Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-09

OF that Somberly lighted bar-a quaint
contrast to the brilliantly illuminated,
somewhat garish restaurant adjoining
TreShOlm became suddenly tense, as
sailed by q wave Of memories. He bent for
ward, his lean face strained, his eyes fixed upon
the approaching figure.
strange food of memories this-the pun
gent perfume Of the Campagna herbs the April
sunlight flooding the plain, even to the out
skirts of the city, the dark and splendid out
line Of st. Peters itself. the music Of those
hasty words, the longing Of her dark eyes, then
the laundering Of hoofs, the crack Of the hunts
mans Whip-on again into the mild distrac-
ton Of the hunts But oh, that perfume. how 1t
clnngI
1t was Lena who recognized him-a child
when he had left Rome. She caught at the
arm Of her companion.
"Margherita see, it is Signor TreshOlm!"
He came forward then. The world of sweet
fancies and memories had slipped back where
it belonged. He smiled and raised her fingers
to his lips.
Princess" he murmured.
"You Andrew" she replied.
The seconds possessed their full measure OF
bitter sweetness. Lena claimed her few words,
and the princess turned towards their conpan-
ion-a somewhat weary looking elderly man.
Duke" she said, "let me present Mr.. Andrew
TreSholn-the Duca di Michani. Signor Tres
holm was at his embassy in Rome when my
husband interested himself in politics-five six.
alas seven years ago"
The two men shook hands
Fl knew your chief very well, Of course,
Signore," the duke acknowledged.
The princess turned to TreSholm.
"You are not by any fortunate chance alone?"
she asked. Eyes? Then join Indeed,
If you will, you win relieve me of some anxiety.
Here 1t is difficult to explain. This little enter
prise Of ours Is undertaken much against my
win. You would be Of great assistance If you
would join us"
ct win do so with pleasure" Tresholm ac-
cepted. II must warn you, though, that sell
dom dance"
"Yet seem to remember" the woman MUIR
INJURED, when the music was to your fancy,
there were few who danced like you"
1T may be for that reason" he rejoined,
"that today / dance but seldom"
A RRIvED at their table, to which they were
escorted by the manager and the head
waiter, Lena fioated away almost at once with
her escort. The princess smiled.
LENA Is the sister Of my heart" she ac-
knowledged. always she understands. Now,
before I bring myself to realize how happy 1t
has made me-even this brief meeting-let me
tell you Of this embarrassment in which We find
ourselves. came here tonight, because Of 1t,
In fear and trembling. With you however, I
feel SAFE"
Tell me, by all means" he begged, and
glanced at her.
announced Lena's engagement to Bartoldi"
"I read Of It" Tresholm murmured. I'm
spite Of our vow not to write, nearly sent you
line"
1.-THE affair seemed well enough Bartoldi is
poor, but Lena Is rich. knew little Of the
young man. Like most Others he was supposed
to be gay. What would you have2 He Is only
"a. It was thought that marriage would be
good for him. I begin to doubt it, Indeed, I
am frightened"
Tell me exactly why" Tresholm suggested.
I'VE discovered one thing-he is gambler"
Just how do things stand at present." Tres
holm asked.
"Gastone. as told you, is not rich," the
princess explained. HE comes here as our
guest. He brought with him 100000 lire for
gambling. He has lost that. He has drawn
another 100000 lire from home he has Dor
rowed some from me, and tonight he has
borrowed from Lena.
TT is not only his money losses. but he him
self is changing. Lena and refuse to play Mt
all, hoping that may have some effect. We
came here last night with Michani and two
other friends. Gastone arrived just as we were
leaving. He behaved disgracefully. He quar-
relied with the man with whom Lena was dane
ing, and declared that until she was married
she must dance with no one but him. He made
a scene. I was much ashamed, and little
frightened.
To-day he has obtained money somehow and
he is playing. AS soon as he has lost it all. I
fear that he will follow us here. He viii, per-
haps make himself disagreeable Last night
he behaved like a mailman. He wanted to tight
perfectly harmless youth with whom she was
dancing"
She broke OF while Tresholm ordered supper
and wine. Almost Immediately Lena and her
escort returned to the table. Conversation be-
came gay. The duke, approving alike Of the
caviar and the champagne, unbent. He danced
again with Lena. The princess looked ct her
md ad her