Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-16


work at the aerOdrOme in the shed adjoining
Rodoslav's, and to overhear not only AIMS
first words to the princely aviator, but, by
patient waiting, the still more significant
conversation that transpired on their return.
AS this man enjoyed the freedom of speech
that Virginia accorded to all chauffeurs,
golf caddies, jockies, and like dependents of
sport who came her way, he took prompt
occasion to tell his employer what he knew.
In this spirited narrative the lorn figure of
Price Buckley played its part, and to Buck
lev she forthwith addressed herself with such
a convincing air of knowing all about the in
cident that the missing details were soon in
her possession.
"But l can't understand how it has got
about" he puzzled. II have said nothing,
and all the time waited in the aerodrome
/ saw only few French workmen and the
Princes valet"
"Perhaps he told," suggested Virginia.
Il rather think Rodoslav is the one man in
thousand who is hero to his valet. In a
way it's heroic sort of story, isn't it?'
Il can't say that of my share in it, said
the diplomat with pale smile. Mot that l
am blaming Miss Milburn, " he added hastily.
"Who could-sweet girl?' returned Vir-
ginia charitably, Al only hope, though, it
won't get into the home papers,"
lord! so do Il" calculated Buckley fer
vently.
Fancy the paragraph Gotham Gossip
would make of it!7
IL don't want to fancy it.
Il just see it, declared Virginia. - Prince
and Pursuer! Chased Through the Clouds!'
There is no end to the variations they might
play on such theme. They've already
commented on Rodoslav's attentions to
Ann, you know"
EYES, know" he responded, as if his
L
whip the editor"
Il had no idea you felt so strongly about
it. But perhaps they've also Photographed
your
Buckley waved fat, magnanlmous hand.
II ignore the comments upon my-1ny per-
sonal appearance" he stated. "a man in
official life must reconcile himself to carica-
ture. But what do resent is the imperti
nent assumption that Miss Milburn is to
marry Prince Rodoslav, when"
"When she might better marry certain
rising young diplomat?"
1When l don't believe there is word of
truth in it." he concluded lamely.
Virginia became strictly judicial. "Wheth-
er Ann is engaged to Rodoslav or not" she
said, "people are sure to think she ought to
be, after this Daisy Miller fling of hers
"Oh, 1 say!" he protested. "That's put
ting it rather strong"
Il fear it's true. We have to remember
Rodoslav's," she sought a euphemistic
phrase,-"suppose we say, princely-repu-
tation."
Not being as yet a completely finished
man of the world, Buckley grew red. @Some-
thing ought to be done, he declared. "She
can't know, of course. A hint from you,
perhaps"
ITO Ann?"
"Or to Mrs. Blair"
at would amount to the same thing. In
either case, should make an enemy for life.
Il can't see how. l should think she'd
take it as friendly service. 1t is merely
matter of advising her not to make such
comrade of him."
"Merely! How little you know about us
women Price. If she had the faintest notion
that had finger in it, she would go to any
extreme to show me it was none of my bust
ness Yet we're good friends"
Buckley dismissed the mystery as in
soluble. "Then what can be done?" he de-
manded.
MRS. TRUSCOTT considered. She had
AvA no sinister motive in interfering.
AIMS occasional toplofty demeanor never
vexed her beyond the moment. She be-