The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1908-09-09

was not the only one whom the chan
cellor of nhaetia had visited there. H0 |
knew by heart the rich purple hang
ings in the salon. with the double |
wolf head Of Rhaetla stamped In gold |
ut regular intervals on the velvet, ana
he sickcned 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 Rhaeta's dead rulers, glaring q
question into his own eyes In the long,
gold framed mlrrors-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. and still the
prince did not come back to tell the
news
Had the young man failed2 Had
that siren upstairs begulled him, as she
had begriled one stronger and greater
than he? Was 1t possible that she had
lured the whole secret Of their scheme
from the prince and then induced him
to leave the hotel while her arch ene-
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 traitor.
AS the chancellor had confessed, he
was growing old. He felt suddenly
very weak. His lips fell apart, trem-
bling, yet he would not utter the words
that hung upon them.
Fortunately the prince read the ap-
peal IN the glittering eyes and did not
wait to be questioned.
well, I've seen the lady and had
talk with her." he said In voice
which was, the old man felt, somehow
different in tone from what 1t had been
an hour ago.
"And is she the person you have
known2"
Eyes, she's @ person | have known.
1ts-its all right about that plan Of
yours, chancellor. She's going with ME
to the lodge"
"IIcaven be praised! 1t seems al,
most too good to be true, When does
she go?"
AT once that Is, as soon as she
can get ready, She will 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 Mt the
hotel with LA companion they
have, who Is Ill. 1t was-er-somewha
difficult tc arrange this matter, but ]
don't think the plot l have In mind
now Will fail, provided you carry
through your part rs smartly as ]
have carried mine"
You may depend upon me. Your
royal hghncss IS marvellous. Am l tc
understand that the lady goes with
YOU quite Of her own free wilT
quite. fatter myself that shes
u. Il
a few minutes l and the fair damse
Will be spinning away for drive IL
my red motor - you know, the ont
which | always leave Mt the lodge, Il
lie ready for use whenever choose t,
pay dying visit. shall keep her on
until It's dark to give you plenty OF
time. but before starting I'll telephon,
to my chef that after all, shan't b,
away and he must prepare dinner fo
two"
II also Will send telephone mes
sage" said the chancellor.
"To Lcopold?"
Yes, your royal highness. This tim,
there Will be no uncertainty in m,
words to him. They will strike home
ana even If he should not be intend
Ing to come to Kronburg tonight the,
Will bring him."
You are sure YOU know where t,
catch the emperor
Hell telephone me from Felpard,
when he has found those he sought ar,
not there, as he will, and must be n
my house to receive and answer hi
message. 1t will soon he time now"
Very well; all that seems to arrane,
Itself satisfactorily" said the prince
"Our motor drive can be stretched on
for an hour and half. The lady vii
then need to dress. Dinner can b.
kept back till half past 8, II It woul,
suit your book to break in upon us n
the table. My dining room isn't yer,
grand, bur g as plenty VI light ant
color ana wouldn't make a bad back
ground for the last act Of this lIttl,
drama. What do you say, chancellor
I've always thought that your succes
as n stage manager Of the theater O
nations was partially due to your ey,
for dramatic effects"