The Glasgow courier., 1916-07-21

half. who had no compunction in
ascribing it to the alarming condi.
tion of very dear friend in New
York-one Of the Van Valkens. you
know.
"Maud is so tender hearted, so
loyal, so really sweet about her
friends. that nothing in the world
could have induced her to leave this
dear friend, don't you know"
81 al extremely sorry not to have
met your daughter" said Robin, very
politely.
"Oh, but she will be here in a dav
or two, prince"
"Unfortunately, we are leaving to-
morrow, Mrs. Blithers"
"Tomorrow?" murmured Mrs. Blitt-
ers. aghast
~ received cablegram today ad-
Using me to return to Edelweiss at
once. We are obliged to cut short a
very charming visit with Mr.. and
Mrs. King and to give up the trip to
Washington. Lieutenant Dank left
for New York this afternoon to ex-
change our reservations for the first
ship that we cam
"What's this?" demanded Mr.. Blith-
ers. abruptly withdrawing his atten-
tion from Count Quinnox. who was
in the middle of sentence when the
interruption came. They were on the
point of going out to dinner. "What's
this?"
"The prince says that he is leaving
tomorrow
"Nonsense!" exploded Mr.. Blithers,
with no effort toward geniality. "He
doesn't mean it. Why-why, we
haven't signed a single agreement
"Fortunately it isn't necessary for
me to sign anything. Mr.. Blithers."
broke in Robin hastily. "The papers
are to be signed by the minister of
finance. and afterward my signature
is attached in approval. Isn't that
true. Count Quinnox?'
Il daresay Mr. Blithers understands
the situation perfectly" said the count.
Mr. Blithers looked blank. "Of course
understand 1t" he said bluntly. "Still
l had it in mind to ask the prince to
put his signature to sort of prelimi-
nary document which would at least
assure me that he would sign the final
agreement when the time comes.
That's only fair. isn't it,"
"Quite fair, Mr. Blithers. The prince
will sign such an article tomorrow or
the next day at your Office in the city
Pray have no uneasiness, sir. 1t shall
be as you wish. BY the way. under
stood that your solicitor-your lawyer,
should say-was to be here this
evening. 1t had occurred to me that
he might draw up the statement, If
Mrs. Blithers will forgive US in our
haste
HE couldn't get here" said Mr.
Blithers and no more. He was think.
ing too intently Of something more i'm
portant. whats turned up?"
Turned up, Mr.. Blithers?"
"Yes-in Groostock. What's taking
you off in such a hurry"
1.-The prince has been away for near
ly six months" said the count, as IL
that explained everything.
WAS it necessary to cable for him
to come home?" persisted the finan-
cier
"Graustark and Dawsbergen are en-
deavoring to form an alliance, Mr.
Blithers, and Prince Robins presence
at the capitol is very much to be de-
sired in connection with the project"
What kind of an alliance?"
The count looked bored. IAN alli-
ance prescribed for the general i'm
provement Of the two races, should
say. Mr.. Blithers" He smiled. 1T
would in no way impair the credit Of
Graustark, however. 1t is what you
might really describe as family Sc
cret. If you will pardon my flippancy."
The butler announced dinner.
and I'll send you down to New York
by special train," said Mr.. Blithers.
The prince resolutely declared he
would be obliged to take the first
available steamer.
I'VE shall go down tomorrow" he
said, and even Mr. Blithers subsidized.
He looked to his wife in desperation.
She failed him for the first time in her
life. Her eyes were absolutely mes
sageless.
"1ll go down with you." he said. and
then gave his wife look of defiance.
The next morning brought Maud's
letter to her mother. 1t said:
Dearest Mother - I inclose the cutting
from Town Truth You may see for your
self what sickening thing It Is. The
whole world knows by this time that the
ball was a joke-a horrible joke. Every
body knows that you are trying to hand
me over to Prince Robin neatly wrapped
up in banknotes. And everybody knows
that he Is laughing at US. and he isn't
alone in his mirth either. What must the
Truxton Kings think OF US? l can't bear
the thought OF meeting that pretty. clever
woman face to face. l know l should die
OF mortihcation. for. Of course. she must
believe that l am dying to marry anything
on earth that has a title and a pair Of
legs Somehow. / don't blame you and
dad. You really love me. know. and you
Ill