Evening star., 1921-06-21
CONTINUED from Yesterdays Star.)

Il am going to tell you more ;s than than
cause I believe that I am one of
those unfortunate persons whose
evil lot it is to bring unhappiness
upon their friends. So far as 1 can
F'urther-it is possible that 1 may
ask you-presently-to render me a
service"
Wrayson bowed low. He felt that
she was already well aware OF his
willingness.
First. then. let me tell you," she
continued, leaning back in her chair,
and looking away across the valley
with eyes whose light was wholly
reminiscent. that we three school,
girls together. Louise, Amy-whom
you know better. perhaps. ,as the the
were at a convent near Brussels.
There were not many pupils, and we
three were friends.
1--WE had a great deal of liberty
more liberty. perhaps, than our
friends would have approved of. We
but in the afternoons we rode or
played tennis in the Bois. 1t was
there that I met Prince Frederick.
who afterward became my husband.
II was only sixteen years old, and
just as silly. I suppose, as ,e,gst girt
up was certain to be- was very
much flattered by Prince Frederick 8
attentions, and quite ready to respond
to them. My own family was noble,
and the match was not considered a
particularly unequal one, for though
was a long way from the succession.
Still, there was a good deal OF trou-
Bile when a messenger from Frederick
went to my father. He declared that
I was altogether too young; my
mother, on the other hand. was just
Eventually 1t was arranged that the
betrothal should take place In six
months-and Frederick went back to
Mexonia."
Nine. de Melbain paused for a mo-
ment. Wrayson felt. from her
slightly altered attitude and signih-
cant lowering Of her voice. that she
was reaching the part Of her narra-
tive which she found the most diff
cult
I'VE girls" she continued. went
back to school, and just at that time
Louise's brother came over to Brus,
sells. I think that have already told
YOU that the supervision over us was
Tar from strict. There was nothing
to prevent Capt. F'itzmaurice being a
good deal with US. We had picnics,
tennis parties, rides! Long before
the six months were up I understood
how foolish 1 had been. I wrote to
Prince Frederick and begged him to
release me from our uncompleted en-
Raeement His answer was to ap-
near in person. He made scene.
MY mother and father were now
wholly on his side. Within a rev
weeks me had lost both a cousin and
a brother. His succession to the
throne was almost a certainty. His
own people were Just as anxious to
have him married. did not know
why then, but found out later on.
They had their way. believe that
things are different in an English
I never had any chance. j.! entered
upon my married life without the
least possibility Of happiness. Need
less to say, I never realized any! For
the last four years my husband has
It is possible that he will succeed"
Wrayson leaned a little toward
rs it permitted, madame, to ask =
question:?
"Why not!"
vorce.. you and your friends, so zeal
ously. Yet your life has been un-
happy. Release could scarcely have
been anything but q relief to you"
Nine. de Melbain raised her head
Slightly. her DroWS WeTe d iieSio
contracted. From her eyes there
flashed the silent IRE OF queens 9
"Reiease! Yes, would welcome
that! If it were death 1t would be
very welcome! But divorce-.he to
divorce me, he, whose brutality and
infidelities are the scandal of every
court In Europe! No! A divorce
never shall accept Separation have
insisted upon,"
Wrayson hesitated for moment
May I be pardoned." he said. n
I repeat to you what I saw In print
lateiy-in q famous English paper?
They spoke Of this divorce case which
has lasted 30 long: they spoke OF 1t
as about to be finally decided. There
was some fresh evidence about to be
produced, q special court was to be
held"
BILE, a shade paler.
"Yes" She said slowly. Il have vs
heard of that We have all heard
of that. I want to tell you. Mr..
wrayson. what that fresh evidence
consists Of
Wrayson bowed and waited. Some