New-York tribune., 1906-11-25
The Great Secret

Government resigns. l march boldly into Par,s
- the head ot the army, and, behold. Il Is
finished The people are at nv feet, the crown
Is on my head. Not a drop OF blood has been
spilled, but war Is averted and Z great new
alliance IS formed. France takes once more
her place among the great nations OF the world -
" Monsieur" / SAID quietly, YOU have
spoken well and COnvinCIngly. Pardon my
presumption, II | venture 10 ask YOU one ques-
tlor. The Power OF which YOU have spoken
IS Il England"
He faced me bravelv enough Sir" he
sald. YOU ask question which you know well
Il IS impossible that | should answer. Il IS not
for ne 10 betrav confidence such as this
But 10 those who are curious, would say thls
Which IS the Power. think you, most likely 10
play such . magnificent, such a generous, part
II the history OF the nations: Answer yoC-
own question. Mr. Courage. L should not lie
Al impossible task.
SIX women leaned forward IN their places and
looked al NE with flashing eyes. 1t was a suit
able triumph for de Eaentin. And vet knew
now al that desired DIInly began 10 unde-
stand the Great Plot, and all that II meant.
Van kelnbUrg looked across the table
" Well Stern,' he asked.
Ny husbands check Is ready the woman
At his side answered quickly. i guess the
Prince can have Il right now, Il he chooses.
And mlne.' five other women declared
almost II q breath.
Van ReInberg smiled. Then ! guess the
deal Is fixed. he remarked.
4 dark haired little woman, sitting al my
right hand. leaned forward toward de Nalentln.
she wore . magnificent crown OF diamonds and
sapphires which had once graced a royal head,
and . collar Of diamonds which was famous
throughout the world. I'd like to know, she
said, are we to choose our own titles, I've
fixed on the one / want.
De Nalentln rose n his place. My dear
ladv" he SAID, that would not be possible
To Mrs. Van Reinberg alone ! have been able
TO offer the name she desired. That, I think
none OF YOU VIII object to; Tor II IS through
Mrs Van Re,nberg that YOU are all here
tonight For the rest, I have taken five OF
the great names OF France, OF whom to-day
there are no direct descendants. It IS for your
selves 70 say how these shall be allotted
Five women looked Al one another q little
doubtfullv.
Van ReIube-g glanced a ne. and there was
a sh-ewG twinkle n ms ewes. | should think
YOU had better draw tor them he suggested.
" Mr.. de NalenJIn can write down the names on
pieces Of paper, and Mr.. Courage, as disln-
teresteC party, can hold the hat"
Nv neighbor II the diamonds was still q
little disturbed. Saw She inquired, what
do these titles amount 70. anyway: What
shall we be able 70 call ourselves:'
Either Madame Ia Comtesse OF Madame "a
MarCulse.' de \alen-In answered.
Madame ia Na-Cuise' she repeated,
that's the one ! should ike
so should I nearly all the women de
cla-eG IN unison
DE G.c-T-- bowed Il everyone IS agree
able" he said sri,tiy. drawing q sheet OF note
paper toward hin and beginning 70 write
/ He completed ms task, and handed the
/ slips Of paper To me " l shall ask Nr. CCur-
age" he said, rising, 70 distribute these
| through the agency OF chance For myself, l
VIII, with Your permission, retire / VIII only
say tins To vou. ladies, and 10 my friends. !
hope and believe that Il VIII not be long before
/ / shall have the pleasure OF meeting you under
| very different circumstances. You VIII be very
! welcome u the court OF France"
/ So de NalertI- LETT the room q little abruptly
! and l thought II the most graceful thing he had
| done. I shook up the slps Of paper. which ne
had given me n a hat, and handed them round
There was an intense silence, and then per
feet babel of EXPLANATIONS.
| "Ma-11.ise de Lat0uG-e. Ny isn't that fine
| "Corn-ezse &c II. EstIen! Well, I declarel'
"Comresse le Tlnov, Great! isn't II 20
Mrs Van Relaberg smiled upon them all, th'
well satisfied smile OF one whose gue-dCn =
| Geservedlv greater than these.
The Ertle dark woman turned toward he
abruptly. Tell Us yours. Edith she ex
claimed. d" Don't say YOU are Princess
! Nrs. Van Re.15erg shook her head, Uncor
sci0uslv her manner was already = ltd
changed. She Wa, after all. q swan arnon
these geese " Ne are L. have the Duchy @
Annouav." She answered. - suppose sha-