Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-20
CHAPTER v1I-continued.

CdAfIEH V11-COuC1QueQ.
The fact that he had been sent for and
the probable meaning of that interview,
did not take first place in Frina Mavrodin' S
thoughts for time. She was considering
Ellerey's answer to her question, trying to
understand 1t when viewed in the light of
the princess declaration. Martha could
only have intended her to understand one
thing and tonight she had endeavored to
surprise the truth from Capt. Ellerey Had
she succeeded in learning anything? Sure
ly in such casual meeting no lasting i'm
preston could have been formed and yet
love works in sudden and inexplicable
fashion sometimes. The princess seemed
to have treasured the memory of that
meeting; Ellerey admitted that it was the
cause of his coming to SturatZberg. Frina
Mavrodin remembered, as though they had
been noted down in one continuous story,
everything Capt. Ellerey had ever said to
her, and the manner in which he had said
1t. She had allowed herself to indulge in
a dream. which had had naught but pleas
ure in it until the princess had looked into
her eyes in so strange a fashion,: and now
that she had sought the truth from Ellerey
himself. she was still left in doubt in a
half-waking uncertainty, which had a
sense of pain in it
1t was some time before the thought that
Ellerey was with the queen came upper
alert. She was in the act of rising when
a shadow fell upon her. and Lord Cloverton
stood in the entrance.
alone. countess." he exclaimed. What
great event has happened in SturatZberg?"
None that I am aware of. my lord"
And yet you are alone. 1t is so rare a
circumstance that you must pardon my
astonishment."
Even such a frivolous person as l am
welcomes solitude sometimes she an
swered
II would not allow my dearest friend to
so malign YOU countess" said the ambas-
sador, seating himself beside her. Il eX-
pected to find Capt. Ellerey with YOU
You wish to speak with hiTn?"
Yes, but it can wait answered Lord
Cloverton carelessly Success is The re-
suit of skillfully Selling opportunities. and
in finding YOU alone an opportunity comes
to me- Will you spare me moment?"
She bowed smiling acquiescence as
though the question We're unnecessary.
Like me. countess. l am sure you take
little interest in embarrassing people. there
fore You must have found this Capt. Ell
lerey interesting. So have $50 interesting
indeed that | have wondered why he came
to WallarIa.''
He has not given me so much of his
confidence as you appear to imagine, my
lord"
He has not told you. All. then will in
confidence. countess. in confidence
Il understand. and l shall respect it,
she answered, eager to learn what explana-
ton the ambassador would give.
He had enemies in England who made
certain charges against him which were alb
solutely without foundation; but so skill
fully had they been manipulated that Capt
Ellerey was unable to prove them false.
His nature is an impatient one, and in an
ger he turned his back upon England and
came to ratZberg. In Waliarfa there
were possibilities. | can understand his
action. countess: it was d natural one in
man of his Independent character. but it
was foolish. 1t gave credence to the tales
which had been circulated Now countess
and he ought to go back to England
But why tell this to me. my lord?"
"A Womans persuas!on- countess, is all
powerful.
She looked at him quickly
But you have told me this in confidence
How can l approach the subject and yet
keep confidence"
s'You fatter me most delicately by ask
ing my advice on such a matter. Is it not
true that a woman can frame her ques-
tons so that man is compelled to an
SWer?"
Some men. perhaps"
Capt. Ellerey, think said the ambas-
sador.
Under certain conditions.
Exactly" he answered.
When the questions asked by one
particular woman. she SAID
You have caught my meaning exactly
countess"
But as it happens. Lord CloVerton. | am
not the one particular woman"
The ambassador turned smiling coun-
tenance toward her.
MY dear lady you do yourself a gross
injustice
The look he expected to find in her face
he did not there. He had believed him
self possessed of one secret. He suddenly
another-one that might be even more GER