The Washington herald., 1911-01-29

to Lady Middleton he had spoken no
word that should lay blame at his wife's
door. But he knew that she had made
him su6er-suffer! And now he was
about TO offer himself up-s sacrifice
to her ambition and her vanity. But her
net She could be irresistible.
The thought he had dismissed so de-
terminedly from his mind was-"Why did
l not marry Isabel? What an ideal life
We might have hac!''
The Princess Polenouski's reception
was to take place at the Grafton GAL
lery. Paderewsh was to play. There
was q rumor that a thousand pounds
nad been paid for the pink roses which
were to decorate the rooms.
Muriel Ranleigh had heard all about
this. She had heard, too. that the prin-
cess was to wear the wonderful Pole
nouski diamonds-such diamonds as no
other woman In London had ever been
seen to wear. Muriel was full of eirlish
excitement when her maid set her down
at Princes Mansions.
Forbes was already there, and he gave
an involuntary sigh as he looked upon
Murfers fresh young face. and thought
that she. too. was a worshiper at So
cietys shrine. He had seen her last in a
pinafore, and her hair, he remembered,
had been very untidy. Now she wore a
white chinon robe. and her hair was
done fashionably: But the only orna-
ment she wore was a rope Of pearls
Doesn't she look lovely?" demanded
Lady Middleton. after a sort Of introduc-
tion had taken place
I liked her best in the pinafore,
think said Forbes. smiling. You don t
remember. Miss Muriel.'' he added, but
you were wearing pinafore when last 1
saw you!''
Muriel Ranleigh looked annoyed. She
had naturally expectAA- compliment, and
instead she re- an allusion to days
not so far Uistant as to have grown in
distinct-days when the pinafore in ques-
ton was not always clean. She shot a
waspish little glance at Forbes as she
reminded him that his taste seemed to
have suffered somewhat in the African
wilds
See il the princess does not convert
you tonight. Mr.. Forbes" she said She
is 50 beautiful. and she will be covered
with Jewels. I only wish had her
beauty: some Polish prince might marry
me and give me such jewels!'
Don't be little goose. Murielr' said
Lady Middleton. ''The finest Jewel a
woman can wear is a good mans 8 love-,
But of course I want that. too- cried
Muriel. Prince Polenouski absolutely
adores his wife. And she was a mere
nobody. have heard-American, think -
But Forbes was not listening to Muriel
Ranleigh's chatter. He was locking at
the tender. womanly face Of his friend
Isabel. and was thinking what a jewel she
would be for man to wear. She was
not beautiful. according to critics; but
her expression was absolutely lovely-so
true and loving a soul looked out from
her steadfast eyes.
When Lady Middleton's party reached
the top Of the grand staircase (Which was
garlanded with roses) at the Grafton Cal
lery. the prince and princess were there,
receiving their guests.
The princess was wearing a robe Of rich
cream brocade. She absolutely scintil-
lated with diamonds. A magnificent tiara
surmounted the coil Of black hair. Her
shining black eyes were proud and
naughty.
Lady Middleton and Muriel Ranleigh
were greeted, and passed on with the
crowd. Then came Charlie Forbes.
The princess. smiling graciously. ex-
tended her hand. Their eyes met, and
the smile faded from her lips. look
OF fear and Of hatred came into her
splendid eyes; but she controlled herself
superbly. and went on receiving
Charlie Forbes smiled a queer. crooked
smile as he Joined his friends. -
Lady Middleton darted a look at him.
Charlie. aren't you well?'' she whis-
pered, anxiously.
Il am quite WELL" he answered But
he was pale under the tan, and great
drops Of perspiration stood out on his
brow.
He went on talking. "I am longing to
hear Paderewski play, aren't you. Miss
Ranleigh?' he said, trying hard to make
his tones natural.
the princess" answered Muriel Wasn't
she lovely?. And, oh, what diamonds"
Charlie Forbes did not listen to Pade-
rewski. though he played Chopin's "Ber-
ceuse" exquisitely. Forbes, like Muriel.
was thinking of the princess: and to
judge from the expression on his face,
his thought were not pleasant.
On the way back to Princes Mansions.
after Muriel Ranleigh had been dropped
at her home. Lady Middleton said: You
have not enjoyed your evening, Charlie.
/ suppose you were thinking all the time
about your wife,
Il was!' he said. with marked en-
phasis.
when are you going to Ireland?" she
asked.
L am not going at ALL" he made an
swer. Il am going back to Africa
Then she knew.
They parted at the fiat without any
explanations. Charlie saying that he
would call to say good-by tomorrow.
When alone in his room at the hotel
Charlie sat down to think. His thoughts
did not dwell upon his wife. trans
formed into into a princess-his wife.
who had attained her ambition, and
whose eyes had looked fear and hatred
into his tonight. He was thinking tha4
there was not another woman in the
world who would have forborne to ques-
tion him as Isabel had done. His con-
duct must have seemed to her extraordi-
nary in the extreme, almost an insult to
their long friendship. Now he came to
think of it, Isabel had always been like
that. She had given a ready sympathy:
but she had never demanded confidence.
The hand-clasp she had given him when
they parted on this night told him that
whatever the trouble might be she shared
it,
Oh that he were free! Scales had fallen
from his eyes.
Next morning London society was mex
Princess Polenouski. who had entertained
so royalty the night before, had died on
home from heart failure. The
ception and of the tragedy. There were
every daily. Much sympathy was ex-
crushed by the loss Of his beautiful wife.
IF they only knew!'' muttered Forbes.
as he flung down his paper. He was
strangely excited. Directly after break
fast he got into a taxi and presented
hi MjddIoton's 6of