Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-07-11

ndlstn NhlA lie
Then" squealed Popoff In triumph.
'it is Nine. Nova Kovitch he loves.
The whole thing is absurdly simple
when a brain like mine is brought TO
Uear on it,
Delighted with his own astuteness.
the ambassador battered of to join the
other guests. leaving Danilo, fan In
hand, hlankly facing the astounded lit
tie clerk.
"Nish,- observed the prince, edo you
suppose it's possible De Jolidon can be
in love with Nine Nova Kovitch as
well as with Nine PoponT'
ibid like to think so.'' murmured
Nish as be started faithfully of in the
wake OF his chief. I'D like to think so.
lit would make It less exclusive,
less of monopoly. And to think his
excellency never recognized his own
wife's FAM Where ignorance is bliss
why read up on divorce laws2"
Laying the fan on a nearby table,
Danilo was turning away when a voice
behind him called mockingly:
"Sull in retreat? So you are afraid
Of mer'
Whirlng about, the prince faced
Sonia. She was bewitchingly pretty in
the black and gold MarsOvian dress
that showed 10 fullest advantage every
willOwy line OF her figure.
I'm not retreating," he contradicted.
"only skirmishihg ia light cavalry
fashion"
And you are going away like that7
oh. you stupid mani"
Il can't tell what you mean" he an
swered, puzzled.
And ! shan't tell what / mean" she
rejoined. by the way" she added.
"how do you happen to be here? You
declined my invitation"
I'm here" he replied bluntly. 'be-
cause I'm making it my business TO
get rid OF every Frenchman who shows
signs OF proposing TO you"
But whyY" she asked IN wonder.
For my own amusement; that's all"
"Nou-yOu don't happen 10 be in love
with me yOursslfl" she asked. a tinge
Of wistfulness in the light mockery OF
her tone.
Certainly not" he retorted. with
suspicious promphtude.
You're very. very rudew she re-
proved. But since you don't love me
you ought TO be able 10 give me good
advice about accepting a man / really
want 10 marry"
"Ohr growled Danilo. chagrInet.
Then there is some one you want 10
marryg"
She nodded.
whoever the man is. he's after
your money" he sneered.
NO she contradicted. "He is not
not this one"
You said all men were alike"
This man is different He loves me.
Then marry hint What is it to me =
Marry any one you want 10. / don't
care. And I'll dance at your wedding.
III dance till / wear holes through
both my shoes"
you silly boyr she sconed. You're
Jealousr'
'JealousY" he ragged. Jealous? /
Jealous? That's a good oner'
Words failed him, and he stalked
away 20 a nearby summer house.
where he paused. lost in seeming con
temptation of the little buildings archi-
lecture.
The neglected fan lying on the table
caught Sonia's eye. She picked IL I'D
idly and opened II. The words Il love
you" met her gaze. Quickly she glanced
at Danilo.
81 understand" she murmured to
herself. "He vowed he'd never say it
TO me. so he's written It."
Noting that Danilo's back was To-
ward her. she furtively lifted the fan
70 hnr
words. Then as she restored II TO the
table she whispered:
"Just the same, I'll make him say
IT. He shanw
She crossed TO where he stood
Have you nothing to say to me,
princeY' she asked.
"Only one thing-goodbyw
"Goodbyr she echoed. You're
you're not gOingr'
81 leave Paris tomorrow morning
by the first train-foreverr
'aThen you won't be here, after all, TO
dance at my wedding?"
"Nom
But you promised And now, I sup
pose. shall never see you again, for
when I'm married shall live in Paris"
81 thought you were more patriotic"
he sighed. ut seems hard that you
should turn your back on your native
land, marry a Frenchman and settle
here"
yet 1t is what l have decided" she
answered. This is probably the last
time I shall wear our native costume
or dance our wild national dances. To-
days fete Is a sort OF farewell TO old
times"
mo; our dances and costumes would
not appeal 10 a Brenchman. Who is
1t you are going to marryY"
''rhe engagement isn't announced
yet" she evaded. 4
Then" he returned, with a shrug,
81 suppose l shall never know, for
leave early tomorrow"
And you won't dance at my wed.
ding?"
I've told you 1 would not"
eff you won't" she cried. a sudden