The leader-enterprise. [volume] (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1912-1915, 1915-02-12
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Masked Ball.

The Masked Ball.
About this time-that is to say
about the time the Black Hundred was
stretching out it's powerful secret arms
seward Norton-there arrived in New
York city a parsonage. This person
age was the Princess Parlova, fabu.
2cusfy rich Polish Russian. She leased
u fine house near Central park and set
about to conquer social New York
This was not very difficult, for her
title was perfectly genuine and she
moved in the most exclusive diplo-
matte circles in Europe, which, as
everybody knows, is the most brilliant
IN the world When the new home
WAS completely decorated, she gave
an elaborate dinner, and that attracted
the newspapers. They began to talk
about her highness, printed portraits
OF her, and devoted a page occasion
ally In the Sunday editions. She be.
came something of rage. One morn
tng II was announced that the Princess
NFarADva would give masked ball to
NORMALLY open her home to society;
and it was this notice that first
Brought the Princess Parlova under
BAaine's eyes. He was at the Perigoff
apartment at the time
well, WE'LL" he aascd aloud.
What is it?" as..ed Olga turning
awzy from the piano and ending one
as mazurkas brokenly.
Is the Princess Parlova in
Who is she?"
she is the real thing, Olga; a real
hcess with vast estates in Poland
tn which the greedy Slsv next door
As been very gentle"
Fl haven't paid much attention to
he social news lately. What about
er?''
fShe is giving a masked ball to for.
ally open her house on the West side
and it's going to cost pretty penny"
well, you're not telling me this to
make me want to know the princess"
aid. Olga. petulantly.
No, But I'm going to give you a
xetter Of introduction to her highness."
~Oh!"
~And you are going to ask her to
invite two particular friends of yours
20 this wonderful ball of hers"
Indeed ironically. THAT sounds
u very easy"
Easier than you think, my child"
Z viii not have you call me child"
Well, then. Olga"
That's better, Now, how will it be
err than | think?"
ssply this. the Princess Parlova is
IN bound member, but has not
artive<ior years"
~ Olga was all animation now
b."
Il will go to her with a letter of
luction-no! Better than that,
q wiz make formal call and show
ser this fVng. You know the ring" he
said. passing tie taIisman to the count
sss. SHOW this to her and she will
hey you In everything. She will have
,u.aiternative
Every good" replied Olga "And
len the program is to insist that she
vfte Florence and that fool Of re.
er to this bali. Then what?"
foa can ieave that to me-"
Haven't all these failures been a
nrning?"
No, my dear. / was born optimis-
ic: but there's a jinx somewhere in
one OF my pockets. Time after time
i've had everything just where wanted
ND
luck on their side, but sooner or later
NE wheel will turn And any chance
1t offers I am bound to accept.
pehow or other we may be able to
NsA Florence aud Norton. want
of them, If can get them snug
way, Jones will be forced to draw
hrgreave."
Is there such a MANI"
You saw him that night at the
sstaurant,"
II have often thought that perhaps
I Just dreamed it." She turned again
ITO the piano and began humming idly
Stop that and listen to me-" said
8Iaine, not in quite the best of tenn
pers. Tim in no mood for whims."
Music does not sooth your soul,
9hea e. cyntcally.
nc hadNone it might You will
caiY on the Princess Parlova tomor-
now AFTERNOON. 1t depends upon you
what my plans will be- think you'll
have little trouble in getting into the
presence of her highness, and once
there she will not be able to resist
you
iii 60"
And go she did. The footman in
tgsreen livery hesitated for a moment,
stMt the title on the visiting card was
uuite sufficient. He bowed the count
<'sS into the reception room and went
Ia search of his. distinguished mis-
1ress.
The Princess Parlova was a hand
some woman verging upon middle age.
@sns was a patrician; Qlga's keen eye
iseerned that instantly. She came