The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1905-12-01

te center OF attention himself diverted
that attention, He inaugurated an ar
gument over the best cross country
route from Osterno to Thors, which
sent Steinmetz out of the room for a
map. During the absence of the watch
full German he admired the view from
he window, and this strategic move
ment enabled him to say to Eta aside:
II must see you before l leave the
house; it is absolutely necessary"
Not long after the return of Stein
metz and the final decision respecting
the road to Thors, Eta left the room,
and a few minutes later the servant
announced that the baron's horse was
at the door.
De Chauxville took his leave at once,
with many u Of lasting graft
tude.
KINDLY" he added, make my adieus
to the princess. 1 will not trouble her"
Quite by accident he met Eta at the
head of the state staircase and ex
pressed such admiration for the castle
that she opened the door of the large
drawing room and took him to see that
apartment.
what / arranged for Thursday is
for the day after tomorrow-Tuesday,
said De ChauXville as soon as they
were alone. 1--WE cannot keep them
back any longer. You understandable
side door to be opened at Z o'clock. All,
who is thisT"
They both turned. Steinmetz was
standing behind them, but he could
not have heard De ChauxYille's words.
He closed the door carefully and came
forward with his grim smile.
"Just we three!' repeated Steinmetz.
"De ChauXville, you love an epigram.
The a who Overestimates the fool
ishness of others is himself the big
gest fool concerned. A lame horse
the princes generosity-making your
adieus. You should know me better
than that after all these years. No;
you need not look at the door. No one
will interrupt us. 1 have seen to that"
He turned to the princess with the
grave courtesy that always marked his
attitude toward her.
Madame" he said, 81 fully recog-
niZe your cleverness in raising yourself
to the position you now occupy, but I
would remind you that that position
carries with it certain obligations. It
is hardly digniied for a princess to
engage herself in q vulgar love intrigue
in her own house."
eft Is not a vulgar love intrigued"
cried Eta, with blazing eyes. 81 will
not allow you to say that! Where is
your boosted friendship? Is this a
sample of it?"
Karl Steinmetz bowed gravely, with
outspread hands.
MADAME, that friendship is at your
service, now as always"
De Chauxville gave a scornful little
laugh. He was biting the end of his
mustache as he watched Etta's face.
For a moment the woman stood-not
the first woman to stand thus-be-
tween two fears, then she turned to
Steinmetz. The victory was his, the
greatest he had eve torn from the
grasp Of Claude de ChauXville.
"You know" she said, "that this man
has me in his power"
"You alone, but not both Of US to-
gether," answered Steinmetz.
De ChauXville looked uneasy. He
gave a careless little laugh.
my good Steinmetz, you allow your
soo 4S@n IN 49, u-0r with UnIV
You interfere in what does not concern
you"
my very dear De C~hauXville, 1 think
not. At all events, 1 am going to con-
tinue to interfere"
Eta looked from one to the other.
She had at the first impulse gone over
to Steinmetz. She was now meditat-
ing, drawing back. If De Chauxyille
kept cool all might yet be well-the
dread secret of the probability Of Sgd
ney scarborough being alive might still
be withheld from Steinmetz.
She had to decide quickly. She de-
cided to assume the role Of peace
maker.
IN. de Chauxviile was on the point
Of going" she said. "Let him 60"
IN. de Chauxville is not going until
1 have finished with him, madame.
This may be the last time We meet.
hope it is"
De Chauxville looked uneasy. His
was a ready wit, and fear was the
only feeling that paralyzed it. Eta
looked at him. Was his wit going to
desert him now when he most needed
it? He had ridden boldly into the
lions den. Such a proceeding requires
a certain courage, but a higher form of
%intrepidity is required to face the lion
standing before the exit.
Steinmetz turned to Eta.
Princess" he said, will you now,
in my presence, forbid this man to
come to this or any other house of
yours? Will you forbid him to address
himself either by speech or letter to
you again.
you know l cannot do that" replied
Eta.
why not?"