The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-02-27

kept for Marlni, and II chance came Of
getting hold OF him he should be given TO
with others to murder Stephen
But don't think you'll see him again"
ne added. The plan has now been utterly
defeated and in all probability the whole
crowd concerned In it have left the country.
| should like you to try and find that out
I'm set about 1t at once MIR. Anstablel
IL want TO communicate with you. shall
l find you here your return to town."
For few days. longer; but | ann then
going abroad-to America and other places.
/ shall be away some months. perhaps
year or more as soon as | have arranged
some business matters. / don't ask what
your fees are, but I'll send you a cheque
mat VIII show you how appreciate your
That's. all right, Mr.. Anstable. I've
just what you please about the money part
of It,. What wanted was to get even with
that Marini.'
III AvING. given Torosto time TO explain
everything to Rita, Ralph went back to
the room. The Italian wore anxious look
and Rita was pale and troubled, and her
large eyes turned questloningly TO Ralph as
he entered II was plain that matters were
Il have been urging his hlghness wishes
upon the countess and" said Torosto. when
.'And / have been asking Major Torosto If
his highness knows the character of Count
Anstable
1T is scarcely fair to ask Mr.. Anstable to
a
bringing his father is responsible put in
Torosto shrewdly and very suavely.
Il have every reason to hope that the
counts recent experiences Will make a
marked difference In him" said Ralph.
Young men viii be young men" inter
posed Torosto, land In the early years OF
most of us there occur incidents and cpl
sOdes which are afterwards repented. There
comes turning p0int-as I'm the case OF
the count--and the very qualities which
have led to the excuses of youth often help
to the achievement of the successes of ripper
Hasusn
spirits, the desire for novel experience. the
Instructive restlessness-these qualities III
rected into sober channels often do great
do you mean. then, that 1 ought to adj
mire what you term the excuses Of youth,
and that | should regard II as an excellent
trait In Count Stefano's character that he
came to me, as told you, lntoxieated?''
Despite the gravity of the crisis, Ralph
could scarcely restrain smile at this.
"No, no, ] have not said that" replied
Torosto. THAT was nexcusa BILE as well as
drown his grief your refusal of him is
not altogether uninteligible. and while you
the motive for II should not be entirely ig-
nOred by you. He has given the most un-
equivoca proof OF his admiration Without
the slightest knowledge of your position he
asked You to honor him with your banda
greater compliment no man can pay a wo-
man. These alliances among noble houses
are frequently made without affection on
either side. but of his feelings for you the
count has given unmstakable proof"
Il have been equally frank with him.
retorted Rita dryly.
But / urge upon you once more that the
issues depending upon this alliance are so
critical, vital. so wide, and fraught with
such momentous import to the fortunes OF
the noble family to which you belong, and
of which YOU will be the head. TO the flu
ture of the great district In which they are
paramount, and to hundreds Indeed thou
sands of their adherents, that no personal
considerations should be allowed to tnhu-
ence your decision. | urge YOU indeed, L
beseech you, to bear that always In mind
What will be the effect II refuseT
'sNo words adequately describe the
disaster, countess answered Iorosto earn.
OF the consequences ''You young I'M
skilled In politics IMMERSED In the ways or
lis that my fault?" asked Rita, sharply
mo. no; there have been many grievous
mistakes In the past but If i could make
Won realize what disa sters would follow from
your refusal, l should have no doubt of your
answer Your very inexperience In matters
Of state makes my task more difficult. BUT
condition of affairs your refusal would lead
to unrest intrigue, bitter feuds, violence
and bloodshed the ruin of families, ana the
sacrifice of hundreds of Innocent lives
His intense earnestness affected Rita
more than anything which had yet been
said and she sat resting her face on her
hand, her features very pale, ana her large
eyes thoughtful and troubled.
TorostO, seeing the impression mis- Worus
had created prudently kept silent to give
time for them to sink into her heart =.
Presently, with a deep sigh, she turned 70
RaIph ''And you, Mr.. Anstable, do you
advise me to do what is askedF
sMr Anstable Is not free TO speak, inter
posed Torosto hurriedly. "He Is pledged 70
support the princes wishes He mas ony