Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-22
CHAPTER vII-Continued.

The ambassador had remained standing
by the door and had not taken his eyes
from the queen as she talked rapidly. There
was no tell-tale expression on his face t.
indicate his thoughts. Now he advanced.
"Your majesty thinks then that this folly
so far as the Countess Mavrodin is con-
cerned, is serious matter?"
II want to find OUT
eff I am any judge, it is said Lord
Cloverton,- more serious with the lady
than with the man. Her words went fal
to confirm my ideas respecting Capt Ell
lerey, her manner betrayed her own
secret"
"You have spoken to her!'
Eyes, only tonight. Your majesty exag-
gerates the political significance Of such a
marriage feel sure; it would make enc
mics for Capt Ellerey, no doubt, but he is
the kind of man who is very capable of
defending himself. A greatly daring Eng
lishman is an awkward man to encounter,
and there seems to be general desire to
enlist the sympathy of Desmond Ellerey
That has made me suspicious, and using
some knowledge which I possess concern
ing him, 1 have endeavored to make him
apply for leave to return to England
ITO save him from the countess?" said
the queen.
NO your majesty: to prevent his being
drawn into plot which seeks to overthrow
the present government Of this country
'Is there such a plot?" she asked inno-
Gently.
"A dozen have existed ever since came
to the throne" said the king. The am
bassador's persistency made him angry.
Hiding themselves In holes like hunted
vermin," Lord Cloverton returned sharp
ly. afraid to strike, afraid to be seen.
with no plan of action ready and altogether
futile. I do not speak Of such plots as
- 1@k
qualifications spread and grow from end
to end of Wallarfa, penetrating to the very
heart of the nation as surely as tree roots
push their way to water. The head Of 1t
looks up watchfully from the hidden in
trenchments the mountains at inter-
walls. waiting for the moment to strike.
Anxiously is 1t waiting now"
'For what?" cried the king. EN- heavens
name. for what, Lord Cloverton"
For the token her majesty delivered
to Capt Ellerey tonight"
A profound silence followed this de-
liberate accusation. So unfinchingly was 1t
made, so evident was 1T that the ambassa-
dor had some knowledge which he had
not divulged. that the king found no words
to utter. He looked helplessIy at the queen
like a man who has received blow which
has daZed him for the time being. The
ambassadors knowledge startled the queen,
steady scrutiny. She was the first to break
the silence
Il gave no such TOKEN she said.
Lord Cloverton started slightly at being
given the lie so directly. What subterfuge
was a woman not capable Of?
You have your answer. my lord" said
the king. moving toward his wife.
The ambassador bowed. He could hardly
pursue the matter further unless the king
assisted him, and he turned to leave the
room.
"You are not satisfied?' said the king
sternly
NO your majesty
What proof can you have? What was
the token?"
Lord Cloverton turned quickly. It was
the very question he had hoped for.
"a sacred treasure of Sturatzberg, the
iron bracelet her majesty is accustomed to
wear upon her arm.
Again there was silence and, set as his
face was, the mask was insufficient to hide
the ambassadors excitement. The queen
stood for moment quite conscious of the
dramatic effect of the silent pause, and
then she made three rapid strides toward
the ambassador. With a sudden sweep of
her right hand she ripped open the left
sleeve of her gown from wrist to shoulder
and thrust out her arm to him.
IT demand your apology, Lord Clover
ton"
She stood imperiously before him. looking