Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1914-04-11
CHAPTER xxIII.-continued.

CHAPTER XXIll.-ContInueo
The female mind paid no attention
to the disgression. Lucy had long
ago. finally if unconsciously, put her
fathers personality into it's right
place.
Father, is the prince really poor
and alone in this country"
"Poor-yes, 1 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 Hamptons eyes widened
with surprise. why, but Lucy" he
stammered ''Why-but why should
L? 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 a pal
ace? But that isn't the most impor-
tant. 1t is a shame to us all, father,
that no one has invited him before,
that a strange gentleman of high sta
ton should have to lodge at an inn
Why hasn't Cousin George Harrison
asked him to Brandon? And the Car
tiers at Shirley, and the people at
Berkeley do they mean by not
asking him? But we won't let Vir-
gilman 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 if under stress of large machinery
behind them MY little girl, you
nave rather sensible 1Qea.~ 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 a 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
heagd his name and the name of his
historic home. 1t was well to have
influential friends, more PARTICULARS
as no letter awaited him as he had
hoped from his uncle, Joseph Bona
parte, with the American introduc
lions 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.
II thank you very much, Monsieur
lie Colonel" he said gravely. yet gra
ctously. You are most good to de
sire that 1 visit you. 1 will do sc
with pleasure"
Out they rode through the sun
lighted. wind-whipped country. dozins
restfuIly through its last winters nan