Evening star., 1911-01-22

before representative delegated by the
clique in question had made an excuse to
call. offer further aid and friendship, and
thereby secure in Thurley's cousin possible
agent for future exploitation. a woman,
wholly unknown to Miss Steck, was then
instructed to follow the girl to Lakewood,
whittier she was going, and remain there,
keeping her constantly in view and if pos
sible gain her trust and friendship.
Edith had agreed to write to her cousin
at Major Phipp's address thereby
hangs tale. Alice, having for some un-
known reason undergone certain worry in
Thurleys absence, was not only lnordl-
natcly pleased to sec her return III such cx
ccllent spirits. but was likewise thoroughly
glad that Edith Stcck was to go.
"She must rest for at least two months,
she said at the end of Thurley's story.
"Ncw York and she arc better far apart
She might even secure a nice position down
there in the pines think perhaps she will
She made a note Of the possibility, which
thcrcupon became highly probable devcl-
opment. when the moment should advise
that Edith Stcck had better be detained
away from the Kingdom of Princess Thr
viria.
Chapter XIII. The Soup Thickens More
THE next few days developed a number
of factors cXCitcments. and SkIrnlShcs
leading toward things climactcric.
Thurlcy and Alice had never been so COM
pletelv engrossed with social functions and
diversions. On two successive nights they
attended the opera. both occasions being
notable for brilliancc and increasing furore
of the socially elect over the many appear
ances of the princess" the persistence with
which Alice Van Kirk cvaded any and all
illusions to her guests identity, and the
unanimous infatIation of all the men per
mitted to come within her circle.
Annoyances by the daily press, sufficiently
persistent from the first were rapidly null
tiplied as reporters, camera demons. and
ridiculous rumors hung upon Thurlcv'>
movements night and day.
Despite it all, she rode her horse three
mornings, fairly early. accompanied by her
groom on two excursions. The hour she
chose was one in which the park was prac
tically deserted by the smarter set, who fire.
quently ride for display. But the newspaper
men were on hand the second morning.
while on the third Kelsey Wood accident
ally" appeared in the saddle path, galloped
to her side, and improved the opportunity
for which he had longed with a cheer she
could not nave discouraged.
The news of Woods clever maneuver
came duly to the ears of Thurley's other
suitors and aroused storm of jealousy and
counter scheming. Fiaschi was irritated.
Gaillard was particularly incensed The
Count was no rider, but feared and hated
horses; while the college man felt that his
special license, granting him exclusive rights.
had been unwarrantably violated.
The tact and diplomacy of both Alice and
Thurley were taxed to the utmost to main
tain an armistice and avert internecine strife.
Almost like appointments of pie, the hours
of Thurley' day and evening were sliced and
awarded to her clamorous swains. to keep
them from ravening starvation. To Fiaschi
fell night with Thurley at the opera.
Galliard drove with the Princess in her
own victoria, six or eight times round the
park Stuyverant came to dine at the royal
palace and sat with Thurley alone for nearly
an hour afterward.
The Count, during the long and passionate
love scene depicted in "Tristan und Isolde.
made murmured declaration of his burning
love and demanded Thurley's hand in mar
riage. Gaillard oblivious to all the world of
carriages and people about them, announced
his disgust with all her other various sritors.
reminded Thurley of their past relationship.
and desired her consent forthwith to an an
nouncement of their engagement. Stuyver-
ant, alone of the three behaved himself like