The Washington times., 1901-10-13
THE PRINCESS

n
In the fiag-decked atrium OF the Casino
n girl was standing alone, under the gal
lery. watching the brilliant spectacle
with wfde-eyed interest: 1t was her first
evening in Monte Carlo. Fair women
of all nations were laughing, chattering.
and smoking around her; the girl was abb
solutely lost in the novelty of the scene.
The doors at the end OF the entrance
hall were open. and led straight TO the
Sale de Jeu. The windows toward the
sea were wide, and above the ceaseless
clink of money, Mona could hear the soft
lap of the waves upon the sand.
How wonderful Oh. how wonderful
she said to herself, as she stood watch
ing, afraid to enter.
rs this really I?" With sigh of re-
gret at the thought of the distant. merry
New York home circle, she left the
Casino and went out into the starlit
night.
She paused a moment on the terrace to
listen to the music, and leant over the
wide balustrade looking toward Cap Mar
tin.
Good evening said lady's voice be-
hind her. Il see you are not yet biasc
enough to have lost interest in the view;
to me also. it is always beautiful But
surely, why are you here aione2.'
Mona had turned In surprise.
Madame think-I am sure you must
be making some mistake" she said hesi-
tatingly.
My dear child! What do you mean?'
cried the stranger, facing her with a
searching look. Where is your hus-
band?"
Il have no husband" answered Mona
promptly.
The lady laughed in startled manner.
and looked at the girl with frightened
eyes.
Princess. has anything happened?" she
asked in low. mysterious voice. laying
her hand on Mona's arms.
Il do not understand you," answered
Mona. Il am not prircess.''
The lady pulled her firmly. though
gently into the circle of light, peering
anxiousIy at her the while.
You must be mistaking me for some
one else persisted the girl, drawing
away from her questioner, half thinking
she was mad.
1T would be dangerous for you to say
that sort of thing to anybody else. and
1t is useless to me-" said the stranger sud-
denly. DO you think 1. who have known
you for the past ten years. could be mis-
taken? You are not the princess! For to-
night only, or for how long, may ask?"
And with a light scornful laugh. she NOV
ed quickly away, and disappeared
amongst the crowd
We'll, that's mighty cur'usi" exclaim-
ed Mona, as she lost sight of the lady and
began to regain her presence of mind.
What can be the meaning of it ali?" Is
she mad? Well" giving herself little
shake. Il cannot stand guessing here all
night, I shall go right away and tell
F1oy."
Just before she reached the end of the
terrace. boy came rushing down the
broad steps, three at time.
''Oh, Miss Muiri" he exclaimed, could
you leave this book at the Villa des Lau-
riers? 1t is for some Americans from Chi
cago. and rather important. L want to
go to the fete at Old Monaco tonight,
and shall not have time to do both
81 will gladly take it for you, answer
ed Mona las 1 pass along the Boulevard
du Nord it will be no trouble"
That's jolly" said the boy. Here 1t
is; I'll do as much for you another day;
have not the time now even to say
thanks property"
He was off like shot, after thrusting
the packet into the girls hand
Mona reached the Villa des Lauriers.
and according to the concierge's fnstruc-
tions. mounted to the premier etage- on
messing the bell the door was immedi-
ateIy opened, not by French bonne, but
by an American girl of about her own
age.
To Mona's amazement, this girl instant
" flung her arms round her neck and
pulled her inside, talking volubly all the
time. and almost strangling Mona In her
ecstatic delight
"Oh. good graciousi Who would have
thought of meeting you in Monte Carlo Of
all the places in the world. Come in on,
come in quick; VIC are all here. Now, tell
NE everything. I want to know right
away. How do you like being married?
Is it just so lovely as we used to guess 1t
would be? Fancy your really being one
after all! My. it is eute.''
Mona's breath seemed taken away as
she was thus, metaphorically speaking
hustled into the little saloon. Here. an
elderly lady embraced her warmly. and
Mona was passive; but when a gentleman
would also have taken possession of her
she made vigorous protest
''Oh. you are all making mistakef
she cried. Stop! stop
Il really do not think l have met you
before" said Mona, half laughing. half
frightened.
olive. how can you?" cried the girl,
reproachfully.
Perhaps we ought to treat you in a
more dignified manner now. Is that what
you mean?'' asked the old gentleman.
IF so, good evening, princess" said his |
son. with a low bow.
There was a slight pause as Mona be-
gan to realize the awIswardness of the sit |
uation.
Good evening" she answered. shyly. |
and then felt that the commonplace re-
mark had made matters even worse
'Oh, it is not that" she cried at length
with a little rush of words. Don't you
see, l am not the princess you take me
for. l am an American-"
Their laughter interrupted her.
I'VE know that" said the young man
scofingly. Considering you were engaged
% me for six months before you married
This princeIing. it is hardly likely we
should make a mistake in either your
or identity"
II was never engaged to you,'' flashed
,ut Mona Indignantly, ''or married TO any
Dne else My name is Mona Muir; my
mother brought us to Europe for the sake
If my sisters health. We only left New
York city two months ago..
For answer. the young man caught up
1 lamp and held 1t over her head; his
amazed sister followed suit.
Well" she exclaimed. this is mighty
.u'rusl l would not have believed there
,ould be two people in the world so much
llike-and yet no relations.
Mona could see from their faces that
be,, yyara nor uuite convinced in spite of