Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24

the holy fish in the tank. he waited in VAIN.
Neither did she appear on the morning follow
ing. AS far as the portrait was concerned the
final pose did not effectively interfere with its
Vizir. When his eyes fell upon it in Lathams
apartment he did not attempt to conceal his
enthusiasm.
Excellent he cried. Where is there
another painter who could produce such face
from his imagination"
While Latham thought it best to withhold
the source of his inspiration. he did not feel
compelled to repress a note of satisfaction.
We'll. if l say So" he nodded. 81 think it IS
pretty good. 1t ought to pass hanging COM
Enough" exclaimed the Vizir. of such
work there is no more to be said. There will
be no dispute over the price:
So the Vizir took the picture away and
Latham went back to his sketches of the mosque
tomb. Once or twice he was drawn to the tenn
pie garden. feeling that at least an expression
of thanks was due Alfalfa. but. except for the
holy and, possibly like himself. disappointed
fish. no sign of her was presented. 1t vaguely
wondering what had become of the girl he
realized that in the half phantom life of India
people fitted across the scene. with minimum
of thought regarding their destination. Pre-
sumably that was the end of Alfalfa as far as he
was concerned
SOMETIME over a week later he was trifling
~ with one of Ramchander's inevitable tiffn
curries. when Golab Dat. his servant ap-
preached with air of Importance. He adj
dressed Latham in tone sufficiently loud to be
overheard by the servants of other masters not
specially favored by Kings and such folk.
g" If the Presence pleases, the Rao Sahlb
wishes to speak with him"
1.-THE who?" Intercepted Latham. looking
= The Rao sahib. Heir Apparent of the Ma
haraja of Sultanpur."
well. wonder what he wants with me?
remarked Latham.
His Highness did not say but begs as
favor you will speak with him.
Such person was not to be denied OF course
particularly as in Latham mind there rose the
idea of another commission. So he fastened
into the vestibule. to meet young man dressed
like European of good position except for a
neatly folded turban, and of rather progresses
ing appearance.
"Mr Latham. presumed" the Prince began
in manner to indicate that the English Ian
guage at his command.
Latham bowed.
Il wish to discuss with you matter of great
importance in private" explained the Prince.
Il should regard myself in your debt if you
would grant me a few minutes.
Certainly acquiesced Latham. :" If you
private there"
X/HEN Latham had succeeded in sending
w Golab Dat off on an impromptu Grand
and closed the means of eveSdropp1ng. he IN
vited the Prince to seat and the disclosure of
his confidence: but the Princes mind seemed
TO be in too restless condition to permit of in
action. He paced the room turning every now
and then to emphasize his words with gestures
Il have called upon you." he began be
cause have been the victim of an outrageous
trick in which l imagine you have played an
innocent part.
Iathams face took on an expression of sur
prise but he waited for further particulars.
I" If am not mistaken" continued the Prince,
You have recently painted picture for the
King of Ghanzi?
II Judge | may admit having done So"
acquiesced Latham, " as embargo of secrecy
| was laid upon the transaction"
Il thought as much" said the Prince. No
native artist could have done such work. |
have spent some wears in Europe. and can easily
distinguish between European and our native
painting. But that picture has been the means
of running my life"
Latham stared at the Prince in considerable
| wonder. Il certainly did not have an lnten-
tional hand in it, he protested.
mo. that / am willing to believe agreed
the Prince. 81 will explain the situation. and
you will see how your picture has made me the
prey of an Infamous duplicity. You must I'M
derstand that the King of Ghazi has long
wished to ally himself with our family. But my
European training had made me adverse to
MARRYING anyone of whom | knew nothing eX-