The evening world., 1915-01-29

chance Of being invited to dino there
seemed to dwindle as we'll. While he
sat and waited In tho first antecham-
Der he even experienced strange mis-.
givings In respect to parental privi-
leges later on.
After what appeared to him to be
an interminabie length OF time. but In
reality no more than o few seconds,
u tall man arose from his seat and
advanced with outstretched hand
MIR. Blithers recognized Count Quin-
nox, the Minister Of War. He shook
that friendly hand with fervor that
must have surprised the Count. Never
In all his life had he been so glad to
sec any one.
How are you. My Lord?" said the
king of finance. fairly meek with
gratefulness.
'EIxcellently well, Mr.. Biithers," re-
turned the Count. And your"
Never better. never better" said
Mr.. Blithers, again pumping the
Counts hand up and down - with
even greater heartiness than before.
Glad to see you. Isn't IL a pleasant
day? l was telling Mrs. Blithers this
morning that I'd never seen a pleas.
anter day. We
Let me introduce you TO my col
leagues. Mr.. Blithers." interrupteAi
the Count.
Happy. I'm sure" mumbled Mr..
Blithers. To save his life he couldn't
tell what had got into him. He had
never acted like this before.
The Count was mentioning the
names of dukes. counts and barOnx
and Mr.. Blithers was bowling pro-
foundly to each in turn. No one Of
fered to shake hands with him. al
though each rose politely. even gra-
ciously They even smiled. He re-
membered that very well afterwar rds.
They smiled kindly, almost benigniy,
He suddenly realised what had go,
into him. 1t was respect.
"A chair. Franz" said the white
haired, gaunt man who was called
Baron Romano. "wil you sit here,
Mr.. Blithers? Pray forgive our de-
lay In admitting you. We were en-
gagged In a rather serious discussion
over"-
oh. that's all right" said Mr..
Blithers, magnanimously. Am I in
terfering with any important busi-
ness. gent-my lords? IL 20, just
mot at all, Mr.. Blithers. Pray be
seated"
Sure I'm not taking any ones
"A secretary'.. sir. He can readily
find another"
Mr.. Blithers sat down. He was
rather pleased to find that the big
chair was not meant for him. A
swift intuition told him that 1t was
reserved for the country's ruler.
THE Prince signed the contracts
just before you arrived. Mr.. Blith-
ers," said Baron Romano. THE seal
has been affixed to each Of the docu-
ments. and your copy Is ready for
delivery at any time"
Mr.. Blithers recovered himself
slightly. You may send II to the
hotel. Baron. at any time to- morrow.
Then he made haste to explain. mot
that II Is really necessary, but Just
as a matter OF form. Besides. 1t gives
the lawyers something to do" He
sent an investigating glance around
the room.
THE Prince has retired" said the
Baron, divining the thought. "He
does not remain for the discussions"
Glancing at the huge old clock above
the door. the Prime Minister assumed
a most business-like air. 1T will
doubtless crafty you TO know that
three-fourths Of tho bonds have been
deposited. Mr.. Blithers. and tho re-
mainder will be gathered in during
the week. Holders living In remote
corners OF our country have not as
yet been able to reach us with their
securities. A week will give them
sufficient time. will It not. Count
Lazxar?"
II may safely say that all the
bonds will be In our hands by next
Tuesday at the latest" said the Min
lister Of the Treasury. He was thin.
ascetic man: his keen eyes were fixed
rather steadily upon Mr.. Blithers.
After a moUent's pause he went on I:
I'VE are naturally interested In your
. extensive purchases Of our out
atandtng honda. Nr. BlithArn. I YNfax