The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-03-16
FOURTH INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XIV.

now had left the dancing floor and
gathered in groups at respectful dis
lance from royalty, Kitty received the
envelope from the messenger-the
same packet which she had herself
sent to the palace that morning for
delivery at midnight.
She did this with a fine air of in
souciance, for she felt quite sure that
success now had met all her plans;
nor did the outward appearance Of
the packet afford any reason to sus-
pect otherwise.
Yet, even as she took the envelope
in her hand, there came to her a sharp
conviction that something was wrong
It had strange lightness-it did not
seem quite the same as when she her
self had sealed it that morning. Has
tily, she opened the envelope, her lips
compressed. 1t was empty!
Yes, the mysterious coin was gone
Entrusted to the safest messenger she
could find; sent to the king himself;
received by the kings trusted official;
guarded, as was to be supposed, every
moment of the time since it had left
her hands-none the less. the coin had
disappeared as though some specter
hand had distracted it.
The blank book of surprise which
came to her face was something not to
be mistaken. King Michael frowned.
What is this, mademoiselle-ar we
made the subject of some sport? How
now?"
Kitty stood regarding first one, then
the next of the faces about her On
the countenance of Count Frederick
she read only chagrin and surprise
equal to her own. There was no
trace of guilty knowledge there-she
was sure of that. Then another
hand had come into the game! Some
other mind also was interested in the
mysterious coin of Gretzhoffen.
What then, mademoiselle?" de-
manded Michael, himself not yet SO
fully advised as others regarding the
nature of this packet which had been
intended for him. What was it that
you were so good as to intend sending
us?''
Kitty dared not answer this direct
aNSoSAoiA'
it would be far safer to add as little
as possible to the number of those
who knew the full story of the travel
ing coin.
Your majesty said she, turning
upon him SO dazzling a smile as would
have made any man forget all else
1t was nothing! 1t was but a small
favor I would have sent your majesty,
to show the acknowledgment of my
own country, since your majesty has
done such honor to me tonight. Per
haps someone in my humble menage
has been unfaithful-if SO, it was but
small loss after all. If your majesty
will forget it and give me a few added
days Of grace, will explain-I will
try again, 1 hope with greater for
tune"
Michael was ready enough to agree
to anything which would bring back
to his society this dazzling young crea-
ture who stood beside him
VERY well, mademoiselle," said he,
f'as you like"
A certain relief was felt by all con-
cerned, as now he turned and made
sign to the leader of the orchestra,
who stood, baton poised.
with us, excellenza% The king Of
fered his arm. The king and the
young American, of whose origin he
knew, and apparently cared to know,
nothing whatever, were the observed
of all. E1ichael at least could dance,
and as for Kitty, she was an Ameri-
can girl
AS they swept on in the evolutions
OF the dance, Kitty caught sight Of the
dark face of Count Sachio.
That she had earned this mans dis
like. or at least, had deeply hurt
his masculine vanity. Kitty was well
enough aware.
AS for King Michael, he was extra
ordinarily sober; which, in his case,
| was equivalent to saying that he was
not extraordinarily happy
Count Frederick evaded the throngs
about the king. Unwillingly he turned
away his eyes from the beautiful fig
ure OF the young American as she
danced. He never had seen a woman
who thrilled him thus. He himself did
not dance. This was no evening of
pleasure for him. He had other plans,
Count Frederick started toward the
door before a second thought came to
his mind If there should for any rea-
son be miscarriage CT his pIans-if
there should be need for yet greater
! delay before his final overt act was
committed-then he ought to have q
care to retain some footing in the
GOOD WORD FOR THE MULE