The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1911-05-11

ously. but anything out Of the usual
attracts attention in Washington.
dare say, from the manner of your ap- |
pearance tonight, that you would not !
care to attract attention to yourself"
She regarded him with an enigmat-
ic smile.
I'm afraid you don't know wom-
en-. Count" she said slowly, at last.
There's nothing dearer to a woman's
heart than to attract attention to her
self" She laughed-a throaty, silvery
note that was charming. And If you
hesitate now, then to-morrow-why,
tomorrow am going to ask that you
open to me all this Washington world
this brilliant world Of diplomatic so
ciety. You see what ask now is
simple"
The ambassador was respectfully
silent and deeply thoughtful for a
time. There was, perhaps, something
Of resentment struggling within him,
and certainly there was an uneasy
feeling of rebellion at this attempt to
thrust him forward against all prece-
dent
Your requests are of so extraorr-
dinary a nature that" he began in
courteous protestation.
There was no trace of impatience in
the woman's manner; she was still
smiling.
| 1T Is necessary that l attend the
ball tonight" she explained, you may
imagine how necessary when l say /
sailed from Liverpool six days ago,
reaching New York at half-past three
o'clock this afternoon; and at half
past four ! was on my way here. l
have been here less than one hour. l
came from Liverpool especially that
might be present; and l even
dressed on the train so there would be
no delay. Now do you see the neces-
sity of it?"
Diplomatic procedure is along we'll
oiled grooves, and the diplomatist who
steps out of the rut for an instant hap
pens upon strange and unexpected OBJ
stacles. Knowing this, the ambassa-
dor still hesitated The woman ap-
| parentlf UNDERSTOOD.
Il had hoped that this would not be
necessary" she remarked, and she
produced a small sealed envelope.
please read it"
The ambassador received the en-
velope with uplifted brows, opened it
and read what was written on a fold
ed sheet of paper. Some subtle work
ing of his brain brought a sudden
change in the expression of his face.
There was wonder in it, ard amaze
ment, and more than these. Again he
bowed low.
Il am at your service, Madam" ne
repeated. Il shall take pleasure in
making any arrangements that are
necessary. Again, l beg your pardon"
And it will not be so very difficult,
after all, will it?" she inquired, and
she smiled tauntingly.
1T will not be at all difficult, Mad
am" the ambassador assured her
gravely. II shall take steps at once
to have an invitation issued to you for
tonight; and tomorrow l shall be
pleased to proceed as you may sug-
gest."
She nodded. He folded the note, re.
placed 1t in the envelope and returned
1t to her with another deep bow. She
drew her skirts about her and sat
down: he stood
1t will be necessary for your name
to appear on the invitation" the am
bassador went on to explain. IF you
give me your name I'll have my sec
retary-"
"Oh, yes, my name" she interrupted
gaily. why, Count, you embarrass
me. You know, really, 1 have nc
name. Isn't it awkward?"
Il understand perfectly, Madam,
responded the count. Il should have
said a name"
She meditated a moment.
We'll, say-Miss Thorne-Miss Isa-
bel Thorne," she suggested at last.
THAT will do very nicely, don't you
think"
Very nicely, Miss Thorne," and the
ambassador bowed again. please ex'
cuse me a moment, and I'll give my
secretary instructions how to proceed
There will be delay Of few min
utes."
He opened the door and went out
For minute or more Miss Thorne sat
perfectly still, gazing at the blank
wooden panels, then she rose and
went to the window again. In the dis
tance, haZy in the soft night, the dome
Of the capitol rose mistily; over to the
right was the congressional library
and out there where the lights spar
kled lay Pennsylvania Avenue, q
thread of commerce. Miss Thorne saw
1t all, and suddenly stretched out heI
arms with an all-envelopIng gesture
She stood so for a minute, then they
fell beside her, and she was motion
less.
Count di Rosini entered.
Everything is arranged, Miss
Thorne." he announced. viii you &c
with me IN my automobile, or do yor
prefer to go alone?"
I'll go alone, please" she answer
ed after moment. Il shall be there
about eleven"
The ambassador bowed himself out
And so Miss Isabel Thorne came tc
Washington!
: CTO BE CONTINUED
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