The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-07-05
Thursday, July 5, 1906.

upon her hands, for O'Clock would
De quite early enough to set out for
the theater. The weather promised to
become little overcast as she stood
upon her doorstep; and she was con-
sclous of that sudden depression with
which an approaching storm will often
afflct nervous and highly sensitive
people. Opening the front door slowly,
with her eyes still watching the creep
ing clouds above, she became aware
that there were strangers in the hall
beyond, and she stood for an instant
to hear rapid words in the German
tongue-a language her father had al
ways advised her to study and. had
insisted upon the good nuns teaching
her. Tonight it served her well. for
Dy 1t she became aware instantly that
the strangers were speaking of her-in-
deed. that they awaited her coming.
60 into the room,' said voice.
81 must be alone here"
Another said. ''Hush, that's her
step!"
Eta turned as pale as the mar
guerites in the flower boxes when she
heard these words; tho, for the life of
her she could not say why she was
alarmed. Perhaps the constant fear of
discovery which had attended her es-
self at the moment to say that these
strangers knew the truth and had come
to profit by it. If this were so, the
idea passed instantly to give place to
that more sober voice Of reason which
asked, How should a stranger know
Of it, and what is my secret to him?'
Such an argument Immediately reas-
she found herself face to face with no
other than the Rumanian, Count Odin,
who had been presented to her eight
days ago at the Carlton hotel.
Now, here was the last man in all Lon
don whom Eta had expected to see in
Bedford square, and her establishment
and distaste were so plainly visible in
them could not possibly remain under
any delusion whatever. Plainly, how
ever, he was quite ready for such
welcome as she intended to give him,
for he barred her passage up the hall
and, holding out his hand, greeted her
with that accepted familiarity so char
acterlstlc of the idlers who lounge about
stage doors. e-,,r..- .=,-,---a,s-. 49,.
my dear lady, he said, "do not put the
displeasure upon me. l come here because my
him where shall find lodging Miss Romney
Is at Bedford square, that's what he says;
go right there and you will find an apartment
arrive at your house BY accident and here is
your landlady who has the diningroom to let.
You shall forgive me for that when say that
ter. Why, Miss Romney, Wen be just a happy
family together; and that's what Charles lizard
her WISH IT, he wi said nc neh alone
In London. and 1T doesn't do" .
Eta interrupted him with a dignity he had
she Tass Sot be SO ns
really does not interest me, count. have to be
at the theater immediately. Please let me
She tried to go by. but he still forbade her,
Snoili fho yyhi md ITO ~
my dear lady" he said. t'you do not go to
the theater until half past seven. This amiable
person of the house has told me as much. II 1
am rude, forgive me. wish to ash you to see
my pictures Of Rnmania, country your father
once KIN, knew very Wen, Miss Romney tho he has
VIII come and see them tomorrow and will
ask Mile. Carlotta to help me to show them
hour? shall have much to show you. much
for you to tell your amiabie father about when
YOU see him again" -.-..'
Eta shivered as tho with cold. Never before
had she known such curious spell OF helpless
ness as this man seemed able to cast upon her.
The words which he spoke amazed her beyond all
experience. Rumania. She understood vaguely
that her father had lived dreadful years there
them. And this stranger could speak Of them
youth that he was. as tho he held their secret
| Had she wished to terminate her acquaintance
| with hin, then and there. her woman's curiosity
would have forbidden her. But. more than this
s na9 atsct Ss, her In way Ses she sout
| aversion for him and her sure knowledge that
there must b sngeT IN the
presently-in voice which couid not conceal hel
an was the frank reply. q came to Ensiant
! to make my misfortune good: but now that
come your father is not here. Miss Ronney.'
'.Then he was not aware Of your intended
visitY' = -. - =
| '.Quite unaware of it"
You did not write to himT'
''How should write when I do not know