The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1900-12-21
i don't pretend to understand diplo-

''I don't pretend to understand diplo-
macy continued Jennie, blushing
slightly as she remembered Lord Donal,
and it seemed that the same thought
struck the princess at the same mo-
ment, for she looked quizzically at Jen-
ME and burst out into laugh.
s'You may laugh, but tell you that
this is a serious business They say it
only needed second new milk speech
from the premier to have England an
swer most politely in words of honey,
and next instant the two countries
would have been at each others
throat
"Suppose we write to Lord Donal in
st. Petersburg, suggested the princess
still laughing, sand ask him to come
to Vienna and help usf He understands
all about diplomacy. By the way, Jen-
ME, did Lord Donal ever find out whom
he met at the bali that night 2"
''No, he didn't answered Jennie
shortly.
.tDonW you ever intend to let him
known Are you going to leave the ro-
nance unfinished, like one of Henry
James novels2''
SIT isn't romance. 1t is simply
very distressing incident which have
been trying to forget ever since. It is
all very we'll for you to laugh. but if
you ever mention the subject again I'll
leave you and go to hotel. "
'Oh, no, you won'ti' chirruped the
princess brightly. "You daren't. You
know I am the goddess of the machine
At any time can send letter to Lord
Donal and set the poor young mans
mind at rest So, you see, Miss Jennie,
you will have to talk very sweetly and
threats. because I am like those dread
full persons in the sensational plays who
hold the guilty secrets of other people
and blackmail them But you are nice
girl, and won't say anything you
don't want to hear said Now, what is
1t you wish to find out about this po-
litical crisis2'
II want to discover why the premier
did not follow up his speech with an
other. He must have known when he
spoke how his words would be taken in
England Therefore it is thought that
he had some plans which unforeseen
circumstances intervening have nulli-
fed. / want to know what those un-
foreseen circumstances were. For the
past fortnight The Daily Bugle has had
two men here in Vienna trying to
throw some light on the dark recesses
Of diplomacy. Up to date they have
failed, but at any moment they may
succeed. 1t was because they failed
that am sent here Now. have you
anything to suggest. Madame la Prin-
cesse 7"
II suggest, Jennie, that we put our
heads together and learn all that those
clever diplematists wish to hide. Have
You no plans yourself7' r
81 have no very definite plan but
have general scheme. These men
spoke Of are trying to discover what
other men are endeavoring to conceal
All the officials are on their guard. They
are highly placed and are not likely to
be got at by bribery. They are clever,
alert men of the world. SO hoodwinking
them is out of the question; therefore,
4 UuAAhs IuJ tWO LCllOW Adt0
difficult task before them.
"But it is the same task that you
have before you Why is it not as diff
cult for you, Jennie. as for them?"
Because Ipropose to work with peo-
pie who are not on their guard and
there is where you can help me, if you
are not shocked at my proposal Each
official has a wife. or at least most of
them have. Some of these wives, in all
probability, possess the information
that we would like to get. Women will
talk more freely with women than
men will with men. Now. propose to
leave the officials severely alone and to
interview the wives !"
The princess clapped her hands
Excellent she cried. "The women
of Vienna are the greatest gossips you
ever heard chattering together. | have
never taken any interest in politics.
otherwise ! suppose | might have be-
come possessed of some important gov
ernment secrets Now, Jennie, I'll tell
you what propose doing shall give
formal tea next Thursday afternoon
shall invite to that tea dozen or two
dozen or three dozen wives of high
placed officials about the court. My
husband will like that, because he is
always complaining that do not pay
enough attention to the ladies of the
political circle of Vienna. He takes a
great interest in politics, you know. If
we discover nothing at the first tea
meeting. we will have another and an
other and another until we do. We are
sure to invite the right woman on one
occasion or another, and when we find
her I'll warrant the secret will soon be-
long to us All, here we are at home.
and we will postpone the discussion of
our plans until you have had something
to eat and are rested a bit. 4"
The carriage drew up at the magnifi-
cent palace, well known in Vienna,
which belonged to the Prince Won Stein
heimer, and shortly afterward Jennie
Baxter found herself in possession of
the finest suit of rooms she had ever be-
held in her life Jennie laughed as she
looked around her rooms and noted
their luxurious appointments
eThese are not exactly what we
should call 'diggings' in London, are
they2" she said to the princess. who
stood by her side. delighted at the pleas
ure of her friend. "We often read of
poor penny "a liners in their garrets,
but I don't think any penny -a-liner
ever had such a garret as this placed at
his disposal p"
ssI knew you would like the rooms, {"