Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-23

But my lord, I can think of no other
! friend who would have such power"
Cant you?' he asked, stopping and lay
ing mis- hand on my shoulder Maybe, ST.
n-oa you don't understand how power is
come by in these days, nor what are the
titles to the kings confidence"
His words and manner dashed my new
pride, and 1 suppose my face grew glum,
for he went On more gently:
Nay, lad. since it comes, take it without
question. Whatever the source of 1t, your
own conduct may make 1t an honor"
But l could not be content with that
The letter says" 1 remarked, that the
king is mindful of my fathers services"
Il had thought that the age of miracles
was past" smiled my lord. Perhaps it Is
not, Simon
Then if it be not for my fathers sake
nor for yours my lord, l am at loss''
and stuffed the letter into my pocket very
peevishly.
II must be on my way" said my lord,
turning toward the coach. Let me hear
from you when you come, Simon, and
suppose You will come soon now. You will
find me at my house y in Southampton
square, and my lady will be glad of your
company"
1 thanked him for his civility. but my
face was still clouded. He had seemed to
suspect and hint at some faint in the foun-
tain of honor that had Unexpectedly
| flowed forth.
Il can't tell what to make of It," cried.
set his foot on the step of his coach, and
turned. facing me squarey.
There's other friend at all in Lon
don, Simon?' he asked. Again 1 grew red
| as he stood watching me. rs there not
| one other?"
1 collected myself as well as I could, and
answered:
''one that would give me a commission
in the Life Guards my lord?" And laugh
| ed in scorn.
| My lord shrugged his shoulders and
| mounted into the coach. I closed the door
| behind him, and stood waiting his reply
| He leaned forward and spoke across me
| to the lackey behind, saying, Go on go
on
What do you mean, my lord?'' 1 cried.
He smiled but did not speak. The coach
place. Soon l should have to run
My lord,'' cried "how coud she"
My lord took out his snuff box and OPEN
ed it.
Nay. I cannot tell how" said he, as he
| carried his thumb to his nose.
| My lord cried, running now, do you
know who Cydaria is?'
My lord looked at me as I ran painting.
Soon 1 should have to give In, for the
| horses made merry play down the avenue
He seemed 10 wait for the last moment of
my endurance before he answered. Then
| waving his hand at the window, he said:
shut the window and I fell back breath
| less, amazed, and miserably chagrined
For he had told me nothing of all that
desired to know, and what he had told me
die no more than inflame my curiosity most
| I'm bearably. Yet If it were true, this mys-
| FERROUS lady, known to all London, had re-
| Numbered Simon Dale! A man of seventy
would have been moved by such a thing;
| what wonder that boy of twenty-five
| should run half mad with it:
| Yet, strange to say, il seemed to the
! Wears mind no more unlikely and infinitely
more pleasant that the kings favor should
l
Cydaria than that it should he the plain
| fruit of my lords friendly Offices. Presently
his talk infected me with something of the
same spirit, and We fell to specializing on
| the identity of this lady. supposing in our
| innocence that she must be Of very exalted
| rank and noble station IL indeed all London
| knew her and she had a voice in the ap-
| pointment of gentlemen to bear his males
| tvs commission 1t was but step further
! to discern for me most notable career,
| wherein the prophecy of Betty Nasroth
| should find fulfillment and prove the link
| that bound together chain of strange for
| tune and high achievement. Thus our
| evening wore away and with it my vexa-
ton. Now was all eager to be gone, to
| set my hand to my work. to try Fates
promises, and to learn that piece of knowl-
| edge which all London had, the true name
| of her whom we called Cydaria.
| Still" said the vicar, falling into a sud
den pensiveness as rose to take my leave
| there are things above fortunes favor, or
| Simon, for your names sake and for my
| credit, who taught YOU.
| ''True SIR said l IL, perfunctory ac-
| Acknowledgement but with Grant thoughts
| II trust, sir. that shall always bear my
self as becomes gentleman
| And a Christian he added mildly.
AYE, sir. and Christian" / agreed
! readily enough.
go your way" he said with little
smile. II preach to ears that are full now
| Of other and louder sounds, of strains mere
| attractive and more allurng melodies
| Therefore now you cannot listen; nay
knew that, II you could, you would. Yet
| 1t may. be thats some day-if 1t he God g
win. soon-the strings that feebly strike
| may sound loud and clear, SO that you
must hear, however sweetly that other
music charms your senses. and IL you hear,
Simon. heed; II you hear, heed
Thus. with his blessing. I left him. He
followed me to the door with smile on
his lips. but in his eyes anxiety. I went
! on my way, never LOOKING back. For my