Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-01-07

4 on. lOT dIInOuSn I'VE III the WOTlu
here and in Rome-sometimes in Lon
don. sometimes in Paris. for short
visits to Madrid-I think | am rather
an onlooker in life. The role suits me.
1t amuSeS me to watch my fellow
creatures. | have found it sufficient
for many years. Just now. | am not
so sure of myself.
Her ewes met his He was conscious
of a moment almost of embarra S.
ment. She accepted il as due to the
presence of the servants, and laughed
lightly.
We speak in English today" she
said. Il make a point of having serv-
ants who do not understand that Ian
guage, and Paul here. my protector.
speaks little of anything except Rus
sian. Still, | am tempted. perhaps, to
be too discursive. Tell me, you are
having a large party for the Bal de
L'Or?"
Il have taken box" Hargrave
answered. II have done nothing yet
about my guests"
The princess sighed.
Il. alas she said. must go with
my friends upon the hill. 1t will be
tedious. but one may escape. | shall
look for your aid. You amuse yourself
this season as usual?''
Il am not so sure" he answered
Il came with the idea of amusing
myself more. Perhaps for that reason
there have been times when l have
been a little weary with the life.
We all feel that" she confessed
gently 1T is so beautiful and there
is so much to attract that we rather
rush at it. we embrace it almost to
surfet. | am not sure" she went on.
that YOU my friend. are not sinner
in that respect.
Perhaps l am" he admitted. Il
am learning wisdom. though"
She smiled at him-a smile which
seemed to imply some understanding.
the happiness of which made him for
a moment uneasy. Then he saw the
smile faded slowly from her lips. saw
the change come into her face. She
leaned forward. gazing down the ter
race in obvious surprise. He followed
the direction of her eyes. Preceded
by a man servant who had not APP
peared at the service of luncheon,
came tall, elderly man, of good fig
ure and address. He carried his hat
in his hand and his smoothly brushed,
gray hair and erect carriage gave him
q military appearance.
Nicholas Stephanie murmured
under her breath. But this is amaZ-
ing"
He approached the table with a
quick glance at Hargrave. Then he
bent low over Stephanie s fingers, and
raised them TO his lips.
II an forgiven, I trust. for this sur
prise" he said. Your letter brought
me-"
You are very welcome, Of course. -
she answered gravely. "HarSrave. !
must introduce YOU to my husba nd.
Sir Hargrave Wendever-Prince
Nicholas
The two men shook hands. The
Prince accepted a chair and some
coffee.
Il lunched early upon the train" he
explained. Il may renew my ac-
quaintance with the wonderful art of
Antoine if 1 am permitted to dine"
But naturally" Stephanie replied.
You will stay here, of course. They
will be seeing about your rooms"
Mine will be a very brief visit" the
prince said, but you are very kind"
The conversation, which had merged
into French, became a little disjointed.
After he had finished his coffee Har-
! grave rose.
You will excuse me, princess" he
begged, IF l make a somewhat hasty
departure"
But l would prefer you to stay"
she protested, and know my husban nd
. better.
Prince Nicholas looked across the
ia bic. and it seemed to Hargrave that
he was looking into the eyes of an
enemy.
Nothing would give me greater
pleasure. the former said coldly.
Il shall hope for another opportu-
nifty" Hargrave observed. This aft
ernoon | have been foolish enough to
engage myself to play tennis
The two men exchanged bows. Ste
phenie rose deliberately to her feet
and walked away with Hargrave.
This visit she confided. as they
drew out of earshot of the table, has
been a complete surprise to me. 1t is,
without doubt, the result of a letter
which / wrote to Nicholas
rs it my fancy" Hargrave asked.
cor did your husband resent my pres
ence with you tete-a-tete?"
He has not the right" she an
swered calmly. But men are always
unrea sonable-Russians in particular.
There Is strain OF the Cossack, TOO,
| in Nicholas, although he is at heart
| great gentleman. While he is here 1
must entertain him. I must listen to
what he has to say. When he goes
send to tell you. You understand
Perfectly"
And you are content?
Naturally"
/ She raised her fingers almost to his
I lips before she turned away.
morning or two later Hargra re.
' mounting the winding path from the