The citizen., 1914-03-27
CHAPTER xxIII.-continued.

The female mind paid no attention
ago, finally If unconsciously, put her
fathers personality into its right
place.
Father, is the prince really poor
and alone in this country"
"Poor-yes, fancy-I am quite GER
tain, in fact. Alone-that depends.
The authorities of Norfolk received
him with some distinction, the Herald
states, but he is putting up at the inn
one would conclude that he was an
invited guest at many of our great
houses"
Lucy flew like bird across to the
fireplace. Her hands went up to eth
er side of the colonel's face. Father,
quick! Have Thunder saddled, and
ride in-quick, father-and bring the
prince out here to stay with us. Give
the order to Sambo, or shall"
Colonel Hampton's eyes widened
with surprise. Why, but Lucy" he
stammered. "Why-but why should
I? What claim have We"
"Oh, nonsense" and Lucy shook her
head impatiently. who has more
claim? Aren't we Virginians of the
James river princes in our own coun'
try, too? Hasn't our family reigned
in Roanoke longer than ever his
reigned in Europe? Haven't we
enough house room and servants to
make him as comfortable as in pal
ace? But that isn't the most impor-
tant 1t is shame to us all, father,
that no one has invited him before,
that strange gentleman of high sta
tion should have to lodge at an inn.
Why hasn't Cousin George Harrison
asked him to Brandon? And the Car
ters at Shirley, and the people at
Berkeley-what do they mean by not
asking him? But we won't let Vir-
ginian hospitality be stained. We will
ask him You will ride to Norfolk at
once, will you not, father dear?''
The touch on his cheek was pleas
ant to the vain and affectionate man,
but the spirit of the girls speech, the
suggestion of the courtesy due from
him as a reigning prince, to this other
prince forlorn and exiled, this was
pleasanter. He pursued his lips and
smiled down.
Out of the mouth of babes" he re-
marked, and drew his brows together
as il under stress of large machinery
behind them. "My little girl, you
have rather a sensible idea. l had
overlooked before, that"-he cleared
his throat and black Aaron standing
tray in hand across the room, jumped
and rolled his eyes-"that,' he contin-
ued, "a man of my Importance has du-
ties of hospitality, even to foreigner
who comes without introduction into
the country"
Aaron, tell Sambo to saddle Thun-
DER" he ordered.
Prince Louis, in his dingy parlor at
the inn, looked at his visitor from be-
tween half-shut eyelids, and measured
him, soul and body. He considered
the invitation for a silent moment.
This was one of the great men of the
country. The prince had already
heard his name and the name OF MS
historic home. 1t was well to have
influential friends, more particularly
as no letter awaited him as he had
hoped from his uncle, Joseph Bona
parte. with the American introduc-
tions for which he had asked A visit
of few days at this place OF Roam
oke could do no harm and might lead
to good.
Il thank you very much, Monsieur
lie Colonel he said gravely, yet gra-
ciously. "You are most good to de-
sire that visit you. ! will DO SO
with pleasure"
Out they rode through the sun
lighted, wind-whipped country, doing
ro~4e..Ir-. acc 10 CT mintQr'S nan.