Tombstone epitaph., 1915-07-11

I would provide her with a friendly buf. fer between the French in Tunis and her own troops in Egypt. | There was no time to lose in frus- | trating this design took a hurried | farewell of Madame D'Urbino, and re- turned to the embassy. Thence, after l resuming my ordinary appearance. hastened round to my colleague at the Vatican embassy, and poured out the whole tale into his startled ears Together we rushed oif to wait upon the president of the Sacred Congrega- tion. Cardinal Fratella
 The cardinal received us with evil dent surprise. 1t being contrary to ali etiquette that an ambassador to the | Quirinal, as 1 was, should hold direct communication with the Vatican. But it did not need many words for me to justify my intrusion
 At the conclusion of my story the cardinal fell back in horror.
 Never. such black duplicity! he gasped out. And then. bringing down his clenched fist upon the arm of his chair. he added: I thank you. NJ. rAmbassadeur, for your information. Rest assured that the marriage shall not be carried out. even if his holi- ness has to excommunicate cie bride and bridegroom
 Satisfied with this mrhatic dec laration. took my departure It was not without a certain amsuut of ma licious amusement that I pictured to myself the meeting next day between the pope and Henry " But my task was not yet done. had to see Signor Crispi, and prevent this Tripoli expedition before 1t was too late. parted from my colleague. and drove alone to the residence of the prime minister.
 Late as was the hour, there were still some people in the street, and a solitary newsboy tried to sell me his last paper as I dismounted from my carriage. I bought it out of compss g. sion for the starving wretch, and crumpling 1t up in my hand, made ny way up the steps of the palaZzo Fortunately Signor Crispi had not yet retired and on my name being an nounced, he at once ordered me to ts admitted.
 Well. NJ. rAmbassadeur.' he said rising to shake hands with me. I trust it is nothing untoward which procures me the pleasure of this visit at such an hour|
 "'Not in the least, my dear Signor Crispi.' replied with my most friend ly smile. On the contrary, I have come here to give you a piece of in formation for which I expect you to thank me
 With these words I sat down in the chair which he had placed for me and crossed my legs with the air of having come for friendly chat.
 But the Sicilian was not deceived. saw a quick look of apprehension come into his eye and depart again as he forced himself to assume an indifferent air.
 "Tt is too good of you to give yourself this trouble he muttered, glancing at document which lay De fore him, and over which he had thrust a piece of blotting-paper at my entrance.
 "Is this information of which you speak of such a nature that 1t will not keep until tomorrow he inquired with an affectation of weariness which con cealed a very real anxiety.
 That depends on how far things have gone l answered cautiously. However. you know me, and you know 1t is my character to be open to fault
 Here Crispi gave me sly glance.
 "T have to tell you that this mar. riage which you are arranging for the prince of Naples will not be permitted to take place
 "Crispi in vain endeavored to con ceal his consternation. He had evi dently not expected to find me SC well informed.
 Explain yourself. NJ. rAmbassa deur.' he said curtly, as soon as he had recovered himself. This mar riage of which you speak
 This marriage between the prince I and the daughter of the Comte de , | Chambord,' put in, completing his un { finished sentence. This marriage E which has been endeavored to be con F. cealed from Leo XIII, but of which his ! holiness is fully aware. and which he F has announced his intention to frus = trate at all costs
 "The minister's face fell. He gave F. me a despairing glance. and for .one S instant permitted his secret thoughts to escape him:
 9 "'Why did you not come to me first e before going to the pope? Perhaps l. we might have made a deal.'
 "The next instant he had resumed d the official mask.
 ' "I do not, of course, admit that D any such marriage was in contempla tion,' he observed. Nevertheless g note what you say as to its impossi g bility. Is there anything which you desire to add?'
 Q Merely this. my dear Signor Crispi