The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1917-11-30

the early part of that afternoon in 8
manner wholly strange to him. In pur-
suance of an order given to his major
his club after lunch, the great recep-
ton rooms of Seyre House, the picture
gallery and the ballroom were pre-
pared as If for reception. Dust-sheets
were swept aside, masterpieces of
painting and sculpture were uncovered,
the soft brilliance of concealed electric
lights lit up many dark corners.
He was forty-one years old that
day, and the few words which John
had spoken to him barely an hour ago
had made him realize that there was
only one thing in life that he desired.
The sight of his treasures merely
soothed his vanity. 1t left empty and
unsatisfied his fuller and deeper de-
sire of living. He told himself that
his time had come. Others of his race
had paid a great price for the things
they had coveted in life. He, too, must
follow their example.
He was in Louise's drawing-room
when she returned-Louise, with hair
and cheeks a little damp, but with a
wonderful light in her eyes and with
footsteps that seemed to fall upon air.
"Some tea and a bath this mo-
ment, Aline!" she called out, as she
ran lightly up the stairs. "Never mind
about dinner, am so late. L will
have some toast. Be quicki"
Madame" Aline began.
"Don't bother me about anything
now" Louise interrupted. 81 will
throw my things off while you get the
bath ready"
She stepped into her little room,
throwing off her cloak as she entered.
Then she stopped short, almost upon
the threshold. The prince had risen
to his feet.
"Eugenei"
He came toward her. Even as he
stopped to kiss her fingers, his eyes
seemed to take in her disheveled con-
dition, the little patches of color in
her cheeks, the radiant happiness
which shone in her eyes.
81 am not an unwelcome intruder,
[ hope" he said. But how wet you
areI'
The fingers which he released fell |
nerveleSSly to her side. She stood |
looking at him as if confronted with |
1 sudden nightmare. 1t was as if this |
new-found life were being slowly |
Trained from her veins.
"You are overtired," he murmured, |
eading her with solicitude toward an |
Easy chair. "One would imagine, from
your appearance, that I was the bear
r. Of some terrible tidings. Let me
lsSure you that it is not So"
He spoke with his usual delibera-
ion, but she seemed powerless to re-
over herself. She was still dazed
nd white. She sank into the chair
nd looked at him.
Nothing, I trust" he went on, "has
to disturb your"
Nothing at ALL" she declared hast
y. II am tired. 1 ran upstairs per-
APPS a little too quickly. Aline had
OF told me that there was anyone
ere." F,
II had fancy to see you this after
oon," the prince explained, "and,
nding you out, took the liberty Of
'aiting. If you would rather 1 went
way and came for you later, please {
0 not hesitate to say So"
"Of course noti'' she exclaimed. ct ]
D not know why should have been
, silly. Aline, take my coat and 1
ELL" she directed, turning to the e
aid, who was lingering at the other t
Id of the room. 81 am not wet. S
erve some tea in here. 1 will have t
y bath later, when change to go to Il
e theater." O
She spoke bravely, but fear was in
IT heart. She tried to tell herself |,