Evening star., 1907-08-04
tt HE ST AT U E
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Continued from page 4

host" asked the Marchioness of Herm; cor
doesn't one smoke in the statue?'
She was displaying her tact. The whole
table felt the relief her abrupt remark brought.
Abraham Crampiron felt 1t in particular. And
he hated all his companions, because he could
not behave smoothly and delicately as they
behaved, because he of different world
and the difference would always show. He
hated their politeness and their fine taste and
their cursed tact, and their traditions. He
knew that whi they feared him they despised
him; and he scorned them for despising him
The Marchionesss diversion succeeded in its
object The volcanoes, intimidated by their
own fire and smoke subsidized The talk
changed to chatter of trfes. After all, the
outbreak had been nothing-an affair of mo-
ment, dramatic, nourishng food for diaristS,
but of no Importance, and rather agreeable in
its piquancy now that it was over. $50 the
guests endeavored to persuade themselves.)
But at the bottom of every heart, save pos
sibly that of Lady Mary, a secret preoccu-
patton Crampirons final remark to the COM
pany at large could have only one meaning
His syndicate, in concert with the French
Government, must have worsted its rivals in
the negotiations. The Sultan must have def
nitely accepted their terms. There would be
no war, and nothing could save the Domestic
ministry.
Had it actually occurred, this fantastic, in
credible dinner9 Was it possible that up there
in the bosom of the statue, high over the ems,
amid flowers, and pretty frocks, and the CLINT
ing of crystal in the bright light, and the pale
blue curving wreaths of ascending smoke-was
it really possible that in all this was somewhere
concealed, ripe and waiting, the fate of France,
Germany England, and perhaps of the civilized
world?
And then of a sudden Millicent discovered
that her father not in the room. He had
slipped out unperceived yet five minutes be-
fore she had seen him speaking to one of the
servants. ust then he reappeared in the door
way, smiling vaguely. And as he did not move,
conversation ceased. Then he advanced into
the hushed chamber, still smiling Something
was going to happen Everyone felt that; and
everyone wondered what was going to happen.
Friends" said Courlander, in his low, clear
voice, resting one hand on the table, all the
world will be told tomorrow; but there is
reason why you should not be told tonight
The negotiations between Berlin and Tangier
successfully concluded" He bowed to
Lord Domestic.
Crampiron sprang inpulsively forward.
Z" How do you know" he cried.
Courlander's smile increased in benevolence
"Ah!" he murmured, with of the hand
that might have meant anything,
You can't possibly know, said Crampron.
" There hasn't been time"
But l do!'
Then will there be war;" Maurice de-
manded. glaring with solemn indignation at
his father.
"Of course, sonny Courlander answered
with gentle placidty, as though he had been
saying that it would be Saturday tomorrow.
Silence followed. The guests had the dis
turbng sensation of being surrounded by more
mysteries even than they had suspected. If
Crampiron was affrighting, Courlander was
uncanny. And the lisp of Lord Domestic. as
with fine casualness he resumed disquisition
on the true functions of the flute to the German
Prince, reassured no one.
Most of them were conscious of desire to
leave the statue at once.