New Britain herald., 1929-07-05
Princess Olina, Learning of Mary's Enlargement to Prince Georges, IItters . Sta artItnp Protest


 Engagement to Prince Georges, | Utters a Startling Protest
 Philip Veritzen's eyes met mine with look which made me want to turn my head away, for it was distinctly embarrassing in its open admiration. It told me silently that my gown was perfect, and that 1t suited me. It said more than that, subtly, but for once l did not re- sent it, because his glance had talk en iron, me the fear with which l had seen Noel's look at Mary. Phil ip Veritzen had not detected his sons look at Dckys lovely niece, and I grimly thanked my partlcu- lar little joss for the concentration of his attention upon me, some thing which in other circumstances. would have greatly annoyed me.
 But it was a danger only sklrted. knew that. Noel was too much i'll love with Mary and she with him. to be able to wear their masks with out occasional slipping. And at any minute the arrogant head Of the American dramatic world might dis cover that his plans for his sons alliance with the daughter of the queen whom he had loved in his stormy youth were not coming to fruition. If we could but avert that moment until the time when-I was sure-Princess Olina herself would break her engagement to Noel. Phil ip Veritzen's wrath against his son and Mary, while swift, might not be lasting.
 It was with tense, poignant anXt- ety that I went into dinner upon the arm of Philip Veritzen, while Dicky escorted Lillian and Harry, Edith Fairfax, leaving the quartet of young lovers to their own partnership. It was an anxiety which did not les sen, even though the dinner and it's service was such that even Philip Veritzen, epicure, patently approved and enjoyed it. and I saw that Noel and Mary shared by nervousness. Neither ate anything except the morsel necessary to feign enjoyment of the dinner. and as the coffee was served, I saw their faces whiten ana guessed ndt edCH uledutu llllil- itely the ordeal before them.
 Purncll finished serving the cof. fee, and silently melted away. l had instructed him to leave us to ourselves after the placing of the coffee service, Dicky glanced at me and then rose with the easy grace which always invests any action of his.
 Introducing Mir. Underwood
 You were invited to house. warming or rather apartment warm ing dinner" he said, but we didn't warn you that you'd have to listen to little speech making before we released you. It is a speech that I really should make, but my good friend, bIr. Underwood. who loves nothing better than the sound Of bis own mellifluous voice has begged me to permit him to take my place. Friends. Mir. Underwood"
 He sat down, and Harry Under wood arose with a haleful eye fixed upon his friend.
 You can't spell that four sylla- bltu "DIu yOu JuSl Hdllutu ouN. much less pronounce it, and as for my liking the sound of my own roice-ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you that the bird at the head Of the table huns himself to sleep be- cause he thinks he has such love ly singing voice. l might add that the opinion is not shared by the inmates of his home.
 If I had know" replied Dicky with dignity. catching the cue, that you were going to insult me, l should not have honored you by"
 The Double Betrothal
 "Oh, you're going 10 reneg on the proposition now" Mr. Underwood retorted. T thought that was about what you'd do when you discovered really was game to call your bluff. We'll now my lad. let me tell you something. You don't get in on this. Your opportunity has passed. I'm going to make this speech un- less you bring in ten coppers-it will take that many-to stop me-
 The faces of Princess Olina and Prince Georges were a study. Buff foonery such as this at even an in formal dinner was beyond them. and somewhat dista steful. But they were puzzled. and that was what wished. I knew Harry Underwood was adroitly planning to make tho double betrothal announcement with an abruptness which would keep the two young scions of royal ty and Philip Veritzen from guess ing it beforehand.
 'I assume" went on Mr. Under wood, c bit loftily. that everyone here is familiar with that great study of kipling's called Stalky and Company. You all no doubt remem- Der that the master. Prout, was al ways talking about standing in loco parentis' to the boys. It is a happy phrase, 8 phrase l love. For in stance my friend. the Dicky-bird stands in loco parentis' to certain lovely girl at this table, and have been honofed with a most exalted lady to the same position. By virtue Of that office my friends I have the honor to announce the betrothals-" his voice was suddenly solemn-"of the Princess Olina to Mir, Noel Yer itzezn, and of Miss Mary Harrison 10 Prince Georges"
 "No." The voice. in half-tifled protest was that of Princess Olina.
 Princess Ohna's faint, half-tifled No" as Harry Underwood finished announcing the double betrothal was audible to everyone at the table. and invountarily every eye turned toward her. She was leaning for ward as if she were about to spring from her chair and her eyes were