The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-10-05
IA VARIETY TURN.*
GERALD s7EwAw IN BLACK AND WHITE.
| xCEPT in tourist time, the

the-Oder cannot be called
II excessive. AS it was yet
early spring in the prin-
cipality of Lutzingen. I
had absolutely nothing to do, save to
poke UP an official fire, read unofficial
novels. and on fortunate occasions
converse with chance callers at the
consulate.
This was one Of the fortunate occa-
sions," for NJ. de Lamothe had come
to cheer my solitude. had met NJ de
Lamothe only few days before,
while exploring the wooded country on
the other side Of the Oder. He was
an Alsatian, he explained and a writ
er by profession-but as he did not
favor me with particulars regarding
his works gathered that his literary
aspirations were so far uncrownetl by
success.
NJ. de Lamothe and I had been dis
cussing Johann XXIII., the absentee
Prince OF Lutzingen; my Alsatian ac-
quaintance agreeing in a rather list
less way with the warm and decidedly
undiplomatic sentiments which 1 en-
pressed. mo doubt, Mr.. Mallory. you
are right" he said. "a ruling sover-
eign should. 1 suppose, live among his
subjects. But has he not placed the
government in the hands of good min
listers? There is Herr Won Rottweiler,
the president Of the council of state
"a professional politician, nearly as
unpopular as the prince himself. If
might speak quite unreservedly"-
please do, Mr.. Mallory. l shall car
ry no tales"
"Well, it is indiscreet to talk; but
the state of affairs disgusts me so
much that it is a comfort to find some
one to whom can relieve my feelings"
And then there told Lamothe every
thing which T had discovered about
the corruption practiced by Won Rott-
weller and the other councillors, the
scandalOus over-taxation of the peo-
pie, the wholesale bribery in connec-
tion with government contracts, and
the infamous proposal to turn the
capdtal town Of Marbach into a gamb-
ling center. Lamothe listened politely
while unburdened myself, raising his
eyebrows over the most fragrant por
tions Of the narrative, but displaying
no very great interest
II never heard that Prince Johann
was pOfligate," put in, ''but mere
ly that he was a careless young fell
low, who spent his time in exploration
and travel, instead of properly govern
ing his people"
Lamothe's reply 1 did not hear, for
the noise of carriage wheels in the
streets caused me to turn my attention
in that direction. Had the consul-gen-
eral at Marbach honored me with a
visit? No. A lady descended from the
coach which stopped directly outside
my door, and presented the following
card made it's appearance Miss
Kitty Gosser. ('You All Know Her!D
From the Principal Music Halls, Lon
dom"
| gazed delightedly at this announce
ment. and motoned NJ. de IIamothe to
keep his seat by the fireside. OF course,
! knew Kitty Gosser.
Don't stir NJ. dc Lamothe," | said.
My visitor is one of the iolliest little
women, and the best variety singer in
England
Vi, heard her businesslike step on the
stair. The door opened, and in she
salied--much as she does at home
though a trihc less brilliantly attired
Eu, il. spite of her outward appearance
Of good humor and the jaunty fashion |
in which (upon my Introductory she |
gaze her hand to Lamothe l could see, |
clearly, that all was not we'll with |
Kitty Gosser. And as Miss Kitty was |
not the one to keep either her happi |
ness or sorrow to herself, we were soon
in possession of the secret trouble to
which l owed this visit.
You know thrat I've been a nat fail
urc in my German tour" she said.
No, l had not heard that regrettable
news. l was about to add that l could
scarcely credit it, but Kitty interrupted
my intended consolation. "Thats all
nonsense, Phil Mallory. I know when
I'm making a mess of it, They don't
understand me here. From Berlin to
Baden my songs have fallen fiat; and
unless l do something sensational to
make them flock to see me, l shall have
20 go back to The Smoke U presume
she meant London) with my flag hauled
Gown. Think how Nellie Burlington
VIII lsugh!-how they'll all laugh
I'hil Mallory, you must do something
TO give me a leg up"
| cast a meek mournful look at La
nlothe, but that worthy was admiring
my view OF the Domstrasse, and had
apparently no interest in the conversa-
ion. WELL Miss Gosser," | remarked,
|