The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1914-03-11


and Baron Umovftch a
u outset Of their campaign to &C.
Qulre undisputed possession Of all the
eomforts and oonveniencss that the
castle Afforded.
They ussd my study for purposes
q their ewn. and glarsd at me when
presumed to intrude upon their
ps1vaoy. Mr.. Plsss took possession Of
IT, room, and here received all sorts
Of secret operatives engaged In the
tax q unearthing the former Mrs.
Plooo. Here he had a. many as fif-
teen reports . day by messenger from
all paris of tho land and here he dis
chase a II presented itself. coolly
barring me out Of my sanctum sane
forum With the impassive command
10 knock before attempting to enter.
They cursed my servants. drank my
wines, complained OF the food and
had everybody about the place doing
erTands for them.
I gathered from their remarks that
the Countess's mother and brothers
were still In Paris. where their every
movement was being watched by SO
cret service agents. They were await
Ing the arrival from New York Of the
father Of the Countess. after which
they were to como to Vienna for the
purpose Of making O determined hght
for the daughters absolute freedom
and the custody OF the child.
Somehow this news gave. mo
strange feeling Of apprehension. a
sensation that later on was to BE-
amply justified.
At last. after an interminable week,
my guests departed.
swell. thank the Lord" said ]. as
the ferry put on with the party. leav-
Ing me alone on the little landing.
Conrad. Grinning from car to ear.
was waiting for me outside my bed
room door late In the day. lie sa-
luted me with unusual cordiality.
"A note, mein herr" said he. and
handed me dainty little pearl grey
envelope. He waited while read the
missive.
'T shan't be home for dinner. Con-
rad" said l. my eyes agiow. Tell
HAWKES.. will your"
Then I went up to my room. got
out my gayest raiment without shame
or conjunction. dressed with especial
regard for lively effects. and hicd me
forth to carry sunshine into the Ut
termost recesses of my castle.
The Countess welcomed me with
radis smile. We shook hands.
v ne has gone" said l, draw
"Tna. K the Lord" said she. and
then l knew that the symphony was
complete. We all had sung 1t.
at u very nice OF you to ask me
up to dine with you." said i.
isn't It about time ] was doing
something for you In return for all
that you have done for me?" she
inouired Eaily. I'VE are having
particularly nice dinner this evening.
and thought you'd enjoy a change"
she was wearing a wonderful din
nor gown OF Irish lace, and she
falrly sparltied with diamonds. There
vas NO ornament In her brown hair,
however, nor were her little pink
ears made hideous by earrings. Her
face was a jewel sumcient unto
evening gown before. The effect was
really quite ravishing. As ! looked
at her standing there by the big oak
table, ] couldn't help thinking that
the Count was not only scoundrel
out all kinds of fool.
II was the most wonderful dinner
In the world, Notwithstanding II was
served on q kitchen table moved into
the living room for the occasion. I'm
posing candelabra adorned the four
corners Of the table and the very
best plate In the castle was put to
use. There were roses In the centre
OF the board, a huge bowl Of short
stsmmed Marechal Mel beauties. The
Countsss's chair was pulled out by
my stately butler, Hawkes.: mine by
the almost equally imposing footman.
and We faced each other across the
bowl Of roses and lifted an American
cocktail 70 the health Of those who
wpee about 70 cit down to the feast.
! think u was one Of the best cock
- : svs sAsssl. ~ o'sss's' ~