Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1916-11-28

s,tslooms honseI Wdeomel HuF.
rahr
verandas. He saw Mr.. and Mrs.
B1ithers well down in front, and for
q second his heart seemed to stand
,till. Would she be with them? It was
with a distinct sense Of relief that he
realized that she was not with the
smiling Americans.
Mr.. Blithers waved his hat and, In
stead Of shouting the incomprehan-
sible greeting of the native specta-
tors, called out in vociferous tones:
"Welcome homel welcomed Hur-
rah!"
aOh. what q remarkably handsome.
manly boy he Is, WILL" sished MIS-.
Buthsrs.
Nh. Bnthsrs nodded his head
proudly. "Hs certainly is. I'll bet
my head that Maud is crazy about
him already. She can't help 1t. Lou.
That trip on the Jupiter was god
send. Well have plain sailing from
now ON. Lou"
Mr.. Blithers indeed experienced
plain sailing for the ensuing twenty
hours. It was not until just before he
set forth at 2 the next afternoon to
attend by special appointment .
meeting Of the cabinet In the council
chamber at the castle that he en-
countared the first symptom OF
squalls ahead.
He had sent his secretary to the
castle with q brief note suggesting
IN early conference. It naturally
would be Of an informal character. as
there was no present business before
them. The contracts had already
BEEN signed by the government and
by his authorized agents. 30 faf %
tie loan was concerned there was
nothing more to be said.
There was distinct cloud ON the
financial horizon. however. q vague
shadow at present, but prophetic OF
storm. It was perfectly clear to the
mobiles that when these bonds ma
tured Mr.. Blithers would be in . po-
sition to exact payment. and a. they
matured In twelve years from date
hs was likely to be pretty much alive
and kicking when the hour OF rsek-
oning arrived.
Mr. Blithers was In the mood to b
amiable. He anticipated considerable
pleasure In visiting the ancient halls
oe his prospective grandchildren.
The nrst shock to the placidity OF
Mr.. Blithsrs came with the brief note
In reply to his request for an infor-
NAL conference. The lord chamber
lain curtly informed him that the
cabinet would be In session at 3 and
would be pleased to grant him an au'
dience Of half an hour. depending on
his promptness in appearing.
M. Blithers was not used to being
Granted audiences. He consoled him
salt. however, with the thought that
matters would not always be a. they
were at present There would be Q
decided change Of tune latsr On.
Il would be folly to undertake the
depiction Of Mr.. BlltherS arst Inn
uressions Of the castle and its glo.
! riss. 10 begin with. he lost no small
amount Of his assurance when he
discovered that the great gates In the
wan surrounding the park were
guarded by resplendent dragons whe
demanded his Hpass." After the ON
cor In charge had inspected the lore
chamberlain's card as II he had never
SEN one before. he ceremoniously In.
dicatsd to . warden that the gates
were 20 bs opened. There was great
csanking Of chains. the drawing d
i isun bolts, the whirl Of . windlass
/ and the pondsrous gates swung slow
i y ajar.
n. Blithsts caught his breath
Aand from that instant until hs found
i himself crossing the great hall in tht
l wake q "a attendant delegated Il
|! conduct him TO the council chambel
\ his sensations ore not to be described
il It Il only necessary 10 ny that h
vas n Z rsvefeutial condition. en<
that y saying . great deal Tor NJ
\ B1ithsgs.
4 Hs ~ aa6srsd into Z chambeG
\ 6 IL opposite snd of which Wa
laxUA imposing door -closed Besid'
II -. 6ooe o1oo6 = aim. ecec$ AguseI q
III - -. 49, 80 ia unlnnRR - =