The Washington times., 1919-04-27

tivstsd him even more completely than the slave girl
had done.
From the moment he first saw this marvel Of charm
and dantiness he was irresistbly drawn to her. Her
big, soulful, sOrrOwful eyes held him fascinated The
play bare of interest for him save when she was on
the stage.
This woman who won Lebaudys heart in the twink
ling Of an eye Nile Lanteme Of whom he had heard
50 much IN London and Brussels She was the most pop
uar setreas in Paris at the and was fast gaining
an even higher place the ladder of fame than Mle
Marry had occupied.
Lebaudy lost time in securing introduction 70
the auring Lantelme The meeting confirmed the favor
able impression she had made on him at the theatre
and more.
She was more superby beautiful in the subdued light
Of her salon than she had been in the glare of the foot
lights And, more than that she was finely educated
brilliant eOnversationalst and lnguist well versed in
everything pertaining to politics art music and ltera
ture Her keen intelligence and magnetic personality
made her woman who could not fail to be command
ing figure IN any sphere of society.
Lebaudy's delight knew no bounds. Once more he
certain that he had found the woman on earth
fitted to be his empress With characteristic energy he
laid his plans for aggressive siege of this beauys
heart
But this was not an easy matter, for Lebaudy was
he to claim Lanteme for their very own As he soon
found he lucky to be able her for few minutes
once . week, so completely occupied was her time
This was not the way the impetuous Lebaudy liked
to do things but he had choice except to curb his
impatience After what seemed 10 him nterminable
time his suit had progressed to point where he felt he
could make formal declaration of love.
Proposals of marriage novelty to the popular
Lantelme Princes and pennieSs painters milonaires
and struggling poets even king was included in the
heart AS Paris used to in jest but with great deal
OF truth, Somebody is always proposing to Lanteme"
But among all these countless offers of marriage the
actress never had more extraordinary than that
which Jacques Lebaudy made her.
Although there is doubt that Lebaudy had CON-
petey lost his heart to this charming woman he
absorbed in his plans for empire that he gave his proposal
aspect more of diplomacy business than Of love-
He brought with him. instead of the Orchids viOlets,
bOnbons velvet jewel which devoted lover usually
offers the of his choice two huge portfolios
crammed with MAPS blue prints and typewriter plans
of the projected Empire Of Sahara!
Throughout the interview at which the proposal was
made expressions like 81 love you'll" and Darling will
you be minei quite forgotten by Lebaudy In his
glowing descriptions of the imperial palaces that were to
in the African desert and of the ieweled crown his
Empress was to wear.
II have the HONOR Lebaudy ended, with all the
grandCquence Of which he tired to invite you to
share the throne Of His Imperial Majesty, Jacques l.,
Emperor of the Sahara"
But Lantelme was not at all impressed either with
Lebaudys highown oraory with the tresome contents
of the portfolios
There were many good reasons why she had never
had any idea Of saying anything but decided NO" TO-
this. strange proposal
First and most weighty Of ALL she did not love Lee