The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-07-25

fate plays with the mighty as well as
the lowly! So frail was the broken
body now he did not dare risk a cold
| by taking a ride with his wife.
The machine turned suddenly up a
hill and glided through two iron gates
opening OH the lawn, and the great
white chateau loomed before them in
a flash of binding beauty. Stuart
caught his breath. He shook hands
with Bivens and was shocked to find
| him so weak.
The little man held his hand with a
lingering wistfulness as he looked into
his friends strong face.
You don't know how rich you are,
Iim," he said feebly, with this hand
that grips like iron. I'd give millions
to feel my heart beat like yours today"
You'll get better down here" Stuart
answered cheerfully.
I'm trying it anyhow" he said list
lessly. MAKE yourself at home, old
boy. This house is my pride. I want
Nan to show you every nook and cor
ner in it. l wish l could trot around
with you. but l can't"
"As soon as you've changed your
clothes" Nan said familiarly, "come
down to the library and I'll show you
around"
Stuart followed the man assigned as
his valet to the electric elevator and
in II minute stepped out on the fourth
toor, He observed with smile that
his room number was 157.
THE idea OF living in a huge hotel
and calling it a homer he mused, with
grim humor. Room 157-great Scott"
His hostess showed him first the
library. The magnificent room contained
hand fooled morocco.
The funny thing, of course" Nan
whispered, ~is that Cal has never read
one of these eXquisitely bound books"
"Why on earth did he make this
room the most stately and beautiful
one in the house%'
Maybe he didn'tr' she laughed. I'm
going to give you privilege no mere
man has ever enjoyed in this house
before-I am going to show you my
own rooms"
When the tour of inspection had been
completed she led him to her own suit,
which was located In the southwestern
corner, overlooking the magnificent
formal gardens with their artificial
lake, fountains, statuary and a wilder
ness Of flowers, and farther on over
the beautiful valleys Of the Swanna-
noa and the French Broad rivers. Be
yond the river valleys rose range after
range of mountains.
The magnifcence of her bedroom
was stunning. Stuart rubbed his eyes
in amazement. She had taken herself
seriously In the creation of this room,
and had spent a round million on its
ivory bedstead. its purple and gold
velvet hangings, its wonderful carV-
ings.
The picture she made standing In
this wonderful room was one that
never faded from his memory. The
poise Of her superb form; the fires
eyes; the tenderness with which her
senses seemed to drink in the daring
luxury; the smile that played about
her lips. joyous, sensuous, cruel!
ut seems all a dream, Man." he said.
an rub my eyes and wake up direct
ly. I thought your New York house a
miracle. This Is fairyiand"
perhaps it would be-" she said,
looking at him a moment through half
closed eyes, "if only the prince
A look Of pain unconsciously clouded
his face and the sentence was not
finished.
On the fourth day Nan planned
coaching party 20 ascend Mount
Mitchell the highest peak In the land
Of the eky, the highest point Of ground
that side the Rockies She had taken
this trip with Stuart sixteen years be-
fora She was then but fifteen, and
he bad lust begun TO dangle at her
heels. She did not tell him their des-
t1nation.
The party consisted Of half a dozen
boys and gfris whom Nan was chap
eroning, Stuart. the footman and
coachman. The start was made at
sunrise The morning was glorious,
the air rich with the full breath of
southern spring
At the foot Of the first hill the
coach suddenly stopped beside the
banks of the Swannanoa river.
Nan beaped to the ground, drew
Stuart with her 10 the rear Of the
coach, and raised her arms.
lift me up" she cried, laughing.
He placed his hands under her arms
and with a leap and cry Of laughter
she was in the empty baggage rack.
Nov up with your she cried.
In moment Stuart was seated snug
ly by her side and the big red coach
was rollinghlo the old road
Nov. SIR Nan whispered, do you
know where you are goingf"
Stuart nodded
ITO certain peak among the clouds,
where you and once went a thousand