Evening star., 1911-01-22

She turned to her maid, wholly unable to
understand the meaning of the situation.
@You are sure this card was for me1"
"Yes, Nam 'selle.'
A weight as of something ominous
seemed lowering oppressively in the air. A
sense as of disturbing revelations, or even
menace. in this unexpected visit, took pos
session of her mind. Who the Countess
could be and what the purpose of her ap-
conjecture. She reflected rapidly that a
scene might be impending, and feverish
wish for Alice increased her indecision.
Flashes of intuition laid bare startling
thoughts in swiftly moving progression
Whence, Unexpectedly, came her courage,
and even desire to behold this mysterious
visitor, she could not herself have deter
mined. She merely knew, abruptly, that to
see this Countess might even be duty to
them all.
@You may watt" she said to the expectant
maids, and proceeded lightly down the stairs.
A moment later she entered the reception
room, and a small, dark eyed young woman.
flaming both inwardly and outwardly, rose
from chair to confront her.
Chapter XIV. A Singular Alliance
FOR a moment Thurley and her visitor
stood face to face, each taking, as it
were, mental measurement of the other.
Thurley was the first to speak. "You
wished to see me?'
The breath of the Countess was coming
rapidly, as the agitated rise and fall of her
bosom sufficiently advertised. She spoke in
French @You are Princess Thirvinia,
known here in New York as Miss Thurley1"
Il am known here in New York as Miss
Thurley, certainly. Do you not speak En-
glishl' Thurley answered. "Will you not be
seated and state your errand with me as
promptly as possible9'
The young woman made no response to
either query. She stared at the princess"
with blazing, resentful eyes, while her color
disappeared, robbing her face of something
suggestive of damask smoothness, bloom,
and texture. She was on the whole strik-
ing little person. with piquant attractive
ness that was emphasized by nose slightly
retrousse and a vivid bit of coral mouth.
3You are very beautiful" she said, as if
reluctantly admitting an inescapable fact,
or even making an accusation. 3What right
have you to follow my husband to American
He is my husband, and you shall not entice
him away!'
Thurley elevated her brows. @Who is he,
then? If you refer to Count Fiaschi-'
aYou know refer to Count Fiaschi!' in
IIlc lcIy uCIlC pdICCl VI oduISlSAAl.
@Do you think Countess Fiaschi shall be his
mother? Do look like that? He shall be
my husband-all! He is not to be shared
with any German Princess! You will find
am not so small in my rights!"
Thurley was far from being awed. She
might have been near to amusement, had
not the affair partaken of too much gravity.
81 have no wish to share your husband" she
said. Il was not aware he had a wife, nor
have followed anyone here from Europe.
Magnificent scorn was massed upon the
piquant little face. 3Ah! When all this
land is talking of his madness for yourself!
Perhaps you will deny you are Princess Thir-
vinia, whose golden haired spell was cast
about him on the Continent?"
Il am sorry if you do not believe what
say" said Thurley quietly. Il am glad you
came, glad to know the Count is married,
glad to tell you despise him, dislike him
exceedingly, more than ever now, since this
reveals him in new and unsuspected mean
ness of spirit. will give you any comfort
YOU desire so far as he is concerned"
HER visitor gazed at her almost blankly,
II so vast was her incredulity. "Despise
him-any woman, despise him. she said,
awith his soul, his fire, his sentiment?" Then
she suddenly broke down and wept as pent
heavens sometimes weep when storm has
massed their tears. "You are beautiful,