Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-26
PRINCESS MARTHA
BY PERCY BREBNER
Copyright T.. J. ride & SONY

night of restless anxiety. Somewhere, per-
haps very near her, the man she loved had
even now he might be lying with sightless
eyes toward the coming day. the new day
which was SO long In coming.
1t came at last, and with her eyes bathed
to remove all traces of the nights vigil,
| she went usual to breakfast with the
princess who was always an early riser.
Since the night they had spoken of Capt.
| Ellerey there had arisen subtle difference
| In their relations toward each other. II
| hardly amounted to restraint. but the
countess was more reserved, and the prin-
| cess talked little of her hopes and plans
! She made more show of taking her COM
paniOn into her confidence, but told her
| less. For this difference perhaps. Frina
was chiefly responsible. Martha felt that
| she had grown lulsewarm, not to her per-
| sonally. but toward the cause which took
| so few and such trif1ing steps toward Its
end. She did not wonder at it. No day
passed in which she herself had not a
period of despair, passionate longing to
drive things to a speedy conclusion. though
the end brought failure. To her. her cause
was paramount, and she would not allow
herself to think of Desmond Ellerey apart
from it: yet when Frna had in a manner
claimed him, she remembered that morn
ing on the downs. every hue of land and
sky, every sound that had sung in her ears
every perfume the air held, and the center
of all was this man. who seemed then to
be her possession. He had come to her
country, not at her bidding, perhaps, but
at her suggestion surely and she had a
right to his allegiance. 1t was a woman's
argument and weak one, yet her heart
seemed to excuse her.
They were still at breakfast when Dumb
tru was ushered in.
Pardon, princess. but 1 have news-im-
portant news. 1t could not wait"
You are welcome, good Dumitru. Does
the news mean action? Such is the only
news 1 long for now"
YES was the answer This English
captain is about to move. Whether he has
the token or not do not know but Baron
Petrescu believes he has. Last night he
picked a quarrel with him, and they fought,
and"
Fool that he is!'' exclaimed the princess.
starting from her seat. Does not the
baron know that had work for this Eng
lishman, and now he has killed or manned
him in a useless QUARREL"
But it was not so. princess; 1t was the
baron who fell"
Frina Mavrodln had also risen from the
table, her hands clasped firmly together in
her excitement, and a little sigh Of relief
echoed Dumitru's words.
"a new experience for Baron Petrescu,"
she said calmly.
"Ah, countess. this Englishman is
DEVIL" the man went on rapidly. Il had
it from one who watched the fight. There
was little moon. and the light was dancing
and treacherous. The baron used all the
art which before has brought death when
he willed but this English captain cared
not. He knew all the baron's art. and be-
sides something which the baron knew not.
The baron would have been killed had not
those who were watching saved him.
They interfered?" said the princess.
Yes to save the baron
"They did not stop at that?" said the
countess eagerly. Tell me what hap
pened."
Have I not said he is a devil?' answered
Dumitru "They rushed upon him and he
fought them all. A sword thrust here.
blow with his fist there. savage breaking
through them. and he escaped-unhurt."
'Splendid!' exclaimed Frina, her face
splendid Frina? Is not the baron our
friend?" Yet there was a glow in Maritza's
eyes. too.
"And is not Capt. Ellerey the man you
have work for? You should rejoice"
The princess looked at her for a moment
and then she smiled.
more Dumitru?''
I think. He was of the embassy. There
will be much questioning over the affair"
''The baron's folly is likely to ruin u.s.
said the princess.
Dumitru looked at the princess. the
slightest flicker in his eyes attracting her
attention.
81 am not sure the other man is dead"
he said. Might I suggest that the countess
should drive as usual and hear what is
said in the Bots? Then tonight we can plan
and arrange. The time has surely come"
Twill you, FrinaT'
II WILL and you may rest assured that
will have the whole story by tonight"
When she had left the room Princess
Martha turned hastily.
''What more, Dumitru?'
much more, princess; but 1t Is only for
your ears"
Frina Mavrodin had sped along the cor
ridor so swiftly that she did not hear the
door locked after her to prevent her sud
den return or the intrusion of others. For
q while she had no thought but half
barbaric satisfaction that Baron Petersen
had justly suffered for his unprovoked in-