Omaha daily bee., 1919-08-17

scion of some third-rate nobility.
Yet an unassuming little Red
Cross worker waves a jaunty hand
at the young former king, and says
in effect: You're a nice boy, Alex
ander; a good companion, and I'm
very fond of you, but l don't want
to marry you"
The war had only just begun when
Josephine Marie Kelly went to
Washington as a worker for the
Red Cross. She was quickly rec
ognized as an accomplished ling-iist
and transferred to the bureau Of
languages. Shortly afterward she
was sent to Greece by the bureau.
There, she Immediately attracted
the attention of Alexander |, who
found her very different from the
Grecian beauties. Her American
type of loveliness was very refresh
ing to his majesty, though, strange
to relate, she is not the expected
blonde type which one would sup
pose
Her hair is very black and 1ustrous
and her eyes are flashing black. She
has the creamy pallor associated
with Celtic beauty and vivid lips. OF
medium height, she is unusually
graceful, due partially to her devo-
ton to sport She is skilled
dancer, motorist and swimmer.
1t is this love of outdoor life
which undoubtedly strengthens the
young rulers regard for the little
American They take long drives
together, according to reports from
Athens, and play tennis and golf.
The king himself is clever sports
man and an enthusiastic motorist.
1t is said to be his favorite hobby,
and he is an expert driver of high
powered cars.
Early in Miss Kelly's sojourn in
Athens she was received by the king
in formal audience. but her associa
ton with him was not permitted to
end with the throne-room. They
met at various society affairs, and
soon they were observed driving in
the young rulers motor car.
Recently a fancy dress ball was
given at the home of the minister
of foreign affairs, M. Politis. Pre-
ceding the ball Alexander invited
number of the guests to dine at the
royal palace. Miss Kelly was one
of the number and received much
admiration and attention from dis
tinguished Grecian oficialdom. She
wore a crimson gown which set off
her dark Celtic beauty admirably.
1t was noted by the guests that
their young host was deeply inter-
ested in the pretty American.
After that they attended many
social functions together, and it was
noticeable that when Miss Kelly
was unable to attend the dinner
dance given by Lord and Lady
Granville, owing to some emergency
Red Cross work, the king did not
put in an appearance either.
Alexander is a very likeable young
chap, distinctly handsome and much
of the college boy type. He has
bright, sunny temperament, is very
democratic, and devoted to sport.
His disregard for Athenian speed
limits for automobiles was the talk
of the Greek metropolis before his
accession to the throne.
But the young king is as fearless
in politics as in sports, and though
many incidents which have tested
his mettle remain shrouded in the
folds of diplomacy, sufficient have
been disclosed to assure his subjects
fair and capable ruler.
What those same subjects would
say to an American queen can only
be surmised. But certainly the king
expects popular acclanation of his
wooing or else his courage renders
him indifferent to public opinion.
for his desire to see the crown of
Greece on the lustrous black hair Of
Josephine Marie Kelly, recognizes
10 obstacle except the counter-will
# the lady herself.
Rumor also fails to mention the
attitude of ex-King Constantine to-
ward his sons courtship. Or per-
haps the former ruler does not know
of it. The pathetic feature of the
loss of power will always be the
accompanying loss of consideration.
Those who have ruled the great en-
|pires and the little countries of the