The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-05-08
THE PRINCESS VIRGINIA.
Continued from page Two.)

puEClldS1llS tAe AuAtiA5 '00SS - tS'
miles out of Kronburg in the forest
Other foreign royalties or lesser
princes from the provinces occasional
ly occupied the apartments also, and
this handsome royal highness of today
was not the only one whom the chan
ceilor of Rhaetia had visited there. He
knew by heart the rich purple hang.
ings in the salon, with the double
wolf head of Rhaetia stamped in gold
at regular intervals on the velvet, and
he sickened of their splendor now as
the moments dragged and he remained
alone.
When half an hour had passed he
could no longer sit still on the purple
velvet sofa, but began. walking up and
down. his hands behind him. scowling
at the full length Oil painted portraits
of Rhaetia's dead rulers. glaring a
question into his own eyes in the long,
gold framed mirrors-a question he
would have given his life to hear an
swered in the way he wished.
Three-quarters. of an hour had gone
at last, and still the chancellor paced
the purple drawing room, agd still the
prince did not come back to tell the
news.
Had the young man failed? Had
that siren upstairs beguiled him, as she
had beguiled one stronger and greater
than he? Was it possible that she had
lured the whole secretof their scheme
from the prince and then induced him
to leave the hotel while her arch enc
my fumed in the salon, awaiting his
return?
But. no; there were quick footsteps
outside the door. The handle was
turned. At least his royal highness
was not a traitor.
AS the chancellor had confessed, he
Yves growing old. He felt suddenly
very weak. His lips fell apart. trem-
bling, yet he would not utter the words
that hung upon them.G
Fortunately the prince read the ap-
peal in the glittering eyes and did not
wait to be questioned. 81
.'Well, I've seen the lady and had
talk with her." he said in voice
which vas. the OLD man felt, somehow
different in tone from what it had been
an hour ago. .ai2e&
"And is she the person you have
known?' taii .E1ta
Eyes, she's a person have kaown.
Irs-it's all right about that plan OF
yours, chancellor. She's going with me
to the lodge" -
Heaven be praised! 1T seems al
most too good to be true. When does
she go? -,
"At onee-that is. as soon as she
can get ready. She viii dine with me,
and my equerry will stop behind and
eat the dinner had ordered here"
Magnificent! Then she will go with
you alone? Nothing could be better
The presence of the alleged mother as
chaperon would be drawback"
"Oh, no chaperon is needed for us
two. The--er-mother remains at the
hotel with q LA companion they
have, who is III. 1t was-erjssomewhat
difficult to arrange this matter, but
don't think the plot l have in mind
now will fail. provided you carry
through your part as smartly as !
have carried mine."
''You may depend upon me. Your
royal highness is marvellous. Am to
understand that the lady goes with
you quite of her own free will:"
"Quite. fatter myself that she's
rather pleased with the invitation. IN
a few minutes l and the fair damsel
Will he spinning away for drive In
my red motor you know. the one
which always leave at the, lodge, to
be ready for use whenever I choose to
pay q flying visit. shall keep her oui
until it's dark to give you plenty or
time, but before starting I'll telephone
10 nv chef that. after ALL shan't be
away and he must prepare dinner for
two"
81 also will send telephone mes
sage" said the chancellor
ITO Leopold?'
"Yes, your royal highness. This time.
there will be no uncertainty in my
words to him. They will strike home,
and even if he should not be intend
ing to come to kronburg tonight they
will bring him."
You are sure you know where TO
catch the emperor:
Hell telephone me from Felgarde
when he has found those he sought are
not there, as he will, and I must be at
my house to receive and answer his
message. 1t will soon be time now."
VERY well: all that seems to arrange
itself satisfactorily" said the prince
"Our motor drive can be stretched out
for an hour and half. The lady Will
then need to dress. Dinner can be
kept back till half past S, II 1t would
suit your book to break in upon us at
the table, My dining room isn't very
grand, but it has plenty Of light and
color and wouldn't make bad back
ground for the last act Of this little
drama. What do you say. chancellor!
I've always thought that your success
as a stage manager Of the theater of
nations was partially due to your eye
for dramatic effects"
"Such effects are not to be despised.
considering the audience we cater for
in that theater."
"Wen, I promise you that for our
little amateur play tonight In my pri-
vate theater the footlights shall be lit,
the stage set and two Of the principal
,,,note droscod ond naintad for the