Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-19
CHAPTER VII.
The Time Arrives.


once telegraphed to the foreign office In
London, and received the answer that the
report of her return to Wallaria was alb
surd that she was certainly on her way to
Australia. This confident answer, however,
did not satisfy Lord Cloverton, in spite
of the fact that no news of the princess
was forthcoming. That she could have re-
turned to Sturatzberg without his knowl-
edge, more, without the knowledge of any
OF those who were SO eager to keep her
out of the country, seemed impossible; but
then in diplomacy 1t was often the impos-
sible things which happened He was too
astute man to underrate the undoubted
ability of De Froilette There were few
men who probed more accurately the likely
trend of future events, or who were quick
er to recognize opportunities and seize
them than the Frenchman, and Lord Glow
erton argued that he was far too clever
man to tell such an unlikely story merely
to serve his own ends. He would know
that the very improbabilty of the tale
would have the effect of drawing attention
to himself and his actions. No, whether
the report were true or not De Froilette
believed 1t and evidently saw danger to
himself in the presence of Princess Martha.
At the same time he might perceive IA
vorable opportunity In the state of affairs
to exploit his own plans. and Lord Clover
ton took the preCaution to have the French
man under careful observation.
The unexpected information had also
caused the ambassador to reconsider Capt.
Ellereys position in Sturatzberg. 1t was
quite possible that he knew more about the
princess than any one else. He was the
kind of man who would have nerve and
determination enough to attempt a desper-
ate venture, and having little to lose and
all to win, might go far toward success.
He and De Froilette apparently held little
communication with each other; the char
acteristics of the two men were antagonis-
tic; and the Englishman might be quite as
n a m h a n MI q
Frenchman was.
1t was a sleepless night for the ambassa-
dor. This was just such complication as
might embroil the nations of Europe in
strife. an excuse which might serve to snap
diplomatic relations and spread the lurid
clouds of war from the Ural range to the
shores of the Atlantic. One thing seemed
certain. De Froilette had not repeated his
Information broadcast. No intimation
reached Lord Cloverton that the report
had even been whispered in any of the
other embassies, and there was some con-
ISOLATION In this.
No news came during the following day.
Wherever the princess was, her secret was
well kept. probably because only few
persons had been admitted into It, and it
seemed evident that no special movement
had taken place in her favor. or had even
been arranged for. Some bold coup d'etat
might be in contemplation, and although
the many and diverse interests in the
country We're probably sufficient to render
any attempt abortive in itself, yet
such an attempt might be the one
thing needed to fan the smoldering
ashes into flame. starting a confagration
which would burn throughout Europe. Such
fires never die out-they are always smol-
dering.
Any person who had watched Lord Clo-
verton closely when he went to the palace
that night would have been struck by his
particular alertness. He was observant of
the composition of the different groups in
the rooms of those who were chiefly about
her majesty and of those who danced to-
gether. The slightest confidential whisper
near him attracted his attention, and more
than once he caused blush to mount to a
pretty womanS cheeks by suddenly sur
prising murmured love passage meant for
no other ears but her own. To those to
whom he spoke he succeeded in giving the
impression that he had only few moments
to spare them, that he was purposely keep
ing himself free, but he managed to sug-
gest that 1t was not business, but some
pleasure he anticipated
He glanced round all the rooms in search
of Captain Ellerey who either had not yet
arrived. or had already retired into some
quiet corner. probably with the Countess
Mavrodin. The last conjecture was wrong
however. for standing in position which
commanded the entrance In the suite of
state rooms. the ambassador presently saw
Frina Mavrodin on the arm of an attache
of the Austrian embassy, an offshoot of a
princely house who rumor said, had al
ready been twice refused by the fair lady,
and was only awaiting an opportunity to
adventure his case for a third time He
was evidently persuadng her to dance with
him. and she was laughingly protesting,
perhaps promising to do later in the
evening She was, however. not averse to
his company, for she papably kept him by
her side, and they remained talking and
laughing together. the man extremely
happy the woman watchful and rather pre-
occupied, the ambassador thought.
For half an hour or more she remained
there, evidently using the Austrians pres
S--1
paniOns. Several spoke to her, but since
the attache did not move away the new ar
rivals were obliged to leave her after ex-
changing a few words. At last Lord Glow
erton noticed that the expression of her
face suddenly changed. She looked at him.
or, rather. beyond him. and. turning to dis
cover the cause. he saw Desmond Ellerey
crossing the room toward her. He also be-
came aware that Baron Petrescu was
standing close to him, and that he was
watching Ellerey, too.
Frina Mavrodin spoke quickly to her cav
alier. telling him perhaps where he would
find her for the promised dance, but at any
rate she dismissed him. For d few moments
Ellerey stood beside her her smiling face
raised TO his. and then they went slowly
toward the ball room.
The little comedy interests you, my
lord"
well, baron. my white hair gives me
credit for greater age than does the feeling
OF youth which is still in me. | am young
take an interest In it-in others. of course"
Baron Petrescu shrugged his shoulders
rather contemptuously.
The moth ever fits to the candle, and
usually gets burnt" he said.
Would not the lodestone be the more ap-
p"ste similc?' asked Lord Cloverton. I'm
that the attraction brings no hurt,
baron"
Time will show which is the best smile"
was the answer. "He interests me, this
Captain Ellerey%
He interests the lady, too. 1t seems" re-
piled the ambassador. Indeed Captain
Euerey interests many people"
Il trust his courage is equal to
his ambition" said the baron, with
smile There are others striving for the
same prize, my lord, who do not easily
cept defeat. and are content to pin their
honor To the swords point"
jealous" said Lord Cloverton to him
self the baron turned away, still with
n smile upon his face. but with move
ment Of his shoulders which suggested
angry bird rutiiing its feathers. He means
mischief. Ellerey may find his hands full
err than he expects, IL the baron's weapon
Is as ready his tongue Sentiment COM
pels me TO wish my countryman victory, but
politicalIy-ah' cunning thrust which
would lay him aside for a few weeks would
be very convenient to me. and perhaps not
the worst thing which could happen for
H.. ~.-.N