Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-09

erningly devoid of any excess of feeling, three,
at least, of those in the room were not deceived
by his attitude. Princess belgrade seemed to
be profoundly disquieted, while Beliani and
Marulitch strove, not altogether with success,
to carry themselves with the indifference that
cloaks uneasiness. Alec turned again to the
window and looked out.
\ carriage drove into the courtyard and
though its occupant invisible, he guessed
rightly that Stampoff had not failed him. Some
low conversation went on behind his back, and
although he now marshaing his forces for
the impending struggle, he became aware that
the president was giving IN greater detail an
account of the afternoons proceedings; but he
listened only for the opening of the door From
that instant should be declared, ruthless
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, or, it
might be. denunciation.
Alec approached and the Others including
Stampoff himself thought that he meant to
make some private communication to the new
conner before beginning debate IN which all
might share. But he walked past Stampoff
locked the door, and put the key into his
pocket.
Now" he said. Il am free to explain why
we seven are gathered here tonight. Joan
Vernon, who to have become my wife
within few days left Delgratz two hours ago
bv the mail train 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 marriage be-
tween her and me. | want to know what that
barrier is and who erected it, and l shall dis
cover both those things here and now, if have
to tear the knowledge from the heart of each
man present"
"A strange threat, Alec" painted Prince
Michael, whose prominent eyes were bullying in
standardization, though indeed he seemed
port of the Kings statement, " strange threat
to be uttered before your mother!'
MY mother loved Joan" came the impas-
stoned cry. "She took her to her heart from
in my agony. Yet it may be that even my
mother has deceived me. l cannot tell. Some
of YOU here know, perhaps all; but | vow to
Heaven will not finch from my resolve to ex-
tract the truth, no matter with whom the
responsibility rests!'
Princess belgrade, trembling and CHASTITY
pale tottered to a chair and gripped its back to
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 to glover at
the half-faintng woman as though she alone
held the key to the mystery that resulted IN
Joans disappearance. His impassioned eyes
sought to peer into her very soul. and his nos
trils quivered with the frenzied eagerness of
one who awaited an answer to the implied
question. In some indefinable 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 eyes met his in mute APP
peal he whirled round on Marulitch
To be continued uerf SnuddV