The Washington times., 1919-05-19

Princess, who entered with the
light, springy step Characteristic OF
her, gowned in one OF those Partisan
afternoon creations which never are
seen outside that capital, and never
will be.
Far too charming to be real
commented Neeland. "You are
pretty fairy story, Princess Naia.
and your gown is a miracle tale
which never was true"
He had not dared any such nip
pancy with Rue Carew, and the girl.
who knew she was exquisitely
gowued, felt an odd little pang in
her heart as this young mans
praise OF the Princess Mistchenlka
fell so easily and gaily from his
lips. He might have noticed her
gown. as il had been chosen with
many doubts, much hesitation, and
anxious consideration, for him
She flushed a little at the mo-
mentary trace OF envy:
You are too lovely for words
she said, rising. But the Princess
gently forced her to resume her
seat.
elimination she said, ''he won't
hesitate with the golden apple,
Ruhannah."
Rue laughed and flushed:
he hasn't noticed my gown, and
wore II for him to notice" she
said. But he was too deeply in
terested in Sandy and in tea and
croissants-
FIushes Under EmbaFrazmeat.
II did notice itP' said Neeland.
And. to that young mans surprise
and annoyance. his face grew hot
with embarrassment. What on earth
possessed him to blush like a plow
boy! He suddenly felt like one. too.
and turned sharply to the little dog,
perplexed, irritated with himself
and his behavior.
Behind him the Princess was say
ing:
'aThe car Is here. I shan't stop
for tea dear. In case anything
happens. am at the embassy"
The Russian embassy, repeated
Rue.
Yes. I may be a little late. We
are to dine here en- famille at eight
You will entertain James
James," she repeated. addressing
him. DO you think Ruhannah suf-
ficiently interesting to entertain
you while i am absent?"
But all his aplomb, his. lack OF
circumstances, seemed to be
gone; and Neeland made some reply
which seemed to him both obvious
and dull. And hated himself be-
cause he found himself so unae-
countably abashed,. realizing that he
was afraid OF the opinions that this
young girl might entertain concern
ing him.
~Pm going" said the Princess.
HAu revoir, dear: good-by, James"
She looked at him keenly when he
turned to face her, smiled, stin
considering him as though she had
Unexpectedly discovered a new fea-
ture in his expressive face.
Whatever IL was she discovered
seemed to make her smile trifle
more mechanical; e.turned slowly
to Rue Carew, hesitated. then nod
ding a gay adeau, turned and left
the room with Neeland at her ell
bow.
I'm tuck you In he began; but
she said:
srhanks; Marotts VIM do mat
And left him at the door
Nee1and Returns To HOUA
When. the car had driven away
down the rue Soleil dor. NsslAnd
returned to the little drawing
room where Rue was indulgtng
Sandy with small bits OF sugar.
He took up cup and buttsred
eroissant, and for a little while
nothing was said, except to Sandy
who, upon invitation, repeated his
opinion OF the Sultan and snapped
IN the offered emOlument with un-
satiated satisfaction.
To Rue Carew as well as to Nee
land there seemed to be a Bltght con
straint between them-some thing
not entirely new to her since they
had met gain after two years
In the two years Of her absence
she had been very faithful to the
memory of his kindness; constant
in the friendship which she had
given him unasked-given him first
she sometimes thought, when she
was a little child in a ragged pink
frock, and he was a wonderful
young man who had taken the
trouble to Gross the pasture and
warn her out Of range OF the guns
He had always held his unique
place in her memory and in her in
nocent affections; she had written
to him again and again, in spite OF
his evident lack OF interest In the
girl to whom he had been kind.
Rare, brief letters from him were
read and reread, and laid away
with her bestowed treasures And
when the prospect OF actually see
ing him again presented itself, she
had been so frankly excited and
happy that the Princess Mistehenka
could find in the girls unfeigned
delight nothing except a young
girls touching and slightly amusing
hero-Worship.
But with her first exclamation
when she caught sight Of him at the
terminal, something about her pre-
conceived ideas Of him, and herr
memory of him, was suddenly and
subtly altered, even while his name
fell from her excited lips.
Memory OF Neeland Changed
Because she had suddenly realized
that he was even more wonderful
than she had expected or remember
ed, and that she did not know him
at all-that she had no knowledge
Of his tall. handsome, weu-built
young fellow with his sunburnt fea-
lures and his air of smiling alook-
most fascinating and a trifle dis
turbing.
Which had made the girl rather
grave and timid. uncertain Of the
estimation in which he might hold