The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-03

apartment in shabbily respect
able Saxton square which be-
cause of shrinking rent rolls and prodl-
galiy needless benevolences had come
10 represent the town house" Of Lord
Cecil, peer of England The great
mansion that for hundred years had
been the abiding place of his family
during "the season" still stood In Port.
land place. but some person of no con-
sequence at all. a millionaire trades
nun of the city. the disdainful james.
Lord Cecil's man" believed 1t was,
now held state in Its famous long
drawing room.
Cecil being occupied wiys the morn
ing's post. James was at liberty to
shake his head with loving mournful-
ness. For James this was demonstra-
ton Of emotion quite extraordinary.
From the score OF invitations and
tradesmen's bills. which were indiffer-
ter. the handwriting of which he recog
nized with smile of pleasure 1t was
dated from the Horse Guards club.
and from the strong. careless scrawl
one might readily surmise something
of the character of Lieutenant Robert
Whitmore Burton Stanley, aged twen-
ty-two.
The note read:
Dear Uncle-At last Rose has promised
TO marry me. and l am the happiest man
alive though she makes some foolish con-
ditions as TO no gambling and | mustn't
even look at another girl She leaves
town this afternoon for the summer Y't
affect. nephew. ROBT. STANLEY
A glow of real happiness came into
Cecil's kindly eyes. or all the world
since the death of his beloved younger
brother the dearest to his lonely heart
had been the impulsive. care free
young soldier aud Rose Middlehurst
as fair and sweet as an English prim
rose. who cherished for Lord Cecil Il
love such as she would have given her
dead father
Cecifs pleasant dreams were broken
by a slight alteration at the door
The faithful James WAS barring the
way of an importunate visitor.
you may show the lady In, James,"
Cecil said quietly. and there entered
woman of shabby genteel appearance.
whose first words disclosed the profes-
sional beggar.
Give the lady f5. James," Cecil di-
rected, interrupting paintive tale
with courteous bow, and resumed tn,
reading of his letter.
Cecil was reading the postscript of
Roberts note. 1t ran:
The beastly bank people keep writing
that have overdrawn G4J0 Just when |
need new polo ponies. Add that much to
my allowance this quarter. like good
old nunkie, will you? BOB.
Cecil rose. glancing at James. aud
his hat and cane were Immediately
placed in his hands. Then he strolIed
out. an indulgent smile lowering about
his lips. but James. examining the con-
tents OF a battered cash box. sighed
and shook his head in troubled thought
At the comfortable house which Rose
had maintained since her majority
year before, with the nominal chaper-
onage of an ancient and vague relative.
Lord Cecil was affectionately greeted
by the happy girl. A few minutes aft
erward Robert entered. and Rose hur-
ried away to prepare for her journey
TO the country.
Jaw. that bank thing, y know. un-
cle!' Bob suggested casually 1.-THE
silly asses have sent me another no
tice. It's positively nuisance. BY
Jove. one would think they needed the
money"
Thanks awfully. SIR" he said few
minutes later as lie carelessly pocketed
the check Lord Cecil handed him IF
Rose doesn't hurry we shan't catch the
express. I'm goin' to see her on. Of
course. only wish | could run down
with her, but I'm on duty this after.
noon"
Just ten minutes later Rose entered
and was conducted by the two men to
the waiting cab. Cecil said gootlby
and walked away. his heart. in it's own
peculiar way. as light as that of the
laughing Bob.
When Off duty that evening Bob
sought his club. The center OF inter
est in the smoking room appeared to
be guest about whom jovial group
had gathered. Some one called to Bob
and he was introduced to NJ. Lemoine.
who greeted him with an easy and
polished cordiality.
Don't know who he is, really, but
seems to be a gentleman" a young
lancer informed Robert Count or
baron or something, believe. Rather
good fun"
Into the careless conversation some
one dropped the name Of the Countess
Lurovich. and NJ. Lemoine broke into
sparkling smiles.
''The countess. All! The woman
glorious! OF a charm, I assure you.
and of camaraderie to make one of de-
light. You do not know her? Then I
shall present you. At once! She hon
ors me with her friendship, and her
friends friends are hers, this so won.
derful woman"
sChaII xvo fry a. ~, 90 tha Iacoor ..t-