Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-08-03
DAILY SHORT STORIES

y IL
who In days gone by had pirouetted
before the 6ootlights. with that Roy.
den in her box. He's been there every
night this week. l wonder IL she Il
going to marry him."
IT abe does shell lose her social
hold. The Van vechtens haven't
money enough to do what they please
In society,"" said the descendant OF a
brewer. who sat beside her.
Where did he come from anywayyr
asked the first speaker. 10
Australia or Canada or New Zea-
land. He's British. you know" OF
Whats he doing here?' 81
But the orchestra drowned the repiy.
While Miss Van vechten's taking up
Mr.. Roydcn had originally sprung from
q natural feeling OF refined woman
70, take the part OF a stranger against
upstairs. there WINS that In the man
which soon caused her to forget her
motive In the interest he Inspired I'm
her. A fairly Intelligent young woman,
she was able to appreciate bis knowl-
edge Of many subjects which go to
make up the intellectual world. Re
had made study OF history. philo-
sophically considered, the formal ton of
nations. goverpments. copstitutions-in.
deed, such information as might be
beneficial TO one who aims 10 follow
public political life. International law
seemed to be his hobby. Miss Van
vechten was disposed to draw him
out on these subjects. which he pre-
sented to her I'm way to insure her
understanding OF them. She did not
wonder TINT man who possessed
such treasures within himself should
be Indifferent to the gilded circle.
II WINS In this way that Mr.. Royden
won his way, II not TO Miss Van vech-
tens henrt. Mt least TO a feeling that
she would like just such n man for N
husband. She encouraged him TO ask
for her, not that she would or would
not accept him. but that she might
have the choice OF doing either one or
the other
Now, all this happened within the
short space Of few weeks. Mr.. Roy
den's stay In Gotham was coming TO
an end. No one knew It except himself,
but he knew 1t very well. One day he
announced his coming departure to
Miss Van vechten.
Mr.. Royden had been very uncom-
municative. even to Miss Van yechten
When he said he WINS going she knew
no more about where he would 10 than
where he had come from But she
was too well bred TO ask him. Never
theless. he told her the story. More
over. he asked her TO be his wife.
The day before Royden left New
York he was sitting In the lounging
room OF the U club reading newspa-
per. Near him at n table. partaking of
refreshments. were several Of the mem
bers OF that party who had discussed
| him when lie had entered the building
| several weeks before Among them
was skinner. the cofillion leader.
There's that fellow Royden over
here" remarked Skinner. HE doesn't
seem TO have made much head way In
society. l seldom meet him any
where
How do you know he cares TO be
metz asked another.
Il don't"
Nobody seems TO know anything
about. him." remarked another. Mrs.
Tracey can't foist these people on So
ciety as she once did. She's failed at
| that"
| At that moment stranger entered
the room and. catching sight Of Roy
den. rushed up TO him with extended
hand.
Hello, Bob. he cried. IL haven't
seen you since we left Oxford. I'm
mighty glad to meet you. old man. and
10 congratulate yon on the position you
have attained. Why are you not in
Washington
Going tomorrow; have been waiting
for the minister
The man who had entered. seeing
friend In Skinner, nodded TO him and
after brief talk with Royden beekoned
him TO join them. Skinner did so and
was introduced to Royden.
This is my friend the Marquis of
Hesslington. He is on a diplomatic
mission 10 settle some matters about
fisheries or something"
Mr.. Skinner bowed obsequiously.
i nave heard or the marquis as Mr..
Itoyden." he remarked
What's thatT' said the iniroducer.
| Been going incog.. Bob? Using your
| own name instead OF yoIr titlcT"
II have been Obliged 10 do SO for
reasons connected with the diplomatic
service"
IL see" 1..
Then Mr.. Skinner asked the marquis
IL be could not be OF some service 10
him during the rest OF his stay IN New
York to which the marquis replied
that he was leaving the next day.
That evening the news spread among
the gilded circle that the oldest son OF
British duke ana prominent diplo
mat had been In New YOrk lncog. and
no ono pxppDf Nfro Tro,o,. ,,.I.. 81.