The Spectator., 1916-04-14
CHAPTER III.

Tho Safe In the Lonely Warehouse.
 The princess did not remain long after the departure of the police with the bogus detectives. It had been a very difficult corner to wriggle out of. all because Braine had added to his plans after she had left the apart ment. But for the advent of the med ding reporter the coup would have succeeded. herself apparently perfect ly innocent of complicity. That must be the keynote of all her plans: to ap- pear quite innocent and leave no trail behind her. She had gained the con fidence of Florence and her compan- ion. And she was rather certain that she had impressed this lazy-eyed re- porter and the stolid butler. She had told nothing but the truth regarding her relationship. They would find that out. She was Katrina Pushkin's cousin. But blood with her counted as naught. She had room in her heart but for two things, Braine and money to spend on her caprices.
 How long has your highness known MT Braine?" asked the reporter idly, as he smoothed away all signs of his recent conflict
 70, the better part of a year. MT. Hargreave did not recognize me the other night That was quite excus- able, for when he last saw me l was not more than twelve My child" she sand to Florence, build no hopes re garding your mother. She is doubt less dead. Upon some trivial matter do not know what it was-she was confined to the fortress. That was seventeen years ago When you enter the fortress at St. Petersburg, you cease to be-"
 That is true enough"
 T did not recall myself to your fa- ther. I did not care at that moment to shock him with the remembrance of the past Is not MT. Braine a re markable man?" All this in her charm ing broken English.
 He is, indeed" affirmed Norton Hes a superb llnguist, knows every body and has travelled everywhere. No matter what subject you bring up he seems well informed"
 Come often" urged Florence
 T shall, my child. And any time you need me, call for me. After all, am nearly your aunt. You will find life in the city far different from that which you have been accustomed to-"
 She limped down to her limousine. In tripping up Norton he had stepped upon her foot heavily.
 She is lovely!" cried Florence.
 Well, must be on my way, also," said Norton. "I am worldly-wise man, Miss Florence. So is Jones here. Never go any place without letting him know; not even to the corner drug store. I am going to find your father. Some one was rescued. I'm going to find out whether it was the aviator or MT. Hargreave."
 Jones drew in a deep breath and his eyes closed for a moment. At the door ne spoKe to the reporter.
 What do you think of mat wom- an?"
 q believe that she told the truth. She Is charming"
 She Is. But for all her charm and truth cannot help distrusting her. l have an idea shall call up your of fee at the end of each day If day comes without a call, you will know that something Is wrong"
 "A very good idea" Norton shook hands with everyone and departed.
 What a brave, pleasant young man" murmured Susan.
 "I like him, too; and I'd like him for a friend" said the guileless girl.
 "It is very good to have friend like MT. Norton" added Jones; and passed out into the kitchen. All the help had been discharged and upon his shoulders lay the burden of the cooking till such time when he could reinstate the cook.
 There was stormy scene between Braine and the princess that night.
 Are you in your dotage?' she asked vehemently.
 There, there; bring your voice down a bit, Where's the girl?'
 Tn her home. Where did you sup