Tombstone epitaph., 1915-05-16
THE WHITE THREAD


 involving the interests of Russia. you would not do badly to consult him
 The matter was thus arranged. In due course the Russian handsd over the care of his legation to me, and took his departure.
 Shortly after he had left the capi- tai banquet was given al the palace. 10 which l received an invitation. The affair was not one of state, but a good many distinguished functionaries were present. including the Austrian minis ter and NJ. Starovitch
 T was received graciously by Prince George, and with still more cordiality by his beautiful and distinguished con- sort. When we sat down to dinner found myself on the left of the princess. who sat between me and the prince, while the prime minister was on my other side. The Austrian min ister occupied the post of honor on Prince Georges right l mention these details for a reason which you will perceive presently.
 T have said that the banquet was not a state one Nevertheless the pres ence of so many high functionaries i'm parted to il a more or less political air. As the evening advanced, even began to perceive something in the atmosphere which warned me that this gathering had some hidden signifi- canoe. The prince. who was drinking freely. had hardly exchanged a word with his wife since We sat down. while he kept iudulging in long confidential whispers with the Austrian minister.
 "I had not long to wait for the key to all this. As soon as the dessert was placed before us, Prince George rose to his feet with an abrupt air, and fill ing his glass to the brim, called out with marked intoration:
 "'Ladies and gentlemen, l ask you to drink the health of my very good friend and cousin. the Emperor Fran cis Joseph,
 Tt was a demonstration. It was i'm possible to mistake the significance of these words. They meant that Prince George had arrived at an understand ing with the court of Vienna, and that the friends sof Russia in the princi- pslity were crushed.
 T turned from the exultant face of the Austrian envoy. who saw this triumph of his diplomacy. to the Princess Catherine. She had turned deadly pale as she rose from her seat in compliance with the princess ex- ample. and slowly lifted her glass to her lips, as If each drop that it con tained were the most deadly poison.
 The prime minister managed 10 conceal his Chagrin with more skill He drank the toast as though it were a meaningless ceremony, and quietly resumed his seat by my side. But as soon as the attention of those near us was diverted for a moment. he whispered softly in my ear:
 "'Baron Dourensh is prudent man. His absence has been well timed.
 There are certain precautions which the baron foresaw might be- come necessary in the event Of any thing Of this kind taking place. The
 
 compelled to ask you. as his repre- sentative, to come to my assistance. l have in my pocket at this moment an envelope containing certain papers of the highest importance. which it is es- sential that should entrust to your care for time
 "I could not restrain a look of an- noyance at this suggestion. IL was by no means pleasant to find myself in volved in the tortuous mazes of Rus sian underground diplomacy. a diplo- macy of which l had heard a good deal, but with which I had not previ ously come into direct contact
 You may bring the packet you speak Of to my residence tomorrow, if you please, l answered coldly. I will put it in a place of safety till my colleague returns
 M Staroyitch gave a slight frown
 ''I dare not wait till tomorrow ne returned quickly. The papers are of too much importance. and it is impos- sible to foresee what may follow this move. I must beg you to let me pass this envelope to you now. under the shelter of the table. We do not know who may be observing us
 While I was endeavoring to give my attention to their highnesses. became conscious of a light touch on my knee. Affecting to play with my serviette, I gradually allowed my left hand to descend out of sight beneath the table. and my fingers al once came in contact with She envelope of which Starovitch had spoken. ! care fully took hold of It, and seizfng the first moment when the princes eyes were turned away. I managed to get the packet up under my coat and into my breast pocket Whether anyone else at the table perceived the move ment 1t was impossible for me to tell
 Shortly afterwards his highness gave the signal to rise, and giving his arm 10 his consort. led the company into the drawing-room. Here we sep arated into small groups, and I ob- served the Austrian minister approach the princess as though 10 pay court to her. But she received him with a dis dain which served to accentuate the