The Washington times., 1911-08-25
to discover something about his daugh-

He never for an instant questioned
her right to possess her own friends; he
had always left her in the most amaz-
ing liberty, relying on her inherited
go0o sense to keep her out of mischief:
but, quite apart from the wink, he was
struck by Nella's attitude toward Mr..
DlInmock' an attitude in which an ami
aoIe scorn was blended with an evident
uesSre TO propitiate and please.
Nella tells me, Mr.. Dimmock, that
you hold confdential position with
Prlnce Aribert of Posen," said Racksole
You Will pardon an Americans igno-
rance, but is Prince Aribert a reigning
His highness is not reigning prince
nor ever likely to be-" answered Dim
mock. The grand ducal throne of Po-
sen Is occupied by his highness' nephew,
the Grand Duke Of Eugen."
Nephew" cried Nella, with aston
ishment
Why not, dear ladyT
But Prince Aribert is surely very
The prince. by one of those vagaries
OF chance which sometimes occur In the
history OF families. is precisely the
same age as the grand duke. The late
ried. Hence this youthfulness on the
art of an un~le."
How delicious to be the uncle of
some one as old as yourself! But l sup
pose it is no fun for Prince Aribert II
.npDose he has to be frightfully re-
spectfuI and obedient and all that to
his nephew"
The grand duke and my serene mas
ter are like brothers. At present. of |
course Prince Aribert is nominaIIy heir |
to the throne. but as no doubt YOU are |
aware the grand duke will shortly |
marry near relative of the Emper-
ors. and should there be a family"
Mr. Dimmock stopped and shrugged his
straight shoulders.
The grand duke" he went on, with
out finishing the last sentence. would
much prefer Prince Aribert TO be his
successor: He really doesn't want to
marry. Between ourselves, strictly be-
tween ourselves, he regards marriage as
rather bore. But, of course, being a
German grand duke, he is bound to
marry. He owes it to his country. 10
Posen."
sole bluntly.
Father" Nella interposed. laughing,
|ou shouldn't ask such inconvenient
questions. You ought to have guessed
!Lat ma IL isn't etiquette TO inquire about
the size Of a German dukedom."
am sure" said Dimmock. with a
polte smile, that the grand duke is as
inuch amused as anyone at the size of
MIS- territory. / forget the exact acre
age, hut l remember that once Prince
Arbert and myself walked across IL
ana back in a single day."
Then the grand duke cannot travel
very far within his own dominions?
Y ou may say that the sun does set on
his empire?'
1T does" said Dimmock.
Unless the weather is cloudy" Nella
put in. is the grand duke content al
WAYS TO stay at homer"
On the contrary. he is a great trav-
eIer. much more so than Prince Aribert
may tell you, what no one knows at
present outside this hotel. that his royal
hlghneSs, the grand duke. with a small
suite, will be here tomorrow"
In Londor?" asked Nella 4
Yes" |,
In this hotel?"
Yes"
oh how lovely"
That is only why your humble serv-
mt is here tonight-a sort Of advance
yuard"
But I understand" Racksole said. n
that you were-er-attached to Prince s
Aribert. the uncle" n
Il am. Prince Aribert will also be :
ere. The grand duke and the prince 4
ave business about important invest -
1entS connected with the grand dukes :
marriage settlement. In the highest p
uart"rs, vou understand " q
For so disCrept a person." thought =
tacksole, you are fairly communica- y
i've" TEen he said aloud. Shall We go =
ut on the terrace
ts they crossed the dining room Jules
N'''''V'' WI. biIlililOCN anu ndnOeO MN .
letter. :.
Just come, sir, by messenger" said :,
ules.
Nella dropped behind for second T.
18th her father. a a
Leave ME alone with this 10y a lit "
c-there'S 4 dear parent" she whis- :,
erCd in his ear. u
4 ain cipher. an obedient nobody" u u
acksole replied. pinching her arm sur "
-ptiti"uslv. Treat me as such Use u
lie a. YOU like. l will go and look after .
" hotel"
And soon after~1rd he disappeared
Nella and Mr.. Dimmork sat together a a
I the terrace. slipping iced drinks. g
They made a handsome couple, bow |,
cd amid plants which b!osscmed at u
10 command Of a Chelsea wholesale u
Orist. People who passed by remarked II
'ivatelv that from the look Of things
lere was the beginning Of e romance q
that conversation. IN
dC
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