Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17
CHAPTER vi.
FriLa Mavrodin's Guest.

For some time Monsieur De Froilette re-
manned silent. The return of the princess
was contingency he had not provided for.
Where is she?' he asked suddenly.
Alas, monsieur l do not know" Francois
answered. she has powerful friends in
Sturatzberg, and they conceal her we'll
saw her for one moment in KonigsplatZ
She was alone. and entered a shop there.
followed her. but she gone. 1 called
myself her servant, and inquired about her,
making the sign that has so long been used
by her partisans to secure an answer. 1t
had no effect l was told that 1 was mis-
taken that no such lady as | had described
had entered. Do you not understand, mon
seur the sign must have been changed?"
De Froiette understood only too well At
his very door were enemies, the more dan
gerous because they had been partially ad-
mitted into his plans. He had himself given
them reason for watching him. and the OPP
portunty of doing so. That was past and
beyond reparation. but this arch schemer
was not the man to stand idly regrettng a
mistake Even mistakes might be used to
advantage.
II will dress. Francois" he said presently.
II had not intended to go to court tonight,
but this news compels me-"
And how shall We find the princess mon
sieur?"
I'VE will not trouble. We will set others
to do that. Matters will be for our benefit
in the end, Francois. Quickly, 1 must
dress"
De Froilette dined alone and dismissed
the man who waited upon him as soon as
possible. A portrait of Queen Elena stood
a side table. and he got up and placed
II beside him, contemplating it thoughtfully
as he slipped his wine.
IF we succeed" he unused, there is high
place and distinction TO be won. This Eng
lishman may win 1t for me- In revolu-
ton kings life is as other mems, de-
pendent on the hazard of a die If i read
her smile Alright 1 shall have my reward
And IL We fail?'-he paused to consider
the course of events in such a case-"whC
knows? My reward might come the easier
There would be few shelters open to her
Only in defeat through Princess Maritza's
influence is here danger to me. Success OF
failure otherwise, what does II matter?
shall win. The paths to mountain peaks
are ever rugged. but men reach the sum
mts. Why should | fail? The road tC
power may be closed against me, but the
road to love" And he gaZed into the
eyes of the portrait. finding an answer IL
them. This man of action was a dreamer
too.
When he entered the palace that evening
De Froilette inquired whether Lord Glover
ton had arrived and being answered ir
the negative remained at the head Of thu
stairs, speaking a few words to this &C
quaintance and to that, bowling at a well
turned compliment to one fair Sady, OF
meeting another's pleasantly with al
answering jest. He was in excellent goot
humor
Presently Lord Cloverton came mincint
up the steps, pausing half dozen times Il
greet acquaintance. He. too. was In ex
cellent humor; but then he seldom allowed
people TO see him otherwise.
How / hate the man., De Froilette sale
10 himself. going toward the ambassador
he reached the vestibule. May l hav'
a word with you, my lord?''
"A thousand, my dear Monsieur d.
Froilette. All. private word is it?'' h
added as the Frenchman led him aside
My lord. you have my greatest esteem
as you are aware"
Lord Cloverton bowed.
IF. as loyal Frenchman, I would Sc
France predominant In the affairs of TIL
country that is natural. is II not sop
Most natural indeed and monsieur,
say frankly, France is playing yer!
worthy part"
mo doubt, my lord" De Froilette an
swered.i II am but a looker-on. with Ger
tain business interests which politics Nigh
affect and therefore / take some notice o
politics. Perhaps l see more clearly thai
some my lord-the lookers-on often do
and I am convinced that British polio,