Evening star., 1911-08-13
THE GODS OF SIMLA
Continued from page s

oo''"''s' l'1
to bother business in their offices unless have
something really important. And you have always been
good and kind to me-" she added.
Her business point well taken original cx-
preston. After all, they business men. In the
real governing Of the Indian Empire there is not much
frivolity; witness Sir Duncan, the hard headed old
Scottish financial member, who looked on her with
kindly approval. Meanwhile, the fighting little Irish
Commander in Chiefs native gallantry would not per-
nit him to remain seated in the presence of lady. He
and Sir Duncan gave cue the Viccrov. His Excel
lency rose, inclined his head slightly toward Miss
Cruden, and invited her into antcroom.
"From what know of your father feel sure YOU will
be as brief possible" he suggested.
She at once responded by telling her story in a
straightforward As she proceeded the Vice
rows brow coudcd, and il evident that he regarded
the matter in a serious light
a thank you he said when she concluded 4for pre-
scnng this information clearly Marston IS, Of course
Thorpe, as Resident Bkandra, for permitting his
daughter to become cntangled with the Maharaia In
this particular situation II might have led to serious
consequences. He will hear of it shortly.
ooh but that will never do protested Miss Cruden.
@Nevcr do?7 calculated the Viccroy, taken aback at
her frankness.
aNo, because then Miss Thorpe will suffer. | am
sure you would wish her to be made unhappy
than she IS and-and, after ALL nothing dreadful has
actually happened.
"Pcrhaps you will tell me what am to do, requested
the wondering Viccroy, "to mark my of dispcas
ure and at the time the young ladys face
say in the Orient Besides, there is Marston to
consider in the case.
ooh first stand by your A. d. c." she answered.
"Your word cannot be questioned. Then send the
other people away in good humor to places where the
matter will be forgotten. You need not ask Mr. Thorpe
to return, if you do not wish"
The Viceroy's grave face broke into smile. Then
he laughed in way that IS seldom heard in that abode
of responsibility Presently he rang bell and one OF
his secretaries responded The Viceroy gave directions
for an order that somewhat as follows
His Excelency having been informed of delicate poti
cal mission performed by Lieutenant Lord Marston. A. d
c. the night Of the sixteenth takes great pleasure IN
entirely approving his conduct.
consideration of rendered by Augustus Bolton
Thorpe Esquire at Bikandra he is given an extra year
leave of absence in Europe. take effect Immediately.
The Maharaa Bkandra having given satisfactory as,
to the supreme Government IS herewith permitted
to his State.
"And III take care Of him when he gets there,
added the Viccroy. "Do you consider this will save
Miss Thorpe's position:' he asked Miss crlden :,
at will be due to her lack of ingenuity If 1t
doesn't she answered. ave have done best TO
help her. You cannot imagine how grateful | am to
YOU Lord Granbury. she extended her hand IN frank
acknowledgment.
"And to you" he bowed gallantly over it, "for a
lesson in governing the Indian Empire BY the way,
though, what have you done with my A. ID. C?s
"Oh | left him and Dad scowng at each other, but
under promise to talk only polo
The Niceroy laughed again and called back h. sec
retary. "Scnd chuprassy at with note OF nvl-
taon to luncheon for Colonel and Mrs Crudcn Include
Marston. Add that | am retaining Miss Crudcn.
"And now" he turned to her, "if you will find Lady
Granbury, shall return to my council board. only
wish had the power to ask you to take seat at It.
ON the other side. Thorpe didn't the Vccroy;
- but was shown his Excelency's order That sent
him home puzzled, but with closed mouth regarding
Marson until such time his daughter could explain
When she did. 1t be presumed she able TO
cxonerate Marston without disclosing her secret;
for whisper of it reached the social world of Sima
Still, said world wondered for space what could have
been Marstons political service publicly praised by the
Viccroy Hunurnan, the Monkey God of course knows;
but you have probably figure of him with paw