The Washington herald., 1914-04-12

Mr.. Captain moved a little closer to
the girl dropping upon the divan. He
reached down a hand, took one of hers,
and held it without rebuke This so
crazed him that he was perfectly reck-
less OF anything that might happen un-
der the sun.
Explain to me-" he asked briefly.
Ragtar was spokesman.
For some time past there has been
dissatis tisfaction-mutiny TO use military
term-in Anna Stuart's huge army. Re-
member that this army is scattered over
three continents. and that it comprises
the heads, who have the cause at heart,
and have faithfully organized every
thing. from father to son, for centuries
and the common criminal riffraff. who.
when they Join the local band repre-
scntIng to them the Hundreds and Thou
sands. are not told anything about the
high motive. but are simply provided
with brains. opportunity, and equipment
10 plumber. and are told to bring GER
tain share TO their master. who will then
provide them further. But mutiny has
broken out everywhere. The ignorant
are s'king Where docs the bulk OF
the things gr acquire go, The division
l. not iaIr The chiefs agree with them;
the spin. ~ changing. What is throne
~ us, Wc i've said Ragtar, ''in a
dernDcTa;ic ar. In short. Bourbon and
bring ~ ',h u this morning TO Anna
Stuart deposition signed by all the
Chief, IN the three continents to the CT
iect that the Hundreds and Thousands
are now repudiating the Stuart interest,
-
an organization acting entirely in its
own Interests
No further income-or revenue
Bourbon added, viii be paid by US TO
Anna Stuar;.
Charles Captain considered. then he
dropped Anna's hand-she glanced up
at this, with kind OF scorn, despair.
and terror-made a movement toward
the door, and said:
We'll, gentlemen. if that is all your
business. you have done it. And hav-
ing done it. leave this lady's presence"
The first and second commanders
glanced at each other.
We did not know" Bourbon said
suavely, that We should have the pleas
ure OF meeting YOU this morning. Mr..
Captain. but as Il is 50. VIC might say
now what we intended to say at the
earliest opportunity We have the high
est admiration for your imagination and
your enterprise, and we trust you will
remain a member OF the society
The Young man remained inscrutable.
"On what terms YOU like Ragtar
added.
Anna Stuart was quite silent. hut she
rocked a little OIL the green divan. She
looked once. like woman in night
mare. at the hand Charles Captain had
relinquished. then she folded both hands
on her lap. She was alone.
Well" Bourbon asked.
Captain smiled.
AS you" said he. "rcpudiate this lady,
so |. with all the JOY in the world. re-
pudiate you Any share | had with you
was-merely matter OF personal inter-
est
Ragtar laughed.
Gentlemen" said Mr Captain. YOU
have done with us. We have done with
you
Cannot VIC persuade you:" Bourbon
asked. still suave
Get out" said Mr. Captain.
He rang the bell on his own response
bility. not asking the owners permission.
\ servant appeared.
The door for these gentlemen" said
Captain.
1t closed behind them. Their feet
sounded along the hall. \ great silence
seemed to have fallen. Still the young
man remained standing where the late
visitors had lett him. little in advance
OF the green divan. so that. without look
ing round, he could not see its occupant
The silcncc was profound.
"CharlcS,' he heard behind him.
He looked round now. and saw her
hClplc>>ncS>: saw her shattered bv
tremendous shock such as she had never
dreamed "f. a woman absolutely alone,
aud afraid: shaking with pride: shak-
ing with horror; whitening with grief.
"Charlcs!" she whispered again, sway
ing to her feet.
lie caught her arms at the elbows. and
helped her to stand
Explain all this to me-" said Anna
Stuart. He replied with i simplicity
brutal in its utter revelation.
Your army has deserted YOU: every
dream you dreamed has resolved into
DllldIl NduSC -
you are not a queen; you are a nobody;
you hav. not a farthing in the world
Except what your purse holds at the mo-
nent."
Yes" she said, noddinC Yes"
She became so quiet that he was afraid
Tor her. He put her down again into
he cushions OF the divan. She sank
lcr face into them, and trcmbled from
head to foot. lie was glad to see her
lble to weep. Now and again she look
ID up Shuddering. and stammered some
hing incoherent. She vas like an awed
hid lost in a large world.
u am alone!" she cried at last. Alonel
Alone! Alone!'
The young man dropped on his knees
,eside her. 4 stiffness that was to him
heavenly stole upon the green room, and
wrapped them about. He took Anna
of mad dreams-into--
us arms, while she cried to him as any
woman can cry TO lover
Not alone" he said. Il am here. I
owe you. Come while there is time. I
viii take care OF yoJ. Once you said
o me: Charles, in little while. queen
II not. | must take consort.' You are
ny queen. and here is your consort, love.
Take him.
Queens can surrender.
Il will !" said Anna Stuart.