Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-05

was it not understood that we were to
meet tonight none less than the wizard
Monsieur Las?"
Monsieur Las will be with us, and his
brother replied Philippe. But now l ask
you to bear witness to the shrewdness of
your friend Philippe in entertainment. I
bethought me that, as we were to have with
us the master of the Messasebe, 1t We're well
that same Messasebe. Twas but little
conceit Of my own. And why-mon enfant,
what is it to you? What do you know Of
our controller of finance?"
The face of the woman at his right had
suddenly gone white with pallor visible
even beneath its rouge and patches. She
half turned, as though to push back her
chair from the board, would have arisen,
would have spoken perhaps; yet act and
gesture were at the time unnoticed.
His excellency, Monsieur Jean Las, lie
controleur general" came the soft tones
of the attendant near the door. Monsieur
Guillaume Las, brother Of the controleur
general"
The eyes of all were turned toward the
door. Every petted belle Of Paris there as
sembled shifted bodily In her seat, turning
her gaze upon that man whose reputation
was the talk Of all the realm Of France.
There appeared now the tall, erect and
vigorous form of a man owning a superb
physical beauty. Powerful, yet not too
heavy for ease, his figure retained that elas-
ITCHY and grace which had won him favor
in more than one court of Europe. He him
self might have been king as he advanced
steadily up the brilliantly Illuminated room.
His costume, simply made, yet of the rich
est materials Of the time; his wig highly
powdered though of modest proportions; his
every item Of apparel appeared alike of
great simplicity and barren Of pretentious-
ness. AS much might be said for the garb
of his brother, who stepped close behind
him, figure less self-contained than that
of the man who now occupied the absorbed
attention of the public mind, even as he
now filled the eager eyes of those who turn
ed to greet his entrance.
"Ah, Monsieur Las, Monsieur Lasw ex-
claimed Philippe of Orleans, stepping for
vi ard to welcome him and taking the hand
of Law in both his own. You are welcome
you are very welcome indeed. The soup will
be with us presently, and the wine Of Al is
with us now. You and your brother are
with us; SO all at last is well. These ladies
are, as believe, all within your acquaint-
ance. You have been present at the salon OF
Nine. de Tencin. You know her grace the
Duchess de Falari, recently Nine. d Ar
well, and Of course also Mile. Aisse, la
belle Circassienne--But what? Diable! Have
you, too, gone mad? Come, Is the sight OF
my guest too much for you also, Monster
Las?"
There was irritation in the tone with
which the regent uttered this protest, ye,
he continued:
Monsieur Las, tits but little surprise
had planned for you. Mademoiselle my
princess Of the Messasebe, let me presen
Monsieur Jean Las, king Of the Messasebe
and hence your sovereign This Is my fail
unknown, whose face I have promised yot
should see tonight-this, Monsieur Las, i.
my princess. the one whom I have seer
At to honor this evening by the wearing o,
the chief gem of France"
The regent fumbled for an instant at hi.
fob. He stepped at the side Of the falter.
ing figure which stood arrayed in all 1t.
savage fnery. One movement, and upor
the dark locks which fell about her brow
there blazed the unspeakable fires of
| stone whose magnificence brought forth ex
carnations of awe from every person pres
ent.
"See!" cried Philippe Of Orleans "'Twa
on the advice and by the aid of Monsieu,
Las that / secured the gem, whose like Ii
not known in all the world. IT'S chief O
| the crown Jewels Of the realm of France
| this stone, now to be known as the regent,
| diamond. And now, as regent Of Franc
| and master for day Of her Jewels / plac
! this gem upon the brow of her who for thi
night Is is to be your queen OF beautyy
The wine OF Al had already done part o