The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

e9' 5dIU the consul, ~ is q good
idea. worthy OF your good heart, But
l would not leave Khartounn now. not
even for a few days. And 81 were will
Ing to 90. would 1t be fitting to conhne
my daughter TO the care OF two young
men, whom ! sincerely esteem indeed.
but who are not in the slightest degree
related TO her? fear it is not feasible.
alas net even in the desert. DO not
misunderstand me. though. continued
the consul, nctiEg the look Of deep dis
/ appointment CT Norberts countcnance.
1T had only to consider my own feel
ngs. I would intrust her TO you in the
uIIest confidence. But we have to think
+ the opinion Of the world in these mat
.crs''
Consul. " said Norbert. with emotion.
these are exceptional circumstances.
Would you lntrust Mile Kersaln TO the
care of her betrothed?"
TO her betrothed?" replied the con-
sui. standing still in surprise. Il don't
know. Yes. Of course / would. But
what do you mean?"
DO you think pursued Norbert,
that / could ever have a chance OF
being accepted in that capacity by Nile
Kersain and yourself"
1T is difficult to know what is pass
lns in the heads Of young girls said
her father. smiling genially. But. as
I far as I ant concerned. I may al once
once say. m dear fellow. that I should
I give my cordial consent TO such a pro-
1 posaI"
Il have no fortune said Norbert:
''or. at least. the little that I possess
| is steked in very hazardous enter
prise
1T matters little. my dear friend:
that is not the point You have a
name and a scientific position that quite
cOunterbaIance the slender dOwry OF
my daughter. But 1 am quite ignorant
OF her own sentiments on the subject.
she does not like met cried Nor
bert. discouraged already. Il might
have seen it, Oh. that had been better
able 20 express my sympathy and my adj
I miration,"
Il have not said that you are dis
pleasing 10 her interposed NJ. Kersain-
Il was about TO add that make it a
point Of not influencing my daughters
choice, and so my consent depends on
hers There is nothing easier than to
find out the truth of the matter this very
evening. II you like 20 do So
oh no. not tonight. pray" said
Norbert. with a nervous precipitation
strangely at variance with his usual
frmness. And" he resumed. you
Will do me a favor BY not speaking TO
her. Leave me this privilege"
Very we'll. II is scarcely in accord
ance with French usages. but I can
not blame you. since you have spoken
to me first. 1 will call Gertrude down.
or leave her with you when she returns
10 the room"
No: please grant me last favor!'
said the young man in evident trepida-
tion- Let me wait a little longer
Wait? / do not understand you
now"
4 will explain he resumed in 4
somewhat firmer tone. Il am afraid TO
risk what little chance I have by too
great hurry. Let me have time TO prove
my devotion. II ! we're to speak now
and meet witb a refusal. il would be al
most Impossible TO carry out our plans
for her safety"
But how do you mean 10 manage.
them" said the consul. ION the one
hand you Will be bound in honor by
your words TO me. on the other hand.
my daughter would be free 1 do not
call that just to yourself"
We'll. what natter I am bound now
forever The chief point is that you
should make use of me to save her life.
and let me have time TO gain her love-
Il See" said the consul smiling.
that learning and romance are still
compatible Well. be il as you wish,
give my consent. and ! trust that my
daughter will know how 10 appreciate
your chivalric devotion. But our difi-
Guilty is not solved. How are we 10 per-
susde her to go without me-?
Or Bret might help us by insisting
on an Immediate departure and a pro-
longed absence from Khartoum. You
might return. IL duty calls you back"
suddenly a great noise arose in the
street. Norbert and the consul were
Fastening to the terrace TO see what had
happened. when the door burst open.
and Fatirna rushed in, breathless and
frantic. exclaiming-
General Gordon, General Gordon is
coming, The whole town has gone 20
receive him"
General Gordon. indeed. Have you
lost your senses?'' said the tncreduIous
consul
.'The criers are calling it out. and
everyone says it is true" affirmed Fati-
ma.
Impossible, General Gordon without
any army. without giving any notice Of
his approach. IL Is impcssiblet"
Look. them" said Fatima impatient
" see for YOURSELF
They went on the terrace and Ger
trude came out almost at the same mo-
ment. Crowds stood on the neighboring
balconies. ar the windows and on the