Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-04-06


tutor. but hanged if l like to see a
daughter of mine traipsing around
New York with a schoolteacher.
She
You forget that she has retired on a
competence. She is not in active en-
ployment. Will. You forget that she is
one of the Van Valkens."
There you go, talking about good
I old families again. Why is 1t that 80
blamed many of your fine old blue
stockings are hunting jobs
"Now. don't be vulgar. WILL" she
cut in. "Maud is quite safe with Mi
randa, and you know 1t perfectly
we'll, so don't talk like that. l think
1t would be fearful mistake for you
to go to New York She would never
forgive you and, what is more to the
point, she wouldn't bulge a step If
you tried to bully her into coming
home with you. You know 1t quite
as we'll as do"
Maud's continued absence was ex-
planned to Prince Robin that evening,
not by the volcanic Mr.. Blithers, but
by his practiced and adroit better
half, who had no conjunction 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"
~ am extremely sorry not to have
met your daughter" said Robin, very
politely.
"Oh, but she will be here in day
or two, prince"
unfortunately, we are leaving to-
morrow, Mrs. Blithers."
Tomorrow? murmured Mrs. Blith-
ers. aghast.
az received a cablegram today ad-
vising me to return to Edelweiss at
once. We are obliged to cut short
very charming visit with Mr.. and
MIS- 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 can
"What's this?" demanded Mr.. Blith-
ers, abruptly withdrawing his atten-
ton from Count Quinnox, who was
in the middle of sentence when the
interruption came. They were on the
point of going out to dinner. "Whats
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 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?"
81 daresay Mr.. Blithers understands
the situation perfectly" said the count.
Mr.. Blithers looked blank. "Of course
understand it" 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 hurry?"
1.-THE prince has been away for near
" six months" said the count, as If
that explained everything.
WAS it necessary to cable for him
to come homer" persisted the fnan-
cier.
"Graustark and Dawsbergen are en-
deavoring to form an alliance, MI
Bnthers, 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. AN ALI
ance prescribed for the general Inn
provement Of the two races, l should
say, Mr.. Blithers." He smiled 1T
would in no way impair the credit OF
Craustark, however. 1t is what you
might really describe as a family Sc
cret II YOU will pardon my f1ippancy."