New-York tribune., 1910-01-09

seemingly devoid of any excess Of feeling, three,
at least, of those in the room were not deceived
by his attitude Princess belgrade seemed 70
be profoundly disquieted, while Beliani and
MarulItCh StrOve, not altogether with success,
to carry themselves with the indifference that
cloakS uneasinesS. Alec turned again 70 the
window and looked out.
\ carriage drove into the COURTYARD and
though its occupant was invisible, he guessed
rightly that StampOtt had not failed him. Some
low conversation went on behind his back, and,
although he was now marshaling his forces for
the impending struggle, he became aware that
the president was giving in greater detail an
account OF the afternoon proceedings, but he
listened only Tor the opening of the door. From
that instant war should be declared ruthless
war on each and every person present who had
reft him of his promised bride.
STAMPOFF entered. His keen old eyes in
~ Stantly took IN the significance of the gath
ering; but he saluted the King in silence. bowed
to Princess belgrade, and stood stockstill, in
the attitude of one who awaits an order OF. II
might be. a denunciatiOn-
Alec approached. and the others, including
StampOh himself, thought that he meant to
make some private communication to the new
conner before beginning a debate IN which all
might share. But he walked past StampOff
locked the door, and put the key into his
pocket.
Now" he said. 4 am Tree to explain why
we seven are gathered here tonight Joan
Vernon who was TO have become nv wife
within few DAYS, left Delgratz two hours ago
by the mail tram for Paris. She was accom-
panied by Felix POluSkI and the only reason
for this ClandeStIne Journey Is contained in a
few lines of farewell addressed to me by the
lady herself. In that letter she speaks of a
barrier that renders impossible a marriage be-
tween her and me. | want TO know what that
barrier is and who erected it. and | shall dis
cover both those things here and now if | have
q he heart of taar N
man present.
~ strange threat, Alec" painted Prince
Michael, whose prominent ewes were bulging in
serni-intoXiCation, though indeed he seemed
suddenly to have realized the tremendous I'M
port of the King statement. - strange threat
to be uttered before Your mOther,
." My mother loved Joan" came the irnpaS-
stoned cry. " She took her to her heart from
the first hour, and she viii bear with me now
IN my agony. Yet 1t may be that even nv
mother has deceived me. | cannot tell. Some
of YOU here know, perhaps all; but to
Heaven | Will not finch from my resolve 10 eS-
tract the truth, no matter with whom the
responsibility rests"
Princess belgrade. trembling and CHASTITY
pale, tOttered To a chair and grIpped its back 70
prevent herself from falling.
Though aware of his mothers distress Alec
did not move from the position he had taken
up facing all OF them and with that hidden
sword within easy reach. Ever dutiful and
devoted SON he continued now 10 glover at
the half-fainting woman as though She alone
held the key 70 the mystery that resulted in
loans disappearance. His impaSSiOned ewes
sought 10 peer INTO her very soul and his nos
tr.lS quivered with the frenzied eagerneSS of
who awaited an answer to the implied
question. In some indetinable way he had al
ready begun to suspect the truth, for when the
poor woman made no reply though more. than
once her terror laden ewes met his in mute ap-
peal he whrled round on Marulitch
% bt continued ustt SnuiIv