The leader-enterprise. [volume] (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1912-1915, 1914-10-23


madam" stepping back into the shad-
oW.
Miss Hargreave. I'm an old friend
of her mothers"
There is no such person here"
ITO whom, then, does this hat be-
long," she asked quietly. She waved
her hand indolently toward the hall
rack.
Jones lips frightened "That belongs
to Miss Gray, kind of protege of Mr..
Hargreave's."
Indeed! You have no objections
to my seeing her? My maiden name
was Olga Pushkin, cousin to Katrina,
wife of Stanley Hargreave. I am, if
you will weigh the matter carefully,
a kind of aunt"
To Jones it was as if ice had sud
denly come into contact with his
hearts blood. But az he still stood
in the shadow, she did not observe
the pallor of his face.
eff you will state exactly why you
wish to see her, madam"
"You seem to possess authority"
Eyes, madam, absolute authority"
Jones produced his document and
presented it to her
There is no flaw in that" she
agreed readily. 81 wish to see the
child. I have told>you why"
Very we'll, madam" Why had
they not telegraphed the child, even
on the train, to return to Farlow's. He
knew nothing of this woman, whether
she was an enemy or a friend. He
conducted his unwelcome guest into
the library.
"Eow did you know that she was
here?" suddenly.
But she was ready. 'I did not. But
the death of Mr.. Hargreave brought
me. And that youthful hat in the hall
was story all its own. Later l shall
snow you some papers of my own
You will have no cause to doubt them.
They have not the legal power of
yours, but they would find standing in
any court
Jones turned and went in search of
Florence.
The princess lost no time in begin
ming her Investigations, but she vast
ed her time. There was no secret
panel in evidence. -
who is she?" asked Florence as
she looked at the card. Did my ia
Their know princesses?"
Yes said Jones briefly. BE very
careful what you say to her. Admit
nothing. She claims to be a cousin o.
your mother. Perhaps"
MY mother?" Without waiting for
any further advice from Jones, whom
Florence in her young years thought
presuming upon his authority, she ran
downstairs to the library. Her mother,
to learn some fact about the mother
of whom she knew nothing!
You knew my mother?" she cried
without ceremony.
He heard the princess say: 81 did,
my child; and heaven is witness that
you are the exact picture of her at
your age. And knew your father"
Jones Strengthened, his hands shut
tightly.
Tell me about my father!"
The princess smiled. 1t was Katrina
Pushkin come to life, the same inpul-
siveness. Il knew him but slightly. |
was mere child myself when he used
to pinch my cheeks. I met him again
the other night, but he did not recog-
nize me; and l could not find it in my
heart to awaken his memory in pub
lie restaurant"
Presently Jones came in to an
nounce that two detectives requested
to see Florence. The two men en-
tered, Informing her that they had
been instructed to investigate the dis
appearance of Stanley Hargreave.
Who are you, miss?"
81 am his daughter"
"Ah!"
One of the detectives questioned
Florence infinitely while the other
wandered about the rooms, feeling the
walls, using the magnifying glass,
turning back the rugs. Even the
girls pretty room did not escape his
scrutiny. By and by he returned to
the library and beckoned to his com
panion. The two conferred for mo-
ment. One Glanced to look into the
mirror. He saw the bright eyes of
the princess gazing intelligently into
his.
I'm afraid we'll have to ask you to
accompany US to the station, miss"
"Why?"
Some technicalities. We must have
some proof of your right to be in
this house. So far as we have learned,
Hargreave was unmarried. 1t will
take but few minutes"
"And l will accompany you," said
the princess. Wen be back within
half an hour. I'll tell them what I
know"
Jones, in the hall, caught sight of
the reporter coming up the steps.
Here was some one he could depend
upon.
Why, Mr.. Norton!"
The reporter eyed the princess in
amazement.
You look surprised. Naturally. ]
am a cousin Of Miss Florence's moth.