Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-10
THE FIRST SECRETARY
Continued from page IL

seemed to nave no particular reason tor pro-
But Weir was resolved not to 60 away from
the house this morning without seeing Xeny.
This was something that was getting to be
more and more difficult. Madame Mavro-
corthato was of the opinion that Xeny had had
quite enough attention paid to her of late
1t was not like Weir to call attention to his
own gifts; yet at last, in desperation, he asked,
81 How does Xeny like the dolls sent her on
her birthday"
oh, she is delighted with them, particularly
with the she calls Rhasneh, after Turkish
friend of hers But you were too generous
you really are spelling her"
"Oh no, hope not. l was afraid she might
not have cared for them" 1t was ridiculous
subterfuge, but the best he could manage.
Hasn't she thanked you for them!" Ma
dame Mavrocorthato exclaimed.
I'VE have all been SO busy moving into
town, you know"
Il will have her called at once his hostess
said
In minute Xeny rushed in, and sprang into
his lap. "Take me out!'' she whispered, pre-
tending to kiss him on the cheek.
Won't you let Heny go for walk with
me?" he asked.
She has to study in the morning" the
Il have finished my studies for this morning,
mdndn," Xeny put in, her voice vibrant with
eagerness.
1t would really be awfully good of you to
let ner p1iOC me around q nLCle DIT, weir
urged, and Madame Mavrocorthato noticed
that he was as eager as the little girl.
No, monsieur, l cannot allow Xeny to re-
ceive any more attention. She is already
spoiled for Greek child" She turned to
Xeny Tell Mr. Weir good by"
Xeny knew that further teasing would be
useless and she played her trump card. She
came close to her mother, her big gray eyes
wide open, and said solemnly, "Oh, naamdn,
how can you refuse me such little thing, and
make me unhappy, and | SO like our dead
Chrysanthy?"
Madame turned pale. as if indeed Chrys-
anthy's ghost was speaking. She began to
cry. and Xeny rushed from the room and in
few seconds returned with her hat and the
precious box Rhasneh had given her.
Thank you dearest mdnidn." she said, as
if her mother had already given her permission.
g | shall always learn my lessons well, if may
go sometimes walking with Monsieur Weir"
At sight of the box it seemed as If Madame
objection; but Weir, who guessed that it con-
tanned Rhasneh's letter, took it from her
81 will take care of it for Xeny madame"
he said in masterful way.
" You see, maman, the box opens. and
want Mr. Weir to try if he can open it." Xeny
explained over her shoulder. as the two were
making good their retreat.
Madame Mavrocorthato stood at the window
and watched them till they were out of sight.
the tall man and the tiny child. Then she
S1Sned, Dut WITH something Vi nope III tHe sign
IL sometimes felt that he fancied Chrys-
anthy" she said to herself; and ever since
she went away he has been devoted to Xeny."
She sighed again. She is much like herl"
She stared unseeing down the street. "Xeny
is eight she went on presently. In eight
years more she will be marriageable.' She
stood for long time without moving well,
why not? Those things are rare, but they do
happen She smiled quite contentedly. Il
think shall let Xeny go to walk with Mr.. Weir
sometimes" she said.
To be continued next Sunday
IS Ds.o.d;o~ Ck,a<ess