The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1903-06-18

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"
IL suggest, Jennie, that we put our
heads together and learn all that those
clever diplomatists wish to hide Have
you no plans yourself
81 have no very definite plan, but l
have a general scheme. These men l
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.
| think, my two fellow journalists have
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 p
because propose to work with peo-
pie who are not on their guard, and
there is where you can help me. if yor
are not shocked at my proposal Each
official has 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
"Excellentl" 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
eminent 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
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 II 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 bit. "
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.
"These 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 | don't think any penny -a-liner
ever had such a garnet as this placed at
his disposal. "
81 knew You would like the rooms, :"
cried the princess gayly. II like them
myself, and hope they will help to in
duce You to stay in Vienna rs long as
you can. | have given you my own
maid Gretlich, and assure you it ism t
every friend would lend her to- She is
model servant -
"Oh, but You mustn't do that" said
Jennie. Il cannot rob You of your
maid and also be selfish enough to mo-
nopoliZe these rooms.
"You are not robbing me, In fact. l
am perhaps a little artful in giving
You Gretlich, for she is down in the
dumps this last week or two, and l
don't know what in the world is the
matter with her. | suspect it is some
love affair, but she will say nothing,
although | have asked her time and
again what IL the trouble. Now, you
are such cheerful consoling young
woman that | thought If Gretlch were
in your service for time she might
brighten up and be her own self again,
So, you see, instead of robbing me, am
really taking advantage Of your good
nature.
81 am afraid You are just saying
that to make it easier for me to be sell
fish, still, you are so generous, princess
that am not going to object to any
thing you do, but just give myself up
to luxury while ! stay in Vienna"
THAT is right All, here is Gretlich
Now, Gretlich. / want you to help make
Miss Baxtcr's stay here 70 pleasant that
she will never want to leave us.
~ shall do my best, your highness, :"
said the girl with quiet Difference.
The princess left the two alone to-
gether, and Jennie saw that Gretlich
was not the least ornamental appendage
to the handsome suit Of rooms. Gretlich
was an excellent example Of that type
of fair women for which Vienna Is
noted, but she was, as the princess had
said pytro,nplv 1owncast and Jennie