Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-08-27

who In days gone by had pirouetted
before the footllghts. with that Roy
den In her box. He's been there every
night this week. | wonder II she Is
going TO marry him."
''If she Goes she'll lose her social
hold The Van yechtens haven't
money enough to do what they please
In society,"" said the descendant of
brewer. who sat beside her.
where did he come from anyway"
asked the first speaker.
Australia or Canada or New Zea-
land. He's British. you know"
whats he doing hereT
But the orchestra drowned the reply.
While Miss Van vechten's taking up
Mr.. Royden had originally sprung from
n natural feeling OF a refined woman
TO take the part OF stranger against
upstairs. there was that In the man
which soon caused her TO forget her
motive in the interest he inspired in
her A fairly intelligent young woman.
she was able to appreciate his knowl-
edge OF many subjects which 60 TO
make up the intellectual world. He
had made study OF history, phio-
sophicnlly considered. the formation of
nations. governments. constitutions-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
yechten was disposed to draw him
out on these subjects. which he pre-.
sented to her In a way TO insure her
understanding OF them. She did not
wonder that man who possessed
such treasures within himself should
be Indifferent to the gilded circle.
II was In this way that Mr.. Royden
won his way. II not to Miss Van vech-
tens heart. at least 10 feeling that
she would like Just such man for
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 II very well. One day he
announced his coming departure TO
Miss Van vechten.
Mr.. Royden had been very uncom-
municative. even TO Miss Van Vechten.
When he said he was going she knew
Oh la f.,,
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 n newspa.
per. Near him at q table. partaking OF
refreshments, were several OF the men,
bers OF that party who had discussed
him when he had entered the building
several weeks before. Among them
was Skinner. the cotillion leader.
There's that fellow Roydcn over
there" remarked Skinner. HE doesn't
seem to have made much Roadway In
society. seldom meet him any
where"
How do you know he cares to be
metz asked another.
II don't"
Nobody seems TO know anything
about him." remarked another. "Mrs
Tracey can't foist these people on so.
ciety us she once did. She's failed ai
that"
At that moment stranger entered
the room and. catching sight OF Roy
den. rushed up 10 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. aud
to congratulate you 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 q
friend In skinner. nodded 10 him and
after brief talk with Royden beckoned
him 10 join them. skinner did so and
was introduced TO Royden.
This Is my friend the Marquis OF
Hesslington. He Is on diplomatic
mission 10 settle some matters about
fisheries or something"
Mr.. Skinner bowed obsequiously.
II have heard OF the marquis as Mr.
Royden." he remarked.
What's thatT' said the introducer
Been going incog.. Bob? Using your
own name instead of your tltleT'
Il have been Obliged 10 do so for
reasons connected with the diplomatic
service"
~ see"
Then Afr. Skinner asked the marquis
II he could not be OF some service TO
him during the rest OF his stay in New
York, 10 which the marquis repli
that he was leaving the nex: day.
That evening the news spread among
the gilded circle that the oldest son OF
British duke and prominent dlplo.
mat had been in New York incog., and
no one except Mrs. Tracey. who alone
knew who he was. and Miss Van Vech.