, wasn't it,"
"Oh, no-pothing worse than pickles
and jam. I'd have forgiven her the
source OF her money, for her father be.
ing dead when she married, it might all
have been forgotten, but found it diff
cult to forgive her for being herself"
whats the matter with herr" asked
the Honorable Herbert
IWell, said Lady Chetwynd, hesitat.
ing little, Observation-Disclosures
fiighty. She never seemed to me good
enoug! for George"
"Why did he marry her, them"
AOh, as for that, answered Lady Chet.
wynd, her color rising slightly, II be-
Iieve he married her for her money.
can imagine no other reason"
"Ah!" said her son, then she's been
married twico for the same reason,
suppose?"
"Yes, !" observed Lady Chetwynd," that
second marriage made me more angry
with her than ever. Now her second
husband is dead, really wish she would
call herself Mrs. Rolleston again, instead
of going about as the Princess Droguca. +"
"Nev.r mind" said the Honorable
Herbert, "as the prince cleared out with
out squandering her money at cards I'll
forgive him his sins, and even speak re-
spectfully Of his memory. Now, tell mo
where to find my Aunt Margaret, the
Irincess Droguca. Surely must have
inherited some of those fascinating pow
ers you and Uncle George seemed to have
possessed in common. ! will try them
ON her. ! will he humble, dutiful, the
most exemplary of nephews. l will
carry her prayer book to church and
nurse her poodle Most elderly ladies
have some monomania or other. will
discover hers and feed it. You will
hardy know me if you should see me at
her side, SO full Of humanity and de-
corum shall be. "
Lady Chetwynd smiled and sighed al
once. II have no idea what she is like
now. che said at is long time since
have her'-many long year-nevel
since George died, in fact. She was no,
pious them perhaps she is now. Yor
will find her at the Clairville, at Sea
gate"
i've heard Of that establishment,
said the Honorable Herbert thoughtfully
"A queer place for an elderly lady. How
ever, dare say she knows no better
Give me line of introduction to her
and I'll run down at once. l shan
mind going to Seagate just now; it's
superb weather. and lots of peopl,
there.
Lady Chetwyad, looking Thoughtful, a
sho did so, wrote very brief note ant
handed it to her son, who started off i'm
mediately. He was in such an exceed
ingly tight place" just now that h
would have gone much longer journey
at equally short notice, If thereby h
might discover an elderly aunt wit
money