The Ordway new era., 1918-02-08

the early part of that afternoon In a
manner wholly strange to him. In pur-
suance of an order given to his major
domo Immediately on his return from
his club after lunch, the great recep-
tion rooms of Seyre House, the picture
gallery and the ballroom were pre-
pared as If for a 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. It left empty and
unsatisfed his fuller and deeper de-
sire Of living. He told himself that
his time had come. Others Of his race
had paid 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, Alinew she called out, as she
ran lightly up the stairs. "Never mind
about dinner, I am so late. I will
have some toast. Be quicki'
"Madame-" Aline began.
80 tn -
now," Louise interrupted. II will
throw my things Off while you get the
bath ready"
She stepped into her little room.
throwing Off her cloak rs she entered.
Then she stopped short, almost upon
the threshold. The prince had risen
to his feet.
"Eugene"
He came toward her. Even as he
stopped to kiss her fingers, his eyes
seemed to take in her dlsheveled con-
dition, the little patches Of color in
her cheeks, the radiant happiness
which shone in her eyes.
II am not an unwelcome intruder.
I hope" he said. "But how wet you
are!"
The fingers which he released fell
nervelessly to her side. She stood
looking at him as II confronted with
n sudden nightmare. It was as If this
new-found life were being slowly
drained from her veins.
"You are overtired," he murmured.
leading her with solicitude toward an
easy chair. zone would imagine, from
your appearance, that was the bear
er Of some terrible tidings. Let me
assure you that 1t is not So"
He spoke with his usual delibera-
ton, but she seemed powerless to re-
cover herself. She was still dazed
and white. She sank into the chair
and looked at him.
Nothing, trust" he went on, 'shas
happened to disturb your"
Nothing at ALL" she declared hast
lily. II am tired. ran upstairs per-
haps little too quickly. Aline had
not told me that there was anyone
here"
II had fancy to see you this after
noon." the prince explained, "and.
finding you out, I took the liberty of
waiting. II you would rather went
away and came for you later, please
do not hesitate to say So"
"Of course not |" she exclaimed. II
do not know why I should have been
SO silly. Aline. take my coat and
veil," she directed, turning to the
maid. who was lingering at the other
end Of the room. II am not wet.
Serve some tea In here. I will have
my bath later. when change to go to
| the theater."
She spoke bravely. but fear was In
her heart. She tried to tell herself