Evening star., 1925-05-10

valet and a chauffeur, and he had
engaged modest suite at the Savoy.
He would never have accepted the
invitation to the garden party but for
the great diamonds sake. He could
not resist a fine gem. The references
to himself, the forthcoming garden
party and the diamond, which ap-
noyed him. He wished that that part
of the business transaction could have
been effected privately.
Sir Benjamin, however. was bent on
adding a social splash to his many
| successful financial plunges. A
princes name always looks we'll in
connection with ones own, and Sir
Benjamin enjoyed the soapy para
graphs as much as Lorenzo loathed
them. Which is not to say that Sir
Benjamin forgot for one moment
about the concessions. On the con.
trary, he often wondered how much
he might venture to ask of the prince
whom. at brief interview, two years
ago, he had summed up as a thor
oughly unbusinesslike young man.
AS for Lady Garnet and her two
daughters, they We're all excitement
and prayed continually for fine
weather. Their prayers were granted
for a lovelier day for a garden party
than this Thursday never dawned.
The prince had ordered his Daimler
to be In attendance at 3 O'Clock, his
destination being we'll out in Surrey.
1t was $50. however, before he came
down to the hotel courtyard. He
looked debonair and pleased with him
self, until a strange chauffeur saluted
him, saying:
Pardon, your highness, but Carlos
has been taken i'll suddenly-not Sc
riously-but he cannot drive today.
Have I, his friend. permission to drive
your highness?"
The slight frown passed from the
princes countenance. You know the
| way?" he inquired pleasantly. His
English. though good. was spoken
with a decided accent.
Carlos himself has instructed me
fully, your highness. He sent for
me when he found he could not drive. u
"Since you know the way. you
have permission said the prince.
adding, with a good-natured laugh
This is what I get for allowing Car
los a night off,"
A moment later the car glided out
Of the courtyard. AS it did so. the
frown returned to Lorenzo's face, but
| 1t was a frown Of thought rather than
annoyance. Putting his lips to the
speaking tube. he said:
GO first to Boare's Bank in the
Fleet street. must get some money
He lay back on the cushions and, put
ting his hand into the inner pocket
of his frock coat. smiled once more.
A LARGE crowd. chiefly composed
Of wealthy nobodies, had been
invited to meteor, to be strictly ac-
curate, behold the prince. 1t was re-
served for a score or so OF Sir Benja.
minis particular friends to be pre-.
sented to his highness.
His highness arrived at 4:30, which
was quite as early as he had been
expected. On the whole, his appear.
ance was in his favor. and the com
ments were generally kindly. A few
individuals were heard to remark that
he looked as If he had been going
the pace recently, but most of the
hearers retorted with words to the
effect that going the pace was nc
more than a princely privilege.
To those who were introduced to
him his highness was quietly affable
and gracious. It is true that he said
little, but the ladies admired his &C.
cent, and the men agreed that there
He confessed privately to his host
| that he was not feeling very we'll, and
regretted his stay must be short. AT
the same time, he whispered that the
desired concession would be duly
granted. He was too tired to discuss
details there and then. but Sir Ben.
jamin might rest assured as to his
readiness to complete the business with
all the generosity and speed at his
command.
"Then, your highness," said Sir
Benjamin, beaming, II may take it
that you are quite satisfied with-er-
what did this morning"
Certainly" was the reply, after the
slightest Of pauses.
"I thought it was the best and safest
way" said Sir Benjamin.
Undoubtedly"
IF you will allow me to mention it,
your highness. you find our language
even easier than you did two years
ago"
"Do you think so? It may be that
I speak it a little better, Sir Ben.
jamin. How hot the sun shines on
your splendid lawn"
"Ah, so your highness feels our Eng.
lish sun! Yes: it is somewhat op.
pressive. May I invite your highness
to step indoors for while? There is
u l4llAS CcA CIAOllyp Ol Wu1Cu your nlgn.
ness Is aware, which might well be
performed now, il your shighness is
agreeable" Sir Benjamin smiled
meaningly.
The distinguished guest bowed, the
| perspiration exuding from his sallow
countenance. With a murmured word
Of assent he turned to accompany his
host toward the house. The affair
was nicely stage managed At q slight
signal from Sir Benjamin Lady Garnet
| and those Of the company who under.
stood the signal followed in the wake
Of the twain. who conversed in lowered
voices.
! IRE long the spacious library OF the
great house was uncomfortable
crowded. Sir Benjamin was deter.
mined on making his splash an heroic
one, and desired the sprays thereof to
fly far and wide. A stranger would
have guessed the ceremony to be OF
international moment.
| In the midst Of the room was placed
a small table covered with q cloth Of
purple velvet. bearing In its center q
neatly crumpled heap Of the same ma,