Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-18
cHAPrER vI-continuad.

| riage and seated himself beside her. She
| refused to be serious as they drove through
| the city, and when Ellerey entered his lodg
ing he was left to wonder at what point
the incidents of the evening touched his
mission. Why should the countess become
suddenly interested in tie movements Of
Lord Cloverton? And since she was closely
attached to the queen. why should she warn
him against De Froiette. who was also
deep In her majesty's confidence? The
problem was beyond his power to solve.
Frina Mavrodin was far more important
person In Sturatzberg than Ellerey imag
ined. 1t was not only at court that she was
popular: she was. besides, the Lady Bounti-
full to the poor. She was immensely
wealthy. and her beautiful home by the
river. in the southwest of the city, had
been called the beggarS' paradise, for those
who asked charity were seldom sent away
empty. The general criticism of her was
that she was a pretty woman. very adOr-
able. a little frivolous. perhaps. and pos
sessed of much more heart than head. She
seemed to take delight in such criticism,
and to be at some pains to fully merit It,
But there was another side to her character
which few persons ever got even glimpse
of. Her profound knowledge Of current
politics would have startled Lord Cloverton,
and her capacity for intrigue and scheming
| would have astonished even Monsieur De
clubs and societies in Sturatzberg. where
| discomfort was fostered and secret plans
| discussed. which were not known to Frina
Mavrodin. She was conversant with their
secret signs, their aims and their means, and
knew by sight most of their influential mem
| bers. single word from her would have
sent many man to prison who walked the
streets freely. Perhaps. in all Sturatzberg,
there was only one person who gave her
credit for such knowledge. and who was
content to be guided in some measure by
her advice.
| This person, at present, occupied suite
of rooms In Frina Mavrodin's house, and
| this evening she reclined at full length
among the cushions of a low couch, and
| watched door at one end of the room ex-
pectantly. Her hand was stretched out to
a bowl of flowers on table by her SIDE
and she plucked petal at intervals which
she crushed and let fall. Something of the
girls character seemed to be In the action.
She was not weary, not worn out with the
days work or pleasure, whichever 1t might
have been. but was waiting anxiously. IT.
ritably even, for news for someone's
coming. Her hair had loosened by contact
| with the cushions, and fell about her Shout
ders In luxuriant copper-colored tresses.
Presently the door opened. and an elderly
woman entered-an English woman, plain
in feature and resolute in manner.
You have been spelling your flowers.
she said seeing the scattered petals on the
carpet.
Never mind them. Has Dumitru come
Hannah"
Just come
Then bring him in. bring him in. Why
do you waltz? exclaimed the girl, half
rising from her reclining position. Il can
| not afford to have fools about me in such
times these
You haven't the woman answered
bluntly, evidently quite used to the petulant
moods of her mistress. Il was one when 1
came out of Devon to heather place like
this; but that time is past" And she went
to the door and beckoned to a man to come
in. AS he entered she went out, closing the
door behind her.
When she had gone the man dropped
swiftly one knee by the couch.
well, Dumitru?'
HE returned today said the man. ris-
ing and standing erect. He went straight
to the lodging of this English captain"
"To court, princess"
And his mission, Dumitru-was 1t in my
interests, think you?"
The man made fierce clicking sound
with his tongue.
"Ah. no. no. no: and again a hundred
times no. He Is for the queen a little, and
for himself very much. Have you still
doubt even now? A sudden death should be
his reward"
Patience, Dumitru"
THE English captain had another visitor
tOday-the British minister
This English captain is in great requi-
sition, it would SEEM" she said.
AYE. he is a man, I grant you that
strong. resolute and rides as though horse
and rider were one piece
And honest, Dumitru. 1 have looked
into his face and thought him So"
Can one judge easily?" asked the
man. Besides, honest or not, he is for our
enemies.
Our enemies must be swept aside" she
said imperiously. as though not only the
will. but the power to do so were hers.
Thus, princess" and the mans dark
eyes cleaned as he just showed the keen.
thin blade of dagger which he carried in
his cloak.
Not without my command. Dumitru,"
The man bowed low disappointed per-
haps that the same spirit was not in her
as was in him.
our ends" she went on. II have a way
and you shall help me, Dumitru when the
time comes. That Lord Cloverton has VS.
tied him shows that some new pressure Is
to be brought to bear upon him. We shall
see how he stands In this, whether firm or
not. and may learn how to act ourselves"
He is ready to act when the token is
given him." said Dumitru. HE has few
desperate men who are pledged to his
service
You are sure of this?'
quite sure"
who will follow for love of him?' she
asked.
They are of t. kind who follow more
readily for money" answered the man.
The girl remained thoughtful for few
moments. Something in the mans infor-
nation had set her thoughts running in a
new channel, and while she unused Frina
Mavrodin entered the room hurriedly.
Dumitru bowed low before her.
You are early" said the princess
Frina turned to Dumitru.
Capt. Ellerey has returned early to his
lodging, too; 1t would be we'll to watch 1
do not think 1t will happen tonight but
should any messenger seek him we must
know at once"
GO Dumitru." said the princess, and
when he had gone she turned to her COM
panion: What has brought you home so
early?"
YOU Martha. / wondered whether you
had remained safely here. or whether you
had again jeopardized your cause by going
SO openly into the streets 1t is known that
you In Sturatzberg."
by whom"
THAT lynx-eyed servant of De Froilette's
saw you. as you know. You thought he
would believe himself mistaken but knew
better. His master returned today and to-
night / found Monsieur De Froiette and
Lord ClOverton in confidential conversation
When two men who hate each other as
they do. agree. 1t Is time to prepare for
the storm. You must remain an absolute
prisoner here for a WHILE"
II am tired of inactivity
you will not have to wait long," Frina
answered. within an hour I warrant