The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1905-07-14
The Plot
That Failed

(By Neal Martin.

Ei151575751S2595151
(By Neal Martin.)
Ivan entered the library and pre-
scented a card to Giles Dawson.
i Under the printed name, Prince
Nicholas Barnakoff," a few words
were penciled requesting an inter-
view
.Tvan," said Mr. Dawson to his Rus
sian servant, show the prince in at
once"
A moment later tall, handsome
man, wearing the uniform of an Off
GER in the Cars army, entered the
room.
He took the proffered chair, and
began at once TO speak in English,
with the perfect facility Of the edu-
Gated Russian.
Mr.. Dawson, have called to ask
from you in marriage the hand of
your beautiful ward, Miss Elinor
Bayle. You must have noticed my
admiration for mademoiselle. You
know that l can give her an exalted
social position here in st. Petersburg.
and trust that you will have no OBJ
lection to my paying her my adj
dresses"
"Ah, you have not spoken to her
YETI" asked Mr.. Dawson.
Speak to her before saw you!
could not commit such breach of
Russian etiquette!"
Il am glad you have not spoken to
her. In fact, Prince, shall be most
happy to consent to your marriage to
my ward, but there are difficulties.
You doubtless know that she is i'm
mensely wealthy, but she cannot
have control of her fortune until she
is twenty-one years old, at which
time I cease to have any authority
over her." Mr.. Dawson continued
slowly. "She will be twenty-one in
less than a month, and then"
Eyes, and them" asked the Rus
sian, looking intently at the mer-
chant.
Mr.. Dawson did not answer the
question, but continued after a short
interval: {
Il would not give my consent to
her marriage with a young English
man. I was so afraid that she would
do something rash, so | brought her
/. as far away from him as l could; but
just when l was beginning to feel Sc
cure, he arrives on the scene"
who, the lover?" asked Barnal1off,
with an ugly expression.
yes, Rallston Stainer-curse
him!"
do not distress yourself about Mr.
Rallston Stainer," smiled the Prince;
There are various means in Russia
to dispose of an undesirable person."
Then the details OF the transaction
were gone into. Mr.. Dawson would
receive forty thousand pounds out of
Elinor's fortune ii he succeeded in
making her marry Barnakoff.
When the infamous compact was
completed Mr.. Dawson rang the bell
and requested that if Miss Bayle had
returned from her drive she should
come to the library.
A moment later she entered, tall,
beautiful, and exauisitely dressed,
bringing with her a breath of the
keen winter air in her bright graz
eyes, her wind-blown hair, and her
cheeks like many roses.
She bowed coldly to the Prince,
who stood erect and soldierly before
her, and, addressing Mr.. Dawson.
said. with distant courtesy:
You wished TO see me?"
Yes: this gentleman has requested
the honor of your hand in marriage.
and it is my wish that you accept it.
1t is such union as your father
would have desired"
Il thank you, Prince Bafnakoff, for
the honor, but 1t is impossible! You
know" addressing her guardian.
that love and am engaged to Mr..
Staine- and shall marry no one
else"
You disobey me. them asked Mr..
Dawson, purple with rage.
mo, simply refuse to marry
Prince Barnakoff"
You shall. 1 tell you'll" said Mr..
Dawson, ringing violently the bell.
Ivan, call Mrs. Dawson"
A tall. naughty woman came in,
and she received orders from her hus-
band to watch the refractory young
lady. and not to allow her to see any
one except her maid, who was devot-
ed to the Dawsons.
The next morning, when Elinor