The Raymer enterprise., 1914-10-08
CHAPTER xxIII.-contInued.

SVNF En-
The female mind paid no attention
to the disgression. Lucy had long
ago, finally II 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 colonels 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. orI shall"
Colonel Hamptons eyes widened
with surprise why, but Lucy" he
stammered. "Why-but why should
q? 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
An 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 shame to US all, father,
shat no one has invited him before,
Shat a strange gentleman of high sta
zion 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 reigning prince. to this other
prince forlorn and exiled, this was
rleasanter. He pursued his lips and
smiled down.
Out OF the mouth of babes," he re-
marked, and drew his brows together
AZ II under stress of large machinery
behind them. "My little girl, you
Fave rather a sensible idea. had
Overlooked before, that"-he cleared
Bis throat and black Aaron standing
Fay y hand across the room, jumped
and rolled his eyes-"that," he contin.
Y "a man of my Importance has du.
Idol hospitality. even to foreigner
yMsomes without Introduction into
e 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 q silent moment.
This was one Of the great men of the
country. The prince had already
heard his name and the name of his
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.
lions for which he had asked. A visit
Of few days at this place Of Roam. |
oke could do no harm and might lead
70 good.
I thank you very much, Monsieur |
= Colonel" he said gravely, yet gra-
ciously. you are most good to de- |
sire that l visit you. will do so |
with pleasure"
Out they rode through the sun.
lighted. wind-whippsd country, doing |
sstfniiy through IL last wintsrs nan |