The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1900-11-30

itlf
Nert instant the aged statesman apas
bending orer her oaitstretchcd hand.
Der now that you were expecting them
when was there. So they have ar
rived safely, hope, but I think you
had ordered an incredible number to be
certain of having at least one or two
serviceable
''No. only dozen, and they all came
through without damage"
''You young people, you young peo-
plel" murmured the ambassador, bend
ing again over the hand presented him.
"What unheard Of things you dol''
And SO the old man shufled away,
leaving many compliments behind him,
evidently not having the slightest sus-
picion that he had met any one but the
person he supposed himself addressing,
for his eyesight was not of the best, and
an ambassador meets many fair and dis
tinguished women.
The girl sat down with calm dignity,
while Lord Donal dropped into his
chair, an expression of complete mysti-
fication on his clear cut, honest face.
Jennie slowly famed herself, for the
heat made itself felt at that elevated
situation, and for few moments moth
ing was said by either. The young man
was the first to break silence.
''Should be so fortunate as to get an
invitation to the Schloss Steinheimer,
may hope that a red rocking chair
will be allotted to met have not sat
in one since / was in the States.
Eyes, one for ycu, two for the en-
bassador. said Jennie, with laugh.
~ should like further to fatter my
self that your double generosity to the
ambassador arises solely from the dig
nifty Of his Office and is not in any
way personal.
81 am very fond Of ambassadors. They
are courteous gentlemen, who seem to
have less distrust than is exhibited by
some not so exalted
''Distrustl You surely cannot mean
that have distrusted you. princess ?"
"Oh, was speaking generally, re-
piled Jennie airily. "You seem to seek
personal application.
II admit. princess, that several times
this evening have been completely at
sea.
"And, what is worse, Lord Donal.
you have shown it, which is the one
unforgivable fault in diplomacy"
"You are quite right. If I had you
to teach me, would be an ambassador
within the next five years. or at least a
minister. 7"
The girl looked at him over the top
Of her fan, covert merriment lurking
in her eyes.
ssWhen you visit Schloss Steinheimer
you might ask the prince if he objects
to my giving you lessons
Here there was another interruption,
and the announcement was made that
the United States ambassador desired
to renew his acquaintance with the
Princess Won Steinheimer. Lord Donal
made use of an impatient exclamation
more emphatic than he intended to give
utterance to. but on looking at his COM
panion in alarm he saw In her glance
quick fash Of gratitude as unmistak-
able as if che had spoken her thanks. 1t
was quite evident that the girl had no
desire to meet his excellency, which is
not to be wondered at. as she had al
ready encountered him three times in
her capacity of journalist. He not only
knew the Princess Won Steinheimer.
but he knew Jennie Baxter as we'll
She leaned back in her chair and said
wearily:
81 seem to be having somewhat over
much of diplomatic society this even
ing. Are you acquainted with the
American ambassador also. Lord Do
nal2"
"Yes." cried the young man. spring
ing to his feet. HE was prominent
politician at Washington while l was
there. He Is an excellent man, and
shall have no difficulty in making your
excuses to him if you don't wish to
meet him."
'Thank you SO much. You have now
an opportunity Of retrieving your dip
lomatic reputation if you can postpone
the interview without offending him. +"
Lord Donal departed with alacrity.
and the moment he was gone all ap-
pearance of languor vanished from Miss
Jennie Baxter
'.Now is my chance. she whispered
to herself. ~ must be in my carriage
before he returns.
Eager as she was to be gone. she
knew that she should display no haste.
Expecting to find a stair at the other
end of the gallery. she sought for it.
but found none. Filled with apprehen-
sion that she would meet Lord Donal
coming up. she had difficulty in timing
her footsteps to the slow measure that
was necessary. She reached the bottom
Of the stair in safety and unimpeded.
but once on the main floor a new prob
lem presented itself. Nothing would at
tract more attention than a young and
beautiful lady walking the long dis