The Aberystwith Observer

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT. THIS KINGDOM OF KARTH BY A ANTHONY PARTRIDGE. [COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER XXII. Grace was alone when John Peters was shown into the room. He bent over her hands and kissed them. Is that the way." she asked, with a shy little laugh. that engaged people kiss in Varia?" He laughed and took her in his arms. Pre- sently they sat- down upon a sofa. "Let me tell you." she begged, "how I came to be mixed up with those silly people." Be quick about it," he said. I've more in- teresting things to talk about." What. are they?" she asked. Ourselves Your turn first. Go on." After all there isn't much to tell," she said. You know I was a Wellesley girl, and I took honours in social science. I had what they called advanced ideas. I belonged to the school of socialists whose central belief is that every nation and every unit of a nation has a com- plete and incontrovertible right, to preserve in- tact and develop its own individuality. I re- member that 1 went to a course of lectures once. of which the ill-government of your nation form- ed the text." My uncle has had a pretty good innings." he admitted. "Goon." "Well, I came to Europe, and I had cards to a good many people in England. I can't men- tion namen--you won't expect that, but one dav I was asked whether I was not willing to give some practical effect to my beliefs. I replied that there was nothing I should like 'better. Then I was told that in every capital of Europe there were branches of a society. harmless in itself, but always seeking for opporunities to re- move from positions of authority people who impeded the cause of the people. The very name of the head of the English branch gave me the requisite amount of confidence. He was a great millionaire and shopkeeper, a Radical, and a man of advanced views, but-also a man of unblemished character. I said I would do what I could, and I heard no more about it for some time. Then you came-,and I learnt who you were. That old man came to me and suggested --don't laugh-he was perfectly serious—that- T should pltiy :1>e deliverer. I pointed out that my hatred of tyranny was aho coupled with certain distinct convictions as to the sanctity of human life. He seemed disappointed, but lie took my secrecy as a matter of course. Then he came to me again. He asked me whether you were going to see me on the following night. 1 hesitated i'.nd of course he knew. Then he said that he asked me no more than this, that I kept you v. ith me and allowed you to depart at a certain time. The rest I was to know nothing abont. As a matter of fact you were coming, and I told him so. I sent- you awav it half-past o-ne, exactly at the time he told me. but it was because my clock had stopped." A6 a matter of curiosity," John Peters ask- ed, "supposing you had known of that little arrangement outside, should you 'have warned me ?" Don't ask me." she begged. Remember that I knew, after all so little of you. You represented to me and to all my friends the one human type whose presence upon the face of the earth in the position you held. is a real and effective bar to progress. You were the enemy of the people. That was what I had to think of. If it had been a question of imprisonment, of keeping you. away from the position you had no right to occupy, well, then, I do believe that I would have given you up. But a blow in the dark—like that—I don't think I could have done it. dear, even if I had believed it justified." "'And yDUr presence here now, Grace? What of that?" "Well. it was certain that things were going to happer, here, and I can speak the language. I am really here a6 a sort of correspondent. I was to have seen your mysterious enemy and have offered him help if it was necessary. Curiously enough, he has never even approach- ed. me." "lours seems a very slack sort of society," he remarked. "Why, I could have gone to Scotland Yard and sworn information against the four of you." She shook her head. They are not so foolish as they seem," she declared. It is part of their policy to seem To dispense will] secrecy altogether, but if any- thing serious is really attempted, they have most. elaborate safeguards. Those men would all have been able to prove most convincingly that they were somewhere else, if you had made any attempt to turn the tables on them." He leaned over and took her hand. "Little woman." he said, "let this end your career as conspirator. You'll only get 'into trouble, and I've enough to think about just now without worrying about von. Promise She assented laughingly. "I don't think I should do anything bril- liant." she declared. "Tell ne—is the city quiet this morning?" "Quiet enough." he answered, "for a few days. After Parliament opens (he end is cer- tain. I am afraid after all, though, it will not be quite so simple a matter as I had hoped." "In what way?" she asked quickly. "None of us," he answered, "can make my see reason. He declares that he will stay and fight. He places altogether too much con- fidence in the army. Worse than that. if things go wrong he is scheming for German aid." "You have talked to him?" "'Till I am weary, so have we all. The only chance is that he will get such a -enre when the time comes that he'll change his mind. At pre- sent he refuses to abdicate." "If you call Germany in." she said. Bevce- land will never be a free country all her day* "If Germany moves," he answered, the Re- public will appeal at once to Fiance and Eng- land." 0 iShe smiled, as though amused at her thoughts. "One would think." she remarked, "that you were one of the Republicans yourself." "Perhaps," he said. smiling. "I shall not be sorry to bid goodbye to Royalty. You are a brave woman Grace, to take me so much on trust. I've the most horrible reputation in Europe She half closed her eyes with a little shiver. "John, dear," she said. when I feel unhappy about that I shall always think of last night. I do not believe that brave men (an ever be real- ly vicious. But remember, you've promised to improve I'll try." he declared. Good-bye, dear! May I come to-morrow?" She walked with him to the door, and watch- ed him leave the house and turn into the Park. He walked slowly, with his hands behind him and his eyes upon the ground. There were few people, about, and the broad walks were almost deserted. Perhaps for that reason John Peters noticed the swift, stealthy footstep behind him, and turned round just in time. The man who had been following him was holding out a re- vohei at full length, and seemed as though he were indeed in the very act of pulling the trig ger. John Peters sprang a litHe on one side. but the man. although lie kept him covered, did not attempt to fire. He seemed to be a workman of j somewhat superior class, but his clothes were torn, and he had several wounds upon his face, as though he had been recently engaged in some j struggle. John Peters held out his hand in front of his face. "Put that thing awv." he ordered. What do you want with me?" Not a muscle of the man's face moved. He lowered the revolver slightly, but he still held it in h.s locked fingers. "What I want from you." he said, "is pay- ment of a just debt. I want what I came last night to the Palace to claim, but those who were with me were cowards and they ran. I have waited long enough. so I have come alone. It. is your life I am going to take." John Peters looked rapidly around. Brave man though he was, he had not the least intend tion of losing his life at the hands of a lunatic, in so purposeless a manner as this. There was not a soul in sight, however, nor could he at once think of any ready means of escape. He turned back to the man. "WdJ," he said. if I have to die I must, but ] should like to know what I have done to youtodoserveit." The man, whose continued calmness was al- most unnatural, moistened his lips with the end of his tongue. 1 am the father," lie said. of Estelle Bor- gin." "Then. Mr Borgin," John Peters said, "lam very glad to know you, and also to know that you have a daughter, but as I have never seen either of VOII before in my life, I am still at a loss to know why you should think of murder- ing me." You are a liar I" the man said. "Me you may not have seen or remembered, but Estelle —you took her away, and now—her mother has gone. There is nothing left for me but ven- geance. and that I mean to have." John Peters leaned a little forward towards the man. Look at me." he said. "Do you believe that I an; the person who took your daughter away?" The man moved on his feet uneasily. You are the Crown Prince of Bergeun d," he said. "There are many others beside my daughter in Varia who have reasons to hate that name." "Look at me again," John Peters said. "Do you beiieve that it was I who took away your daughter ?" Tlie men raised his revolver. "J do," he answered, and you are going to for it." Then John Peters realised that there was no- thing to be gained by further temporising. He was holding in his hand a silver-headed cane, and leaping suddenly on one side. he struck at the revolver. The first bullet just touched his ear in passing. The second went into the air as the revolver flew out of the man's hand, and the man himself was lifted off his feet in an iron grasp. You infernal assassin John Peters said to him angrily. "I have a good mind to shake the life out of you." He stooped down, and with his left hand picked up the revolver and threw it into a dis- tant- pond. "Now listen to me, Borgin, or whatever your name is," he said. "To the best of my know- ledge I never saw your daughter in my life. You have been deceived. Can you understand that ?" Yes the man answered sullenly. I can understand what you say." Do you believe it?" John Peters asked. No the man answered. They all told me "c that it was the Crown Prince, even she her- self. My wife saw her driving with you. One doesn't make such mistakes." John Peters shook him again gently. "I wish," he said "that I could shake some sense into your head. Now. on my honour, I tell you that I never saw your daughter in my life. Are you satisfied?" "I do not- know," the man answered, bewil- dered. Two figures came in sight round the top of the avenue. John Peters, looking up, saw them; so did his captive. Here come the Park keepers at last. John Peters said. Now look here, my man, will you believe me or won't you?" "I will try." the man said in a low tone, "but they all told me that it was the Crown Prince." John Peters let him go. Get, that idea out of your head, my friend," he said. Go back to your work, and you may find that there are better times coming for you all in Varia; 'but if I catch you dodging my footsteps again it will not go quite so easily with you." The man stood where John Peters left him, looking after the tall, powerful figure, and mut- tering softly to himself. As the park keepers came nearer, he turned into a by-way and dis- appeared. John Peters, taking a short cut, entered the palace grounds by a private gate. I suppose," he said to himself, grimly, "that this is one of the penalties of the game, but I am inclined to agree with Bernhardt, after all. I don't think they'll ever let me out of this city alive." CHAPTER XXIII. At nine o'clock that same evening three men, the professor, Levitt, and Grammont, were sit- ting fit the end of a long table in the dimly lit room of a notorious restaurant. They were talking tog-ether in whispers, and evidently wait- ing for an arrival. We know who's responsible, of course." Levitt was saying, his dark eyes flashing, and his white hands drumming upon the table. It was Hergmann's work without a doubt. He's always been made that we have had nothing to do with him and his butchering methods. And. after all. if he'd succeeded, well, it might have hurried things on." ::> "I." the professor said "am now wholly with our chief. I believe in pacific methods. I be- lieve that our present scheme is unassailable." And I," Levitt said, leaning forward so that the light fell upon his dark, strongly-marked face. "I tell vou once and for all that I have no faith in bloodless revolutions. If the King is coward enough to fly. let him go, ~ut- the Crown Prince has deserved death fifty times over, and I think that he will find it when the time comes." "We must talk a little about that, gentlemen." a voice said from the shadows. They all rose to their feet. Their unknown chief had entered silently from the other end of the room and was seated now a. few feet away from them at the head of the table, where the shadows were deepest. Again he wore the black silk mask which completely concealed his face. Again they all looked at him with that curiosity against which they were always strucrolinw as disloyal, but which during the last few weeks had become almost a passion. "I was in time, gentlemen," lie said. to hear your last remark. 1 also gathered, I think, from Mr Levitt, that he has no faith in blood- less revolutions. This one I want to impress upon you is going to be a bloodless revolution." "We hope so," the urofessor said, "but after all it will be as the people shall decide, for it will be their day." "I have summoned you here." the man at the head of the table said because of the events of last night. I want to know whether you or any one of you, or anyone of our sub-committee, or anyone known to you, was responsible for throw, ing that bomb into the Palace." The answer to all those questions." Gram- mont -answered, is no At the same time it is idle to deceive ourselves. There is a great party amongst- us who are calling for vigorous measures who do not believe that the country can be set free without the striking of one great 1:1 9 blow. It was some of these, no doubt, who were Concerned in the attempt last night, which ended so disastrously." The man at the head of the table leaned a little toward them. He spoke slowly and very impressively. Every word seemed suggestive of power. Once more they felt themselves in the presence of a man who dominated them with ease whenever he chose. Listen," he said, "you. Grammont, and you. Professor and you, Levitt. Twelve months, ago I was unknown to you or any of your party. Then I began to write you letters, to which you were pleased to attach some importance. I be- gan to draw up and send for your consideration schemes, which you found good. I told you things in international history which were com- ing to pass, and I showed you how to strengthen the ranks of your party, and to gain power and standing. You have progressed enormously, and many of you were pleased to consider that it was due to my advice and to my leadership, if you choose to call it so. Then came the suggestion from you that we should meet. I told you then that it did not suit my purpose to be known in Varia as a Republican. I would meet you, I said, on niv own terms, and they were these." He touched his mask and waved his hand around the room. We meet in secret, and so far as I know you are in ignorance as to who I may be. Now I ask you this question as men of honour, and I beg that you will each answer me separ- ately. Grammont. Professor, Levitt, you have spent many hours with me, do you know who I am? Are you conscious of ever having known or seen or ,spoken with me anywhere save at our meeting places?" Their "No!" was unanimous. The man at the head of the table inclined his head gravely. Very well, then," he said I well tell you what it is that I propose. You hold the first of your four great meetings to-morrow night. You already have my plan of the proceedings, and I have shown you how to prevent any interference from the police. I wish to come to that meet- ing." Levitt sprang up with a little cry of excite- ment. "At Inst, the! he exclaimed, "vou are go- ing to declare yourself." "I do not intend to do so," was the quiet an swer. I am goiipg to take a somewhat- extra- ordinary course, but I believe that it can be done, and I am willing to take my risks. I wish to speak to the whole of the committee of your party together, and I still wish to remain as now unknown. The meeting is in the museum lec- ture hail, at the corner of the Boulveard du Pont. I have been over the room carefully, and I have convinced myself that what I suggest possible. It has already been arranged that when everyone is present the door shall be locked. At twenty minutes to ten the electric light is to be turned off at the dynamo, and I shall enter by the small door at the back of the building, for which you will bring me a key. It leads almost on to the platform, and 1 shall look to you to see that no one is allowed in that pas- sage. At a quarter to ten I shall speak to the people." The three men looked at him in dumb wonder. The professor was the first to break the silence. "There will be some risks," he said. "A match may be struck, for instance, or someone may blunder against you in the dark." "There will be some risks, of course." the man answered, and I am prepared to take them. All I ask from you is that you do your part in seeing that, so far as possible, no at- tempt is made to, force me to disclose myself. e 1 Believe me, it would not be for the good of our cause. I have some papers here for you with reference to the proceedings between now and next Tuesday. You had better take them back to your sub-committee, and if you have any sug- gestions to make I will consider them. But re- member above all things what my aim has been and is with reference to the things that are about to happen. This is to be a bloodless re- volution." He rose, and the other three followed 'his ex- ample. "There is one man, sir." Levitt said, "whom I do not think however anxious we may be to avoid bloodshed, will ever be allowed to leave this country alive if once the city is in the hands of the people." The man at the head of the table, who was preparing to depart, by the way he had come, looked round. "Whom do von mean?" he asked. I mean the Crown Prince." Levitt answered. The man smiled beneath his mask—a smile of which all save himself were unconscious. So long as the King is allowed to depart un- harmed," he said, the rest is not. so great a matter. The Crown Prince is a young man. He can fight his own battles." 0 CHAPTER XXIV. Mademoiselle is perhaps tired," Bernhardt remarked, as he handed Grace to her chair. Last night's events at the Palac-e were some- what fatiguing." Grace shook her head as she settled herself in her seat, and glanced up and down the long. brilliantly lit table. No she said. it is not that. I think that I rather like excitement. To tell you the truth. I am a little overpowered. You must remem- ber that I lived very quietly in England, and I am not. used to all this splendour." Bernhardt, who was rapidly discovering that his dinner companion was the handsomest woman ii the room,laughed as he leaned towards her confidentially. The Germans have always entertained splen- didly at their Embassy here," lie remarked, and this man, the Prince de Suess is an ex- cellent host. But wait until you have seen a dinner party at the Palace. The gold plate there is really marvellous." Grace looked at him and looked away again. She helped herself leisurely from the dish which th* footman was handing her. One hears such strange things in Varia just now." she said. "I understood that very soon the:e would be 11c more dinner parties at the Palace." Bernhradt shrugged his shoulders. "Well," he said, "one cannot tell. You must not believe all you hear, especially just now, when there is so much unsettlement in the country, but I am bound to say that things do look rather serious for the loyalists." 0 I should like so much." she said. to under- stand your politics" "Nothing," he assured her. is simpler. We are what is called a limited monarchy. We have one house of assembly, which twenty years ago did exactly what the King told them. and voted exactly the measures which he demanded. You know very well what has happened within the last twenty years. In every country it has been the same story. The people have insisted upon having a voice in their own government. In Russia they call themselves nihilists, here social- ists. They simply are the people speaking for the people. In Bergeland they have come on by leaps and bounds. Our elections were a month ago. and out of two hundred members, one hundred and fifty socialists were returned. Parliament re-assembles in a fortnight's time. What will happen then is just what is puzzling Europe "What do you think will happen?" Grace asked. "My dear young lady." Bernhardt asked "I do not know. t.nd to be very frank with you. if I did I should not dare to say. If the country is left altogether to itself, one might easily guess, but I fancy that our host there is anxious to have something to say."

BjrplsEli?}! k-E E.- TO MOTHERS. MRS. WINS LOWS Soothing Syrup FOR CHILDREN rEETHINQ Has bf r-n "sed over 50 vears bs millions of n'nthcrt for their children while teething with perfect sn.>n. r. SOOTHES the child, softens the gum*, allays all rAiN, cuios warn COLIC, and is the bent remedy for uiafbt^ka. laid by all Qbintiti at 1/11 DIIr hold*.

FASHION AND THINGS FEMININE. By MISS IDA MELLER. COSTUME OF OAK-LEAF GREEN CLOTH. Every season brings with it a frc-sh assortment of fashionable colours, and to-dav it is practic- ally impossible to match, exactly, a ribbon or other fabric dyed a year or two ago. The old roce" tones of the present differ from those of yester-year, the fashionable oak-leaf green is new to us. sartorially. and the exquisite blues of the moment are in striking contrast to the tur- quoise and cornflower shades that were in the front rank of fashion three or four seasons ago. The new oak-leaf green referred to is a happy innovation on brighter greens, and finds charm- ing expression in velveteen and taffetas silk. re- lieved with pale coffee-coloured lac-e. Several pretty gowns in one or other of the new shades of dark, full blue, are accompanied by or made with touches of lighter blue with most excellent results. In one case the gown is for evening wear- of dark but brilliant blue. the material crepe de chine, made us as simply as possible, the skirt finished with three folds, and the bodice arranged with crossed fronts over a chemisette of wliie mousseline. Worn over the shoulders is a scarf of silky gauze, several shades lighter than the gown. A green evening dress after the same design is equally artistic looking. In green cloth, of the famous oak-leaf shade, are developed some smart but simple tailor- mades for the winter, among them the model illustrated, showing a pleated skirt and fitted coat typical of the leading style in simple coat fashions. The collar and small buttons are of green velvet, and the green felt hat that accom- panies the costume is trimmed with velvet to match and green and ochre-coloured quills. Black or striped cloth costumes with coloured velvet collars, also work out very well in the above design. A COSTUME BLOUSE. The sleeve that carries all before it this season is the long, fitted model, now tucked, now plain, composed of net lace. cloth, velvet, and every other material that is fashionable for dress pur- poses. When made of transparencies it is usual- Iv tucked; when of cloth, satin or similar fab- ri cit is plain, or drawn slightly at the seams to introduce a rucked effect—as. for instance, in the sleeve attached to the costume-blouse sketch- ed. which is suitable for cloth or cashmere. The centre boxpleat of the blouse is met by a plas- tron of coarse lace, proceeding from a collar- I band of the same, the material beneath the plas- tron being cut away to give lightness to the 0 scheme. Little gilt buttons decorate the bo- pleat, the blouse is pleated on either side-front. and the sleeves are finished with lace cuffs. The blouse should be made of the skirt material or it might be -of silk worn with a cloth skirt to match. Violet is one of the fashionable colours and one can picture a very serviceable-, smart costume made with a gored skirt of violet cloth, and blouse, as sketched, of cloth or silk in the same shade, the lace plastron being in a rich tone of ivory, while the buttons might be moulds covered with the skirt material. A LINEN UMBRELLA CASE. It is not only the use given to it out of doors that wears out an umbrella or en tout cas, but also the careless treatment given to it when put away. It is an oft-told tale that an umbrella should be stood handle downwards to dry. so that the rain-drops do not remain in the silk, at the tip and rot the material, but on the contrary run off the umbrella easily. When the latter is quite dry it should be rolled up .s neatly as possible/ and protected from dust, and where the handle is delicate and likely to break if meeting with a fall, some extTa" precaution is necessary when putting away an umbrella, in order to avert any such catastrophe. ()ur sketch shows an umbrella cate made of coarse linen, that could be hung on the inside of a cupboard door and would, therefore, take up no floor space. The case is composed of a piece of linen about thirty inches long and twenty- one inches wide, and another piece rather wider. This latter piece forms the front of the case, and is stitched to the former (which should be stiffened at the back with canvas) along the bot- tom and sides and bound with braid. Then the front piece is marked tiff into three divisions by means of strips of braid, sewn through to the background, these divisions forming receptacles for umbrellas. It is well to strengthen the bot- tom of the case \\ith a piece of canvas to pre- vent the tips of the umbrellas passing through the linen; or, on the other hand, "button- holes" miglu ;e made in the bottom of the case for the insertion of the tips. Finally, rings must be sewn at the top corners of the case to hang over nails attached to the cup- board door. THE HABIT OF "PUTTING OFF." One of the secrets of good management is a practical observance of the old proverb Never put off tiil to-morrow.' "etc. If each day's work be gone through to time, households will run smoothly, and theie will be none of those accu- mulations of week-oid duties to be scrambled through -is rapidly as possible that are. alas met with in r .e.utiess homos wher-e method is an unknown quantity. No matter whether it- concerns the simple task of darning, or putting away clothes or other things in their proper places, or of answering letters, let each little duty be done without more delay than necessary, especially the answering of letters that cali for early attention — and no encouragement should be given to the habit of putting off. Each day brings its own duties with it. ard though it may be but a trifle that is put off tin to-morrow or the next day. this adcled to other trifles helps to build up the multitude and bring about a work of fatigue. In regard to affairs of the storeroom, the good manageress will not wait until things have "run out before she replenishes, but will carefully look to her reserve store and order in advance. Habit becomes second nature, and it only re- quires a little effort in the beginning to over- come a tendency to "put off"; but an effort it certainly does require if the "putting off" char- acteristic has been allowed to gain ground and intrude into one's daily habits. Opposite natures run together, and it general- ly happens that the person who habitually put-s off is. through this trait, a source of consider- able irritation to those with whom he or she lives, who are probably prompt in their actions. TO SHAMPOO BABY. A baby often resents very strongly attempts to wash its little head, and baby's objection is often due to the fact that the water of the head- bath trickles down into the eyes of the little one. This can be avoided with care, and an ex- cellent plan for the purpose is to roll a soft linen cloth around the little one's head (over the forehead and above the ears, and knot it at the nape of the neck. This linen pad absorbs the soapy water that may otherwise run down the neck and over the forehead.

now T, ETSHOLBBOOKS 1 SAUCE I A Adds à delicious and N indescribable piquancy to I B all kinds of Meat, Game, m Poultry, Fish,

I read the papers a little," Grace said, and they all seem agre-ed upon one thing, that it i6 the degeneration of the present Royal house here which has helped the Republican cause so much." ,Bernhardt looked around a little cautiously. Do not forget, my dear young lady," he said. that the Crown Prince is on the other side of the table. Still, one must admit that you are right. All the world knows of the old King's doings, and Prince John has certainly managed at times to cap even his uncle's exploits." She looked thoughtfully across at the man who sat at the right hand of his hostess. His head was at that moment bent courteously to- wards her, but the smile upon his lips was of the faintest, and his eyes seemed far away. She touched Bernhardt on the arm. Look at him now," she whispered. Is that the man whose photographs they sell in the kiosks, drinking wine out of the slipper of a dancing girl. the man whose extravagances were the talk of Paris for weeks? Look at him. Did you ever see a man's face which so belied his history?' Bernhardt nodded sympathetically. The sub- ject was one which -or him, too. had an absorb- ing interest. Mademoiselle." he said, it is amazing. I have known the Prince for many years, and I can come to no other conclusion but- that he has this strange thing which psychologists call a dual personality. I have seen him myself loung- ing in the lowest resorts of this c''tv. shame- less drunken, steeped in debauch. I have seen him like this not once nor twice, but often. He iias companions here, known companions, whom I cannot name to you. Then we saw him last night, you and I, alert, fearless, a hero of mus- -e cl cle and brain—the strong man guarding his own. If you can read me the riddle of the Crown Prince, you will stop the speculation of years." She was watching him all the time he spoke. "You have some idea in your mind. have you not? she asked softly, "some possible explana- tion? He looked at her swiftly. "You are observant," he said. "What can one say? One knows these things of him. They may be strange, but they aie true." Someone from across the table spoke to Bern- hardt, and Grace had leisure for a moment or two to look about her. Forty or fifty guests were seated around the long table, ablaze with flowers and wonderfully arranged electric lights. It was a dinner party which the King himself was to have attended, but the events of last night had shaken him ho that he was unable to leave his room. The Crown Prince, however. was in his place, and although they had not met in the reception room, his eyes had met Grace's more than once across the table. Her host leaned forward to speak to her. Do you make a long stay in Varia, made- moiselle? he asked. "That depends very much upon my aunt. Prince," she .answered. Madame de Sayers goes south usually about this time of the year." "It is your first visit, perhaps?" he asked. Indeed no she answered, "I am half a Bergian. Madame Sayers and my mother were sisters. "You should spend more time here then," said courteously, and turned toward one of his other guests. Grace leaned back in her chair, anxious for Bernhardt to finish his conversation. Some- how she had an idea that if he would, he could tell her more of her lover than he had core. He spoke to her again in a few minutes. "You are going on to the dance at the Rus- sian Embassy?" he asked. I suppose we all are." she answered. "Then I may hop* for the pleasure." lie asked "of at least -one waltz, that is to say if you do not object to dancing with anyone so ancient?" You shall take your choice," she answered, smiling. for you must remember that I am almost a stranger here. They tell he that the Crown Prince and you have been great friends during the last few vears." We have seen a great deal of one another," he admitted. I have heard it said," she continued, in a lowpr tone. that you know more about him than any other man in Bergeland." He turned and looked her steadily in the face, and she realised at once that whatever he might know or suspct, he was not likely to tell her. "That may be true," he said. "The Prince has few intimates, even in those moments of his which I suppose we should call his moments of pleasure." Their conversation drifted into other subjects and very soon the dinner came to a close. The whole party passed out into the reception rooms together, some smoking some making their way into the further saloon, where a smail band was playing. Grace sat down in a corner with her aunt, and watched the people. We must stav for only a few minutes," Madame de Sayers said. It is not expected of us, as everyone is going on to the ball, even our host and hostess." "Five minutes longer," Grace begged. "I like to watch the people,"—and in less than five minutes, he came by. having made his adieux to his hostess. He stopped and bowed low be- fore Madame de Sayers. Shall I have the pleasure of seeing you and your niece later on?" he asked. "I hope so." ■Madame de Sayers raised her eyebrows. "As for me." she said. I am old, and vou frightened me so la*t night that I would rather go home to bed. But what can one do with a frivolous niece who comes to see one so seldom?" He looked at Grace and smiled. "Mademoiselle will. I trust, keep for me two dances:" he said precisely. Sh.e looked down. v "MademoiseH.e will be very pleased," she murmured. Then he bowed once more and walked out, bidding good-nights right and left, and showing no signs of hurry yet in his heart he was think- ing that he was committed that night to per- haps the most hazardous enterprise of his life. (To be continued.)

A FRENCH TOILET CREAM. On the toilet tables of the ladies of France will be found a complexion cream made thus Disolve loz. of gum trabacanth in one pint of soft water for twenty-four hours. Then strain, and add 5oz. of alcohol, 2oz. of glycerine, ioz. of rosewater .and a few drops of bergamot. Mix all together. A CHEAP FLOOR POLISH. Odd pieces of candles make an excellent floor polish, if melted and the wicks extracted. Twice the quantity of turpentine to wax should be mixed in with a piece of wood. and when the preparation is cold it is ready for use but it must be. stirred well before using. When re- quired, use a little at a time. rub thoroughly, polish with a woollen cloth, and finish off with a clean duster. A LINEN CUPBOARD HINT. The following is a good plan for preventing the chaos too often present when the linen cup- board is arranged without method Have a book and pencil hanging from a nail on the in side of the cupboard door, and in the book enter a list of sheets and all other linen, noting the 0 11 size of each article. Then arrange all that be- longs to each room and each bed. etc., in a neat pile. Have a tape ready with a large luggage label attached to it. and on the label an inven- tory of the pile to which it belongs. Tie the tape round the pile. and if each batch of linen is" provided with a similar tape and label the latter correctly marked, it will then be quite easy to find any article required without the trouble of disturbing the serenity of the cup- board or of re-measuring. The linen book should be consulted to find the proper label, and the latter should always be turned to the front of the pile. WALNUT CAKE. To make walnut cake, mix together half a cupful of butter, and one cupful of sugar, sift. in half a teaspoonful of carbonate of soda, add half a cupful of milk, one teaspoonful of cream of tartar, and two cupfuls of Hour finally add one cup of walnuts, broken in small pieces and floured a pinch of salt, one teaspoonful of es- sence of vanilla, and the whites of five eggs I (these last of all), beaten to a stiff foam. Bake the cake, when all ingredients are thoroughly well mixed, in a tin, and ice the cake with water icing, garnished with half walnuts.