The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-06-18
TJJ.-The Duchess Of Chiselhurst's Ball.
Copyright, 1890, by the Author.)

Dy the Author.)
ME. Indeed and this is brag, if you like. we two
resemble another enough to be sisters nearly the
same height. the color of eyes and hair. Come
to the mirror; Miss Handsomeness. and admire your
self
She dragged Jennie to her feet and drew her into
the ROOM placing her trumphantly before the greae
looking glass that reflected back full length portrait
Now confess that you never saw pretter GIRL
cried the princess gleefully.
81 don't think 1 ever did," admitted Jennie but
she looking at the image of the princess and not
at her The princess laughed, but Miss Baxter
seemed too much affected by the unexpected present
to join in the merriment. She regarded herself
-solemnly in the glass for few moments then slowly
undd the clasp. and slipping the string Of brillians
from her neck, handed them back to the princess
You very, very kind. but cannot accept SO
costly present"
Cannot? Why? Have I offended you by any
thing have said since you came?"
ooh no, no! 1t isn't that"
"What then? Don't you like me- after all?"
Like you? 1 love you. princess!" cried the girl
impulsvely, throwing her arms round the others
neck
The princess tried to laugh she pressed Jennie
closely to her, but there tremor of tears in the
laughter
"You must take this little gift souvenir Of
your visit with me- 1 really-very unhappy
when you came and now-well, you smoothed away
some misunderstanding. I'm very grateful. And
it isn't natural for to refuse diamonds, Jen-
ME-"
81 know it isn't, and I won't quite refuse them.
I'll postpone. 1t is possible that something shall
do before long may seriously offend you. If it does
then goodby to the necklace: If it doesn't. when
have told you all about my misdeed-I shall confess
courageously-you will give me the diamonds"
Dear me, Jennie, what terrible crime you
about to commit? Why not tell me now? You have
no idea how you have aroused my curiosity"
Il dare not tell you. princess, until my project
proves a failure. We women-some
have way made for us; others have way
to make. 1 am among the others. and L hope you
will remember that. if you ever angry with me-"
"Is it new kind of speculation, fortune made
in day, gambling?"
Something of that sort. going to stake
good deal the turn of card so please pray that
luck will not be against me-"
'If pluck will make you win 1 am sure that you
will carry through but if at first you don't succeed
try, try again, and if you haven't the money I'll sup
ply the capital. 1 know 1 should like to gamble.
Anyhow, you have my best wishes for your success"
THANK you princess. I can hardly fail after
that"
The time had when the two friends must
part The carriage was waiting to take Miss Baxter
to the station and the girl babe goodby to her hostess
with horrible feeling that she acting disloyally
by who had befriended her. In her hand bag
the invitation to the ball. and also the letter she
had written in the princess name accepting it. when
latter she posted in Meran. In due she
reached London and presented herself to the editor
of the Daily Bugle.
well Miss Baxter" he said, "you have been ex-
traordnariy successful in solving the diamond mys-
terry and congratulate you. My letter reached yeu
l suppose. Have you given any thought to the
problem that confronts us? Can you get us
full report of the Duchess Chisehursts ball. writ
ten convincngly that all the guests who read II
will know that the writer PRESENT."
at is all question Of money Mr.. Hardwiek.'
''Most things Well. prepared to spend
money to get just what want"
"How much?"
Whatever is necessary"
THAT'S vague. Put it into figures"
give hundred pounds f70O, f1.09e if need be-"
at will not cost you Fl 900, and it may come to
more than $500. Place FL 600 to my credit and
shall return what is left must go at to Paris
and carry out my plans from that city"
'Then you have thought out scheme? What is
it"
II have not only thought it out, but most Of the
arrangements already made. 1 cannot say more
about it. You will have to trust entirely to me-
There is a good deal of money at stake. Miss
Baxter and our reputation newspaper well.
think I should know what you propose to do
Certainly. 1 propose to obtain for you an ac-
curate description of the ball written by one who
present.
The editor gave utterance to q sort of interjec-
/ ton that always served him in place of laugh.
in other words, you want neither interference
nor advice
Exactly, Mr.. Hardwick You know from ex-
perenee that little good comes of talking too much
of secret project not yet completed"
The editor drummed with his fingers on the table
for few moments thoughtfuily..
Every well, then: 1t shall be as you say. 1 should
have been very glad to share the responsibility or
failure with you. but If you prefer take Whole
risk yourself there is nothing be said. The
thousand pounds shall be placed to your credit at
What uext?"
"On the night Of the ball L should like you to
have three or four expert shorthand writers here
don't know how MANY will be necessary. You un-
derstand more about that than l do. But it is my
intention to dictate the report right along as fast as
can talk until is finished and don't wish to be
stopped or interrupted; [ want the best stenog-
raphers you have. They to relieve one another
just as if they were taking down parliamentary
speech The men had better be in readiness at mid
night shall be here after that as possible
xuiJIx; pdJx 4J,o