Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-29

sary in the event OF anything of this
kind taking place. The necessity having
now arisen 1 am compelled to ask you. as
his representative, to come to my assist
arCe. I have in my pocket at this mo-
mcnt an envelope containing certain papers
of the highest Importance. which it is es-
sential should intrust to your care for
time
Il could not restrain look of annoyance
at this suggestion.
You may bring the packet you speak
please 1 answered colby. 4 will put it in
place of safety till my colleague re-
turns
M. Starovitch gave a slight frown.
L dare not wait till tomorrow he re-
turned, quickly. must beg you to let me
pass this envelope to you now under the
shelter of the table. We do not know who
NAV he observing Ms
Much annoyed at being asked to take
part in these paltry maneuEers / was new
ertheless Obliged to give my consent
Thereupon Starovitch pretended to turn
his back me and engage in conversa-
ton with his iaft-hand neighhor, While
saw his hand slowly creeping toward the
pocket of his coat.
Following his example I also turned
and made a show of paying renewed at
tention to the princess But the prince.
who had perhaps remarked my whispered
conference with his minister, now neglect
ed the Austrian envoy and commenced to
engage me in a friendly discussion, in
which the princess also cook part
while / was cn1ea - g to give my
attention to their nj sses 1 became
CONSCIOUS of light touch on my kneo.
Affecting to play with my serviette 1 grad
TALLY allowed my left hand to descend
cut OF sight beneath the table. ard my
fiji gers at once came i'll contact with the
envelope of which Starovitch had spoken
carefully took hold of it, and. scizing
the first moment when the princes eyes
were turned away, | managed to get the
packet up under my coat and into my
breast pocket.
Shortly afterward his highness gave
the signal to rise. and. giving his arm to
his consort. led the company into the draw
ing room.
'.As soon as she had got rid of the Aus
tran I saw her highness fix her eyes upon
me with look which plainly intima ted
that she mad something of Importance to
say Z me. Presently she came and adj
dressed me in these significant words:
Pardon me. monsieur but if you have
anything which you wish 10 put away in
safety, do not remain here another mo-
nlent' -
PART H.
Il was overwhelmed as you may mag
ine, at this proof of her acquaintance with
the transaction at the dinner table, and it
was with difficulty that I restrained myself
from allowing my dismay to be visible At
At the same time the serious character of
the same time the serious character of
eu 10 increase the uneaSineSS which / had
labored under for some time 1 bowed
g!ayely to show that l understood what to
do. and after allowing a short time to
e!dpse. 50 as to prevent remark / made
my way to where Prince George was stand
ing and asked permission to retire.
The prince was engaged at the moment
in talking TO Starovitch himself 1t was of
course, breach of etiquette for me 20
leave before his highness himself with
drew, but he graciously accepted the ex
cUse which 1 had prepared and made no
effort to detain me. "
Il fancied that I caught q look in tho
prime minister's eyes as if he would have
liked to accompany me. but it was, Of
course. impossible for him to make Tho
suggestion. and went out of the room. es-
corted Gy an equerry.
In the vestibule OF the palace nause1
10 put or an overcoat. 1t was a cold night
one of those nights in that part of the
world which remind one of Oyid's descrin-
tion of the frozen Danube-doubtless Won
are familiar with the lines?'
Il have forgotten them, but 1t Is not of
the least consequence. You can repeat
them to me when you have completed your
story"
The ambassador smiled at my impatience
with which 1t was easy to see that he was
not displeased.
LAS I was drawing on my overcoat," he