This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Paul Hansen. Thoroughly Ruxton by Philip Viral Miguelz. Chapter 25. A Duke Impending. Thoroughly was presently back in her room, but not to be dressed for tea. She was far too disturbed by what she had learned to think of anything save the necessity of seeing Alice alone at the earliest possible moment. She sat before a dressing-case, but she had waved her maids away. She was staring idly at the fineries intended for the afternoon. Faishi she knew would be at Mrs. Ashley Dwayne's.  What Alice would say or do after this she could not venture to predict. Alice had hoped for the fellow's punishment before, yet felt a certain necessity for the retention of his friendship because of invaluable social connections long coveted already firmly established through the medium he represented. But a new and shameful gravity attached to this latest development of the nobleman's nature and schemes and continued relations with him now were fraught with highly explosive possibilities. At five o'clock Alice a trifle disturbed by Thoroughly's non-appearance at the Dwayne's was driven home to find that the princes overwrought and afflicted with a slight nervous headache had gone to lie down and had readily fallen asleep. At half past five with the wintry darkness closing down on the avenue and all the house lights softly glowing. The third sensation scheduled for the day had its formal introduction. A messenger arrived and delivered a letter. It was addressed to Madame Van Kirk and Miss Thoroughly, and bore a coat of arms. The messenger waited for an answer. Alice tore the envelope apart and read as followed. Honored Madame and Honored Miss Thoroughly, may I so bold presume myself as to inform you his excellency. Carl Wilhelm Herrmann, Grand Duke of Sachs-Herzenheimer has in New York arrived, and of an audience with Miss Thoroughly is anxiously desiring praying to be informed on this messenger. If he may not at your dwelling present himself in this evening by the hour of eight o'clock and one half. Abediently your humble servant ought to wank. Good Lord said Alice and the child asleep. But Thoroughly was presently very much awake. The messenger had been ushered in to wait. Tonight, said Thoroughly, to whom the situation had been made intelligible through three repetitions and a quick perusal of the note. What in the world will happen? What shall we say? What can we do but face the music? Alice answered. We're playing a game of consequences and the penalties must be met. Personally, I like a Grand Dukes. It makes me wish that I were young and standing in your shoes. At least you'll admit, my dear, that his excellency will be a relief from some of the others about us here. I only hope he isn't old. Thoroughly was suddenly jolted back to the occurrences of the afternoon. The color crept upward toward her forehead. Oh, I've wanted and needed you so, she said. Alice, what do you think? Acton Gaylord has written demanding an announcement of his engagement to me. And Count Faishi's wife was here at four o'clock, charging me with having followed the horrid creature from Europe. Alice fairly gasped. His wife? There's her card. Thoroughly took it from the dressing stand and placed it in Alice's half-paralyzed fingers. I thought at first she might stab me or something she appeared so furiously excited. And now a Grand Duke on the scene? She tried to smile, but the situation was not altogether humorous. Oh, well, dearie, what is the use, said Alice, desperately resigning to anything and shrugging her shoulders with more than her customary eloquence? If it's coming upon us in landslides, why do anything but grin and try to remain on top as long as possible? Faishi, the brute. Gaylord, the heavyweight champion. Carl Wilheim, the love-lorn viking. If he isn't old and daughtering as Dukes have a habit of becoming. Oh, virtue, where is thy sting, my dear? We're in for it. Both of us together. Let's plunge. Thoroughly looked at her helplessly. We'd better see the Duke? See him and raise the ante, answered Alice recklessly. The Lord only knows what may happen next. It may serve our purpose tremendously to have him on this drink. But he'll know, said Thoroughly, smiling, despite her doubts and vague alarms. We have to remember that. Why not ignore it, my dear? Thoroughly made a gesture of acceptance. For that, what about Acton Gaylord and the Count? Oh, the Count. Will Grill the Count count when the proper time arrives? Leave him to me. Alice rose and paced the floor in growing indignation. He has simply got to be trust and roasted for this, she continued. I hope he'll do everything possible, everything that a nice affronted girl can do, to lead him to a deadfall and let him drop it on his ghastly nerve. As for Acton, did you say he dared to write? Thoroughly took the letter from a drawer and delivered it silently. Alice read it twice and half a minute. The fool, she said. He's trapped himself. You can do as you please with Acton after this. I don't see exactly. It seemed to me his threat is more obvious than before. But don't you discern, dear child, that this is a written proposal for your hand. That after this he simply cannot afford to retail a story of your college widowhood and all the rest. How would it look in the light of this documentary evidence of his wish to have you for a wife, and him to say she is nobody, just an ordinary pretty girl I knew in New Haven as a tutor? Don't you see? He has spiked his own guns, placed himself quite at our mercy. Thoroughly looked at her steadily while the truth of these conclusions became a little less hazy. I never thought of that, of course. You are sure he wouldn't dare begin to tell things now? Acton Galard with his vanity? Dear me, there's that messenger sitting downstairs all this time and the poor Grand Duke somewhere fraying out his boots with impatience, tramping up and down. Oh heavens, I hope he doesn't wobble. Let the note myself, and you can sign it with me if you wish. In her active way she swooped down at the exquisite desk that stood by the window and began at once to write. Thoroughly felt a recurrence of her former fever. Her heart beat quickened. You're going to tell him to come. On the run, said Alice scribbling rapidly, I wish I could set his clock ahead. She concluded her note in the briefest time and blotting it, held it up to read. This is what I've said. His excellency will be most cordially welcome at the home of Mrs. Van Kirk at the hour of 8.30 by Miss Thoroughly and Mrs. Van Kirk. And their faithful years and so forth. Of course I get in twice to your once, my dear, but only in this note. If I had the time and the literary genius I'd write it less awkwardly. Shall I put in your love for Carl? Yes, a dearly, and a garnishment of parsley. I'm glad somebody's enjoying all the fun I'm going to have. The child said Alice impulsively affectionate at once. Would you have hesitated to play your role had you known of all the things that were coming? Oh, this may be only the introduction, answered Thoroughly in her girlish prophetic manner. But no matter what may come, so long as I continue to please you, keep a little of your present feeling of interest and friendship. I shall never regret it for a moment. It's a feeling of love, said Alice, and she kissed the girl impulsively. End of chapter 25. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Paul Hansen. Thoroughly Ruxton by Philip Viral Miguels. Chapter 26. A Royal Souter. It was half-past eight. Wait till I get my breath, said Thoroughly, pausing with Alice on the stairs. My heart is nearly breaking through. So is mine, replied the fairy godmother, for fear the duke may totter with age, an old one might not understand a joke. I have given him absent treatment for an hour to make him young. Her treatment may or may not have been responsible, but the duke was young. Oh, thank heaven, she said to herself when they entered the room with its brilliant lights and the richness of its furnishings and beheld their royal visitor, uniform, decorated, resplendent, standing with easy military grace to bow them into his presence. He was barely more than a boy, a tall, slender youngling of a long succession of Kaiser's, fine-feathered, proud, as rosy as a girl and adorned with a dark and downy mustachalette, singularly becoming in the emphasis it lent to his lip. Instructed as to what she ought to do at once, Thoroughly approached their noble visitor in her gracious half-shy manner, impelled by the dictates of her impulse she held out her hand. The duke had immediately raised his eyes to regard her as she came, a light of amazement, a shadowy puzzlement, and a blaze of sheer, uncontrollable admiration flashed in quick succession from the penetrative gaze he bent upon her, and Alice beheld it all. Neither she, nor Thoroughly, had more than discerned and thought awank purple with excitement, and solicitude was present a little apart. In the utmost candor, Thoroughly placed her hand in that of the duke, and met the concentrated scrutiny of his eyes. I am Miss Thoroughly, she said in German, that flowed from her lips as water in a rill. May I assure you of your welcome and express my pleasure at our meeting? You have given me more, more than you may possibly derive from this happy occasion. He told her in a boyish murmur, charged with grace and self-control, and lifting her hand to his lips he kissed it softly, then gazed as before in the liquid depths of her glance. May I present my fairy godmother, said Thoroughly, turning to Alice, Mrs. Van Kirk, the duke advanced to exchange a formal salutation with his hostess, and to murmur some conventional ritual of pleasure. Alice, Thoroughly equal to the moment, abeamed her brightest maiden, engaging American reply of welcome, and tactfully abandoned the pair at once to recede where Wank was still, engorged with official worry to set him more at ease. Thoroughly had wished for assistance, support in her trying situation. The duke on the contrary seemed enormously relieved to behold Alice fading to the background. It is a great surprise to find you here, he said, which might have meant almost anything, as Thoroughly was amply aware. He added, it is also a very great pleasure. I could not have believed this meeting would so restore my happiness. May I not beg you to be seated, said Thoroughly. She was more and more puzzled by his attitude, and was swiftly wondering if such a thing could be possible as self-delusion on the part of such a fiancée, and if may have he had been engaged without previously meeting Princess Thervinia. She continued nervously, ah, you arrived in New York this week? Today, said the duke, accepting a chair and gazing with ill-concealed rapture on Thoroughly's face. I confess my impatience to see. I am incredibly grateful for this early opportunity of discovering. Will you accept my declaration of very great joy at this meeting? Thoroughly reddened with exquisite fire. It is likewise a pleasure to me, she told him candidly, still unable to determine precisely the state of his mind and knowledge. It is a greater pleasure than I had. We were a little prepared for your coming by Herr Wink. He leaned toward her. You had not anticipated the little pleasure in my arrival then?  Isn't it sufficient that I betray my pleasure now? You knew I had come a very great distance that my action thus perhaps vis-out precedent in my anguished state for, for as a beautiful, for as a mate my heart would select? Thoroughly knotted, crimsoning anew at the ardor and frankness of his gaze. I knew you were coming. A new Herzegoth is, well, quite a long way off. I knew that, of course. May I ask you other questions, personal questions? I certainly, if you do not require that I shall answer unless I please, he smiled. Do I seem like that? It is not so much that I wish to ask, so much to you perhaps.  She was greatly confused. Why, we, I, we have desired everyone to call me Miss Thurley. Miss Thurley, do you mind? Could I not alone call you Princess? Brightness and ardor were dancing in his glance. She was more than ever plunged in doubt as to what and how much or how little he had guessed or what could be the meaning of his words. You alone, she echoed. I alone, Princess. You have not called me Carl. The tide of her color swept upward in her throat and cheeks till the young Duke felt his soul madly beating its wings. Thurley thought if he knew her for other than the Princess he was quite disloyal to the absent lady and bold in his wooing of another. Why, but how could, I mean, why should, if you called me so, he was still leaning toward her eagerly. He interrupted her halting, stumbling utterance. His query was astonishingly frank. Have you engaged yourself to marry someone here? Why, no, I, your excellency, doesn't. You feel nuts and, instead, you will think of Herzegosa as it was Alice who came to the rescue. With increasing alarm and wonder she had noted the trend of the young Duke's bearing and had barely restrained an earlier impulse to terminate the interview. Oh, your excellency, she said, as she came in all innocence across the room. How very interesting your trip across the water must have been. Here, Wank informs me you saw three whales in several schools of purposes. Or did he see them himself? Yes, yes, pardon, ventured the fiery-faced Wank desperately from his stand where Alice had left him. It was I. I saw nothing, said the Duke. I was too unhappy. But tonight some of us are very poor sailors Alice interrupted graciously. I shouldn't be able to see anything but a continent and I'm not at all certain of that. You know in strict duty, your excellency, I am constrained to ask you our stereotyped question. How do you like New York? We always ask that of persons who have been here five minutes. The Duke received her query with gravity. At noon I detested all of America. Tonight your city has my love. Bravo, said Alice. We shall hope to keep you long. The Duke was quick for one so young. It would be a great pleasure to receive your impressions of Herzegorze. Yours and those of Miss Thirley, Alice smiled. You returned very soon. The Duke glanced at Thirley as honestly as a boy. So much depends upon a circumstance over which I have not entire control. May I beg in the mean times an honor presenting myself not infrequently here? A certain naivete and directness of the Duke's request appealed to Alice instantly. She too was puzzled, not entirely certain of his knowledge or ignorance of the facts concerning Thirley whom she had heard him address as Princess. She did comprehend that love at first sight or something closely allied there too had conquered his heart. If he had, as she had expected, he would immediately discern that Thirley was not his fiance. She foresaw also if this was the case a safeguard for her little ruse, if not a confirmation of the claim New York had made concerning her protégé and that complications loomed ahead in a none too quieting manner. Alice was essentially dogged and persistent. The element whereby defeat is so often accepted had been forgotten in her composition. She had courage, the equal of Thirley's, plus a certain deliberate calmness that Thirley might never acquire. She glanced assertingly as far ahead as uncertain lights permitted now, in the second that elapsed before she answered. It gives me great happiness to know you wish to honor us by returning to us here, she told the ungduke gravely. I am sure it will be Miss Thirley's wish, as well as my own, to extend the utmost of our hospitality and confess the pleasure we shall derive from every such attention as this tonight. Thirley could have gasped, but she suppressed the lightest sound. It seemed to her that Alice was indeed plunging into difficulties by adopting this generous course. However the knowledge of the duke concerning herself and her royal character, she was quite aware he was early manifesting symptoms that threatened one more reckless suitor on the scene. Yet she found herself obliged to admit that no other course seemed open so long as Alice adhered to the game upon which they had entered. They were practically obliged to see his excellency as often as he might choose to appear or cut him off at once. The duke himself contributed a trifle more to the strength of Alice's position or perhaps to Thirley's predicament. He turned to the girl deliberately. And may I believe that you also, Princess Miss Thirley, share in this sentiment of welcome? Why, certainly, she faltered, I shall hope to see you as often as Alice, as often as you care, as often as it gives you pleasure to please us by coming. It was not at all what she had wished to say, except in its general effect. She knew it was just about what Alice had expected and saw that it lighted new beacons of fire in the eyes of the youthful duke. Alice, for her part, aware that their royal visitor was about to depart, innocently drifted at once to the lonely wank whose official solicitude had apparently been soothed. Carl Wilhelm was encouragingly prompt to take advantage of her thoughtfulness. He held out his hand and tingled mightily at the contact of Thirley's rosy fingers. Tonight it is a free descent, he murmured. Then I come again, Princess, you will welcome me with Carl? Perhaps we'd better wait, said Thirley judiciously, and let the welcome come as it may. If it answers my heart I shall be content, he told her in a manner that Alice could not have heard. Then he kissed her hand, as he had before, and was presently gone on his way. End of chapter 26 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Paul Hansen. Thirley Ruxton by Philip Viral-Migels. Chapter 27 What Walls May Separate On Thursday morning, in the sunshine that broke through the mist and clouds of New York Harbor, fully two hours before noon, all the waterfront of Gotham was astonished and mystified by the sudden appearance of a sea-going yacht of extraordinary swiftness that set all the shipping-tongues to wagging. Almost simultaneously with the dropping of her anchor by the trim white visitor from somewhere out beyond, the rumor was started on its way to the press that Emperor Wilhelm's private yacht with some great German personage aboard, perhaps even the Kaiser himself in cog, had quietly slipped up a breast to the New York Yacht Club Moorage. After cleaving the great Atlantic in almost record time, and was said to have come on an errand of state involving matters of most profound importance. Rumors are amazing once they start, how they travel, why they alter as they go. These are queries for the probers of things psychological. Before anything authentic could possibly be known of the slender bit of steel and power from overseas, the tales that had spread of her coming her purpose contained a germ of truth. The vessel was owned in Germany and had frequently carried the Kaiser. The personage aboard her this morning had come in haste on matters of gravest moment to his state. And in pursuing the shadow of the mighty liner that had brought Carl Wilhelm Duke of Sachs Hertzenheimer to American shores had closely approached the record. The man aboard, however, was not from Wilhelm's Imperial Court. He came from Herzegothe, seeking the youthful Duke and the still more youthful Princess, both truant from their fatherland, and graying the hair of the elders left behind. He was a small, iron-visaged being, an ambassador extraordinary and plentipotentiary that traveller none other than Baron von Hochhaus of the Kingdom of Herzegothe, captain of the Cousier Regiment, von Siedlitz' Aquary to H.R.H. Grand Duke of Hess Stuttgart, et cetera, et cetera, grown wrinkled and white of head in the service of his country. He attracted little or no attention when he landed, the curious having prepared themselves to single out some giant of mere physical proportions to fulfill the expectations centered upon the important being of the rumour. With the courier to aid and further his movements, the servitor in question being a German familiar with Manhattan, he was presently driven in a taxi cab to one of the smaller high-class hotels between 23rd and 42nd streets, where he was sufficiently fortunate to surprise and detain Otto Wank, once more a thoroughly worried individual who had lost the youthful Duke. Threatened with apoplectic astonishment, thus to encounter so great a person, Wank was barely able to believe his eyes when the Baron came upon him. He had never been so excited or congested with news and alarm in all his life. He is gone. Heaven must have sent you, he exclaimed, the moment he could gain sufficient breath to credit his senses. I am besides myself this despair. The Baron eyed him for a moment narrowly. Sit down then, he commanded quietly. Permit your despair and your pulse to subside. By he, I presume you refer to as the Duke. He can scarcely have been here more than a day. He cannot have gone very far. You doubtless mean he has quitted your country. I shall not there from judge him so far insane, which has been a great temptation. You will kindly compose yourself sufficiently to relate to me briefly and promptly. All that has happened since you were cabled to move in the matter of Princess Servinia. Wank sat down as directed. He is not unhappy or exonancy, he declared once. He altered as soon as he had seen her. Is this the cart or the horse you bring me first? Inquired the Baron incisively. A detailed and chronological statement of your actions, the results and all developments, if you please, and this out too much expenditure of time. With excitement not to be repressed and with repetitions numerous and somewhat irritating to the Baron, Wank proceeded to state every minute occurrence with which he had been in any manner concerned in the matter of Princess Servinia, dwelling in great particularity on the visits to thoroughly in Alice van Kurt, both with and without the Grand Duke. Last night he concluded his excellency was amazingly light of heart and joyous this song. He had little to say but much to sing. He gave me no intimation he should vanish from my botchful vision, but this morning he is gone from his quarters and I fear has with a purpose to go his own vase somewhere ensconced himself. This perhaps an altered name. The ambassador plenipotentiary was somewhat grimly mollified. The affair to him looked far more promising than he and his peers of Herzegotha had supposed those would be possible. Since the Duke and the Princess had met and exchanged such manifestations of friendship even her declaration of intent to remain away from home was a matter of minor importance. He began at once a circumstantial examination of the agent to whom he had untrusted the conduct of affairs up to the moment when on the Duke's disappearance on a vessel bound for America he himself had been impressed to save the grave a situation in all the annals of the court. Meanwhile by one of those strange juggleries of chance straight through on the opposite side of that same block of buildings in an old-fashioned residence long since abandoned to the transient needs of a restless and dubious fragment of New York's population another conference concerning Princess Thervinia was in progress. Three persons one of whom had just arrived occupied the large dingy room where an ancient fireplace and a frescoed ceiling attested to the building's past grandeur. Two of the trio were men the other was that same icy eyed woman who had stared at thoroughly at the horse show. Her companions called her Madame Zagorsky. She was Russian, a nihilist, socialist and selfist of a type born for intrigue and adventure. One of them was German the other Slav named Pellevin the German answered to the name of Max it was he who had followed Alison thoroughly from the garden and had spied upon the Princess almost constantly since. He had just returned from Lakewood where Edith Steck had gone his place at the Avenue mansion having meantime been filled by a man for whom the three were at present waiting. Madame Zagorsky was obviously master mine and master energy of all the combination there were several other agents in the group all diligently engaged with various details of the business in hand. If you have your bread the woman said to Max well you can condescend to inform us what you have done. The icy stare of her venomous eyes had frequently made the German uneasy and his gaze dropped shiftily now as he patted for relief to his lungs. He had walked from the ferry and climbed three flights of stairs. Fun moment I will tell you he patted I I have done well. So say you said the woman then has this misdebt or written at last and have you fetched her letter that I may read it here? Max nodded. I have the letter and he took it from his pocket to have it promptly snatched from his hand. An easy hand to forge commented Madame Sigorsky eyeing the direction of the envelope before she tore the letter open to give it a hurried perusal. Ah she improves in health already does she? So the note was addressed to dear lady bountiful and signed you're happy Edith only. It is well we intercept this letter continued Madame Sigorsky. Well thank you Pellevin. Have you a better plan and a letter like this to Miss Thurley and forming her this Edith is robbed and very ill once more and has returned and must ask that her benefactors come without delay. Pellevin cleared his throat. Any plan so that she comes if she has once responded to this woman's appeal she will doubtless respond again. This method is wise and safe entered Max who had as he said done well let us take all possible precautions for the business is already sufficiently risky. It is sufficiently slow this inactivity this mere shadowing exclaimed the woman impatiently. Dare any one suggest another delay in moving not that we have this letter for a model. Jan is not here said Max tentatively. He is long gone and must have something important to report. Madame Sigorsky snorted like a horse more likely something important to drink one night yet I shall strangle Jan with my hands that have so often each for the pleasure. And yet said Pellevin he is indispensable with his knowledge of her Tsegotha and the court and therefore yet he lives added the madam. She rose and paced the floor restlessly the others mean time silence while they waited there was nothing further to discuss as to formulated plans so often had every detail then rehearsed was a merely a matter now of choosing the hour for action. For perhaps ten minutes the woman swung back and forth like a female leopard before her iron bars while Max stared straight down at the floor and Pellevin made fantastic drawings on a blotting pad. At a distant sound the madam suddenly halted and stood intently listening. At last she said and a moment later climbing two steps at a stride a pale well-dressed hollander appeared where the door was held open for his entrance it was Jan. I am sober he panted to the woman's superior triumphantly I have a great piece of fortune news the Grand Duke is here he has already seen the princess I have left him for hardly a minute sense and have observed him this morning when he departed from Wankin made for himself notice even madam Zagorski was mute for a moment with astonishment and joy she could scarcely believe she had heard the man right she closed the door and stood regarding him with her penetrative stare as if his panting was some strange phenomenon you are sure of what you say she asked at last the Grand Duke is here in New York here who shows so well know him as myself said Jan I'm sober I've had nothing to eat no no drinks and seven o'clock last night he is here the smile of fortune is our cause at last said the woman with fanatical zeal as she made wild gestures with her hands we shall now get them both both it is worth all the waiting everything perhaps we must wait a little longer now but to get them both haha a lifetime would be a little wait she turned to Jan almost savagely you left someone who to watch the princess no one Jan confessed like a whipped cur it was more important to follow the Duke you will say so yourself not until half an hour ago could I get Lorraine and set her to shadow Carl Wilhelm will I come I've done my best where is he then the Duke Jan produced a dirty bit of paper and gave it into her hand on it was written the name and street address of a hostelry to which the Duke had gone together with the number of his room and the name under which he had registered Max commanded madam Zagorsky go at once to to the post on Thief Avenue it is early you may yet be in time to begin with the program of the idle reach but the plans the newer plans now that's a Duke is present said Max shall these not require us all they require none but myself replied the woman you shall smell of their brewing and season Max went his way and preparations for the brew began at the dingy old quarters through the block from Wank and Baron Von Hatch house end of chapter 27 this is a Libra box recording all Libra box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libra box dot org recording by Paul Hansen thoroughly ruckston by Philip Viral Miguel's chapter 28 the car of fates New York has a record for sunny December afternoons but none to excel the beauty of that particular one deserving to be long remembered by many abroad in the park Stiverin's car arrived in front of Alice van kerks a little after two Stiverin sitting at his chauffeur's side while the man tooled the big shining car to a standstill at the curb meet me here to take it home about 430 Robly instructed let the motor run the man alighted after his master saluted looked the purring mechanism over with a critical eye and walked away Stiverin ran up the steps of the mansion but did not enter as thoroughly met him at the door she was furred from boots to crown in the richest Russian sable the garment a masterpiece of tailoring for grace and ease of movement it seemed to Stiverin he had never seen her wondrous brown eyes so softly beautiful her brows so delicately arched her colors so brilliant and changeful the smile on her curving lips was exquisitely lovely she seemed the very embodiment of dainty miss and strength together a supple young goddess chosen by beauty and magnetic energy to be their royal expression you're really going to let me drive you meant it she asked him delightedly I was so afraid you'd alter your mind after all where you're concerned I haven't one to alter he assured her smilingly conveying a truth and a jest haven't you noticed that before how could I notice the functions of your mind if it doesn't exist she replied to him archly and if what you say is true it wouldn't be polite to observe it anyway he too smiled polite or not I trust you'll notice my happiness this afternoon and make up your mind it ought to be cultivated regularly they had come to the car and she was stepping to take the driver seat is your happiness such an event or merely some sort of frail exotic oh it could stand its knocks he responded cheerfully in fact it does constantly but it thrives in sunshine naturally she speeded up the motor and adjusted the speed controlling lever in which of course it is quite distinct from any other person's happiness she answered with another of her smiles it's the only one of its kind it's the only one I have he said as she slipped in the clutch and the car began to move and you control the sun would it be horrid to be the ice trust she asked him in mock gravity think of the blighted little bits of happiness then where shall we go oh let's follow the wand of pleasure oh I very much prefer to follow the roads wherever you wander then they lead you back again then choose the longest the one that comes back by the devious windings of the proverbial shortest way home I don't believe I shall notice where we go I'm sure I shan't care so long as the golden sunshine continues they were rolling down the avenue with others of their kind you must be home the minute the sun goes down on the contrary I'd go on like this forever oh you tire of motoring finally if motors became immortal you'd ache for wings or a little golden airplane with the harp strapped on the on behind suppose he said you were the final arbiter the goddess in control and you knew I was aching for anything would you really wish to be kind what what would you do for that ache um advise a mustard plaster said thoroughly persistently unwilling to be anything but lightly responsive to his queries and his hints oh and a hot water bag if you felt a chill in your feet oh lord he groaned this isn't an auto it's a hospital don't you know that doctors aren't human beings neither is a final arbiter she answered it sounds more like a brindle terrier I shouldn't care to be one please down the length of the avenue as far as the plaza entrance to the park where the gilded statue of Sherman his horse and the goddess of victory were glinting in the sun she drove pursued behind by one of the big green motor buses that buzzed like giant insect they were preceded also by carriages and cars and rapidly increasing numbers a little of the park to begin with anyway she said and then perhaps out in the country you'll have to direct me as to the rose as soon as we leave the crowd the New York crowd is hard to leave he told her sagely they invade all the country and all abroad have their eyes on Mars but I should say around the park then over by Riverside Drive and the the world is practically spread before us for exploration out beyond thoroughly swung into the brilliant procession that flowed like a stream through the highways of New York superb oasis and a hundred necks were craned as car and carriage occupants turned to stare at the girl like a figure of beauty at the wheel it isn't much like our first little trip together Stiver and continued presently I don't suppose we'll ever be able to duplicate the excitement and and all all the rest of that would you like to try it with your second wrist she inquired don't you think you're sufficiently interesting as you are I shall soon have this one out of the hospital he answered when I hope for the pleasure of doing my share of the work such energizing elixir was in the air as made the speed and distance restrictions of the park a species of aggravation eagerly thoroughly gazed out ahead her faculties largely centered on the guidance of the car she had neither time or self-consciousness to be aware of the scores of curious and admiring beings who passed them and forgot all else and watching her animated beauty here and there a carriage or an auto glided by with acquaintances recently encountered some thoroughly saw and acknowledged with a smile others were wholly unobserved in her preoccupation with driving faishy was one of those who passed staring and grimacing actively only to be lost moment later without having drawn so much as a glance he was storming inwardly with rage at Stiver and impotent emotion that heightened his own desire thoroughly began her deviation from Rob Lee's program as soon as the change was practicable she guided the car from the western exit of the park at the north northern end in sight of the giant bones and skeleton of the great cathedral of St. John the Divine drove straight up past the mighty structure then over to the river and the drive presently passing the tomb of Grant and continuing on to the huge steel viaduct that spans a great Harlem ravine what shall we achieve if we keep this direction long enough she finally asked of her companion is this a road to Boston Yonkers and Stiver and Albany finally if we keep on straight and Buffalo afterward or anything you like sleepy hollow is out in this direction after Yonkers you couldn't promise me a sight of dear old Rip Van Winkle out in the emersonian glades I can show you pose cottage in the Bronx he answered smilingly there's the picture of the crow on the gable the raven she declared no it's a crow he persisted the sort one doesn't hanker after at that shall I show you the road and let you see oh let's just ride she said and some way it gladdened his heart just the friendly comrade way she said it smiling in his eyes they rode toward Yonkers out along the last encroachments of the monster city with its blocks of houses trapping down the grass and the trees and even the rocks of the once green Manhattan Island beneath the far part of the subway railroad structure here built like the old older fashioned elevated road and finally over the bridge that spans the Harlem River isolating New York from the mainland of the long and slender peninsula and so ran on through van courtland park where golfers were straying on the green they turned to the right at Stiver and direction after coming to hill built Yonkers town and rove through open stretches of country where with the grass still green and trees all stark there was merely a ghostly suggestion of the recent autumnal beauty far over to the east where they encountered the old time Boston road where the post chase once made its lumbering way from the Dutch of New Amsterdam to the pilgrims of New England out here on the borders of Pelham Bay there were cars and unexpected numbers endlessly humming up and down the splendid thoroughfares and idle pursuit of pleasure the sun was inclining westward when at length they turned ahead for the town and home down through the long straight stretch of Jerome Avenue they came upon cars in all manner of haste and color some of them crowded others occupied by a single being only and the vast majority like themselves bound homeward to escape the chill already suggested in the air thoroughly had pushed her throttle up a notch and advanced the spark sufficiently to accelerate their speed to a pace only just within the limit of the law then she and Stiver and were startled by a strange piercing cry of warning from the rear just as their car shot in upon a mile or more of narrowed road where excavations and upthrown earth occupied half of the highways ordinary with Stiver and turned and thoroughly saw the blanching of his face even before she could take part of a second necessary to cast one look behind a rare and horrifying thing had happened a car built for racing with three helpless children sitting in the rear was plunging down the crowded road with all the madness of a runaway locomotive its drivers suddenly stricken with death at the wheel one of his hands still lingered on the throttle and spark which a jolt as he died had thrown forward the other hand had fallen at his side he sat in apoplectic rigidity his glassy eyes staring unseemly before him his attitude that of some grim nemesis severe as stone pursuing his living fellow beings as if for company on the long dark avenue into the great unknown he was going like the wind nearly a dozen cars had shot veered and skitted from his path before the warning cry had come so far as Thurley's ears the children that rode with the grim chauffeur were screaming and agonized horror women's shrill trebles pierced the air above the horses shouting of men by a series of things mysterious and not to be expected the death driven car did not swerve madly from the beaten track and crash into the trees at the side of the road or into the equally fatal and thickly planted iron trolley posts lying down through the center of the highway it came on rocking and swaying drunk like a thing of life diabolically intent upon destruction the horror of the spectators who felt rather than saw that the driver was a corpse had been centered on fear for the children thrown about in the tonal in sickening violence a few had feared for themselves before they could dart from the monster's path and feel it rock it by now of a sudden the alarm increased not only were the children in danger of instant death through collision with any of the numerous obstacles along the path but everyone chasing in wild pursuit became aware of the car ahead the car with thoroughly and stivered hedged in the narrower earth banked road none able to dodge to the side we're in for it now said robly quietly you'll have to race to escape it thoroughly glanced behind again and then at the road ahead we can't pick up the speed she said calmly enough making every possible move to give her more power and some trolley cars are blocking ahead and a danger flag or something in the way good god those children muttered stivered it's they or us or maybe both in spite of all we can do he expected that he and thoroughly would be saved not by their possible speed ahead but rather a frightful plunge the comment behind them must presently make with no sentient control of the wheel but still by that singular perversity of inanimate things the runaway mechanism clung to the road as if some unseen ghostly hand was laid to guide it to the deadly course and reap a greater harvest gaining stivered cried in helpless horror while thoroughly bending every energy to urge the car faster and faster abruptly saw a massive rock and earth debris piled up from a broken water main across her only course they shot past the first of the trolley cars stalled on the tracks and were in a cul-de-sac passengers conductor and motormen shrieked as they saw the impending doom where the dead man's chariot held clutchingly almost malignantly to the road and crept upon the rear of Robly's car Stivered was kneeling in his seat helplessly transfixed by the awful stare of the dead man's face now a few rods only away he had never seen anything more frightful more repellent in his life a fearful intensity had set its mark on the mask of death till the face bore a look of endless hate which chilled the blood in Robly's veins thoroughly stood up or half stood up by the wheel I'm going to let it strike she cried it's the only way she meant the racer was bound to overtake them despite her utmost efforts disaster blocked the road ahead the machine behind them had gone a muck and death was at the helm she dared not slack to receive the blow her only hope was to see and so accept the impact with a smaller jar as such momentum would allow she was glancing alternately out ahead to steer and behind to receive the plunging comet of steel and force so madly hurtling upon them her face is grey as stone inch by inch the fire belching engine of doom was creeping up in their dust it struck a bump of something in the road lurching horribly over struck another that instantly righted in forward wheels and leaped onward as if angered by delay forward backward Thurley's glance was flung and then with a sudden twisting of the wheel she swerved aside for the breadth of a hand and the monster behind rammed viciously up against her car its headlamp shattered with a crash of glass and metal it's two front wheels as it were closely sandwiched with the rear ones of Stiverance machine well it's radiator crumpled on the springs and to now of the flying obstacle encountered there was one huge jolt which sat Thurley down but her hands were still glued to the wheel she kicked off her clutch and lightly applied her break her own motor disconnected from the driving gear raced in the wildest uproar she held to the road thrusting harder on the brake till presently driven only by the madly ramming machine behind she was halting the interlocked cars the weight of her own big tour was slowing the racer at the rear to impotent snarling and inertia when Stiverance clamored heatlessly over the tonal but leaped to the car where the dead man sat and stilled the laboring motor ahead they had barely another hundred yards of road sufficiently open for the race Thurley sank limberly into her seat as weak and white as a towel yet she faintly smiled as Stiverance cast her a look from his place where the children were safe she had performed receiving and cushioning a collision which something akin to a miracle had cheated of its prey End of Chapter 28 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Paul Hanson Thurley Ruxton by Philip Viral Miguelz Chapter 29 Baron Hutchhuss How long they had been delayed by the avoided collision the ensuing excitement and the forcing apart of the cars Thurley could never have told It seemed to her another afternoon a long way removed from the earlier hours when at length she and Robly were once more gliding down the road with the lowered sun redly blazing upon them she was driving automatically reactionary steadiness having succeeded her nerve collapse she was still a trifle pale but had pulled herself together with amazing promptness after the ordeal was over and had stoutly refused the services of a dozen chauffeurs that Stiverndt was ready to engage they had not resumed their former gaiety of conversation indeed they had scarcely spoken at all for the 15 minutes he lapsed since once more getting under way they came to the great iron drawbridge over another winding of the Harlem river where railroad structures shipping confusion and a mighty exemplification of the city's activities abruptly blotted out all but memory of the quiet glades behind we seem fated for excitement said Stiverndt at last especially with this car I wonder what the third will be and when Thurley glanced at him with one of her fainter smiles you believe in threes? you're superstitious? oh I don't know I'm sure everyone has a few superstitions I presume there does seem to be a sort of fatality and trios we may not get our third experience of course but then well why ride in this old car anymore Thurley interrupted half an earnest grave I shall if it's fated you will you can't escape it he assured her laughingly yet a little serious nevertheless we are mere helpless puppets of our destiny and it works both ways if we can't escape our cataracts of disaster neither can we sidestep our zeffers of joy Thurley looked grave I think mere cataracts of joy and zeffers of disaster may they come that way he said devoutly I would order them so if I could oh it looked like a whirlwind of death a while ago she said after a moment of silence please if you must have a third of our experiences begin to tame it down right away there was no particular pleasure in the threading the uptown streets of Gotham as Thurley presently discovered by Stiverns direction she wound across and down strange thoroughfares with all her ordinary skill however till at length they rolled through Lenox Avenue and so once more to Central Park for the final charm of their journey the last of the orange sunshine was casting a ruddy glow of gray and splendor on the trees and lawns of the still populous roadways as they joined the homeward roving procession of motors and open carriages Thurley and Tentas before on the guidance of the control of the car where a moment's reckless driving might precipitate some huge disaster had barely taken time to enjoy a glance at the sun's soft glory cheering ruby background for the trees she did not note the rapid approach of a carriage wherein two men were riding and inspecting all the crowds Stiverns beheld the conveyance or rather felt his glance attracted to one of the men on its cushions the man was stiff in his poise and leaning angrily forward in his seat as he stared with concentrated intensity at the girl driving the car it was Baron von Hochhaus ambassador extraordinary from Herzegotha and Wank at his side in a vain rapid search for the missing grand duke they had finally adopted this expedience trusting that they might per chance discover him riding in the park but little man more iron visage than before with this vision of Thurley to set the lines of his countenance on nothing of Stiverndt or at most had given him a glance but Robbly returned his intensified stare instantly puzzled to know where it was he had seen this face before the exchange of scrutiny lasted but a moment when the auto and the carriage shuffled into moving pack of life and parted by the ceaseless maneuvers of the traffic and the fates continued in its own way the Baron turned galvanically as one on a pivot in his seat and Stiverndt craned his neck to the limit and the incident was closed did you see him see that man said Robbly wheeling at once to the girl he stared at you as if he had seen a spirit what man said Thurley I didn't notice anyone at all who in the juice before but where continued Stiverndt he's someone in particular I wish I could think I know him well but where or how New York has a large staring population Thurley ventured perhaps he's just the star star or star gazer if you prefer of the town Stiverndt smiled but his thoughts were far afield it always worries me to forget a thing I ought to remember it seems to me he did me a favor sometime couldn't have been at Newport or here in New York huh doesn't a thing like that get on a fellow's mind and stick like a ghost Thurley saw no necessity of taking the matter so seriously are ghosts really known are they sticky ah I remember of course he suddenly turned to the girl a new sort of gravity depicted on his face if you had only seen him he added no wonder he stared I mean he was barren Von Hochhaus of Herzegovina one of the biggest men in the kingdom for a moment Thurley met his gaze blankly till of a sudden the full sense of this intelligence in the light of what Robby believed of herself burst in upon her swiftly moving thoughts she colored instantly visions of the Grand Duke Carl and a hundred kindred incidents and lucubrations crowding thickly upon her the barren she started Stiverndt noting her confusion was instantly contrived I beg your pardon I hardly stop to think the abruptness of the meeting my memory I I hope I have not distressed you unintentionally oh it's not worth mentioning Thurley murmured still somewhat non-plus nevertheless and wondering what if anything the visit of another dignitary from Herzegovina might imply and how much his presence in Gotham might affect herself and Alice you met him on the continent you've been to Herzegovina now at Berlin I've never been to your to his country but hope well he did me a very great service two years ago and was good enough to say I had done him a greater we became very friendly I liked him through and through Thurley was silent for a moment when she spoke her companion she was aware that the subject was dismissed I believe I shall not drive all the way down through the park she said I begin to feel a little reoccurrence of something from what we went through Stiverndt having hoped all afternoon from one of the little familiar exchanges of a word or a glance between herself and him something that would heart back to their initial meeting some of the few sweet occasions since was loath to realize that their day was at an end with nothing said between them to arouse his oscillating hopes it's pity the sun must sink a day like this he said I wish it might reverse its motion and begin things all over again oh no she expostulated warmly it has been far too strenuous for me I'd rather start a new one please and leave a few things out but not our ride and sense of comradeship she looked at him quietly softly despite her sense of judgment it has been like that hasn't it I mean shall I drive you home again it was just a flash of that wondrous afternoon when joy had eased his pain his heart bounded lightly at her look and smile and the shadowy presence of her softer mood before it was merged into something else elusive and evanescent oh no my man will drive me home he said would you wish to have him take you away again and leave you somewhere in the park he answered and speeding up the car she drove it down the avenue to which they had emerged and was presently halting by the curb before the van kerke abode he assisted her out and thrilled at the clasp of her little hand for a moment entrusted to his own for a second he held her gaze shall I see you again miss thoroughly soon she arched her brows away I hardly expect to vanish or become invisible goodbye until we meet again I've enjoyed it nearly all she ran up the steps and waved him adieu and her smile made his heart rejoice then presently he was gone with his waiting chauffeur and thoroughly encountering Alice on the stairs paused half way up so far did that day bore startling things for you to hear she said who do you think we just passed in the park I know said Alice instantly mimicking soldierly rigidity baron von hauchhaus all sorts of things from Herzegoth am I right good gracious said thoroughly once more a trifle pale from overtaxations of the hour but how I've been here this afternoon he is coming again at eight o'clock and is asked to see you alone thoroughly sat down on the stairs aren't they getting thick she said faintly smiling up at Alice but what's the use of worrying Mr. Stivernt and I were nearly killed by a runaway automobile was Alice's turn to feel a wilting of the heart she too sat down on the stairs thoroughly you're pale child tell me all about it well it didn't last long thank the stars imparted thoroughly and reducing the story to the minimum of facts and horrors she related what had occurred it happened to end all right she continued presently but it made me a little weak the other car was damaged pretty badly but we were barely scratched of course there were plenty of people to take the children home and the awful dead thing away made you a little weak repeated Alice good heavens probably couldn't have driven you home who did there was no good reason for hiring a man said thoroughly simply listen all right again you drove the car after that why of course Alice swallowed hard at her emotions I think you are safe enough to meet the Baron alone but she put out her arms slid down a step and strained thoroughly tightly against your bosom you frightened me dear she added maternally well I'd rather you wouldn't ride with Robby again there's a hoodoo on his car thoroughly laughed and cheerfully from over strain of strength and nerves Robby said something like that himself but I almost love that car he said we'd have to look out for the third time and its charm dear girl Alice added in her tender mood I have launched you in violent waters apparently mostly Florida waters thoroughly laughed I'm the luckiest girl in the world after all Alice Kister rose assisted thoroughly to her feet and with one arm snugly about the slender waist went with her up the stairs end of chapter 29 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Paul Hansen Thurley Ruckston by Philip V. Miguel chapter 30 a plenipotentiary begs for the third time thoroughly faced a species of dread behind the reception room door the Baron was there alone he's as little as a Christmas tree candle Alice assured her smoothing the girl's wondrous golden hair by way of allaying her nervous apprehensions you needn't be afraid of handling him just as you wish you could blow him out with a whiff if you could only help me a little thoroughly said her smile rather faint enforced you would know in a moment whether I'd better tell him or not that I'm sorry I just look so like the princess Alice patted her affectionately on the cheek if a girl who did what you did today cannot trust to guidance of her instincts and judgments she ought to be come to her fate that's all you'll know what to say and do and whatever you decide be sure my dear all accept it and be content now go along all finish reading of your heroic contact in the evening star oh it isn't half true not half of all of that stuff said thoroughly reddening guiltily at the thought of the lurid account already in the new york press turning the collision on the road I don't see where they ever get so much go along said Alice and remember this little closed pin of a Baron is not a 60 horsepower automobile one of the servants opened the door to the room where the Baron was in waiting thoroughly entered in girlish trepidation instantly convinced that the Baron was 8 feet tall and 150 horsepower at least the man was little only in his stature his genuine size could not have been concealed or calculated he was standing in the center of the room when thoroughly entered his hands behind his back he had halted from pacing up and down at the slight sound at the door he came half the distance forward regarding thoroughly piercingly as she half dazed and wholly fascinated by his personality filling all the room gazed fixably upon him while advancing miss Sirly I believe he said in German the iron of his face relaxing in a mobile way as he discerned and comprehended her timidity of spirit may I hope I am welcome in your home very welcome thoroughly said impulsively transformed at once to her frank and easy self by something cordial in his manner and she held forth her hand in token of sincerity with an older more finished grace than that of the Duke he took it and raised it to his lips I honor myself in the privilege of coming he assured her looking her once more squarely in the eye you were a little prepared for my visit I have been prepared for almost anything recently thoroughly blurted honestly I mean of course Mrs. van Kirk informed me when I returned this afternoon so will you not be more comfortable seated thoroughly inclined her head and you will also be comfortable he drew up a chair as she sank on a slender bit of Chippendale and then sat only on its edge with a certain military alertness as if expectant of the bugle's call and the hastening into action you are perhaps a little aware of my mission here in America he said with no further preliminaries by way of introducing his subject you know I have come as an extraordinary representative of the court of Herzegossa yes answered thoroughly a little faintly I knew something of your dignity your mission of course this is van Kirk informed me you know that the kingdom of Herzegossa is very much distressed almost disrupted by the unprecedented disappearance and absence from the court of Princess Servinia and Zagran Duke Carl Villian thoroughly wondered whether his line of queries might be trending but she saw no course but to answer straightforwardly there was no sign as yet to guide her along a special path I could scarcely be in ignorance of what you have stated but you may not know the gravity the acute anxiety of the situation he told her quietly I verse in particular to impress upon you the fact that Herzegossa is appalled is politically stricken to its utmost foundation by this calamity that disaster stares her in the face absorption disintegration I might say degradation and ruin if her princess and the Duke are not restored to their kingdom I wish to arouse your profound sympathy with Ze's facts and to play upon every noble attitude of your nature thereby he spoke with a feeling even deeper than that betrayed by Wink in this very room as the former representative pleaded with her to return to Herzegossa Wink had obviously believed herself to be princess it did not seem credible for half a moment that Beren von Hochhaus could be similarly deluded and yet she could not from his impassioned speech extract the slightest clue to his mind she was much affected her sympathies were thoroughly aroused she knew what she must answer she was almost on the point of revealing then and there her entirely American identity and helplessness in Herzegossa's situation you you certainly do arouse you make me wish to help you all I can she said I only wish you can help me greatly here tonight and he interrupted eagerly the predicament of his country having wrought a miracle of transformation in the man to make him thoroughly human I was certain of the goodness of your heart thoroughly fleshed thank you but I'm afraid you were not first let me ask you you have seen Zadouk here last night yes Mrs. van Kirk and myself could you possibly tell me what he did how he acted when he saw you what he said why he acted like anybody else was he pleased surprised thoroughly his color mounted redly to her throat and cheeks he said he was pleased I think I mean he seemed to be glad I mean it is very hard for any young woman to claim to boast to make a statement about anything like that naturally agreed the Baron but he kissed your hand he kept his eyes upon you he enacted the role pardon the query of the accepted fiancé thoroughly his color became fairly scarlet why I I hardly know what anyone else might think his were very bright I couldn't help noticing that they were upon you rather constantly she nodded but he was here a short time only yet he was not sad he said he was not in the least ah perhaps he said he was happy the Baron's anxiety in the inquisition increased most any man feels obliged to say as much as that was thoroughly his naive reply could you possibly repeat exactly what he said in that regard why he really made his remark to Mrs. Van Kirk he told her that when he arrived at noon he hated New York and that night he loved all America ah the Baron slid back in his hair and his look of anxiety growing more pronounced I had a fear I had a fear of this thoroughly was intensely sympathetic you fear he will not return tell me he answered his face slightly twitching as he spoke did he express the slightest desires that you go with him to her to Gotha thoroughly was in the game begun in innocence was going much too far she felt that too metal in affairs of state where kingdoms agony was vividly revealed was not to be warranted another moment for anything she and Alice might desire the Duke suggested something like he seemed to think she faltered observing distress more and more plainly arrived on the Baron's liniments oh I think I have to tell you Baron Van Hutchhouse that a startlingly loud and imperious knock on the door interrupted her speech and startled thoroughly to her feet the Baron too had risen instantly his face once more an iron mask as he faced about to the door which had opened from without Wank shot in with a military galvanism and by some worry almost foaming in his eyes he was fearfully congested with something new that the Baron must instantly hear the Baron for his part divining that something untoward had occurred was keyed to a high of speech pardon he said the thoroughly jerkily may I crave your permission for a moment apart from its arrow bank certainly thoroughly answered herself why died with wonder and she went to the farther end of the room will Wank continued from his place by the door to bow and redden in her presence the Baron was at his side at once what is it he demanded find your voice no new ill tidings of the Duke ill tidings for them both almost wailed poor Wank his utterance a rasping whisper for only the Baron to hear Zagorsky was all her brood Pellevan Jan and others is here in New York Sir agent already shadowing her highness and doubtless his excellency night and day you must make them to flee or all for the kingdom will be lost Zagorsky I feared it said the Baron instantly calm now that the worst was thus boldly presented we can find no trace of this woman on her usual associates after the princess had gone have you further news of the Duke none none but this has overwhelmed me our customary safeguards are impossible here the chances for violence are many unless you can now persuade the princess as there is hopes at the Baron interrupting another change abruptly coming on his face as he cast a quick glance in Thurley's direction no sacrifice now could be too great to retrieve this run away pair leave me now and wait to go in half an hour Wank hesitated but is there nothing I may do no assistance I may offer I must only wait you will thereby serve then no said Wank his face betraying his emotions and saluting he bowed himself backward from the room the Baron returned to his former position and thoroughly glided up from the father window thoroughly determined on the course she had felt to be imperative Baron Von Hodgehouse she said at once resuming precisely where she had been interrupted do you not discern that I am not Princess Thurvinia if you do not I must tell you so and tell you how weak I am to help you perhaps I resemble your princess it would seem I must for all New York and even Herr Wank have thrust this new identity upon me neither I nor Mrs. van Kurt ever started this absurd mistake if we have a little permitted to delude themselves it seemed an innocent diversion but with all this serious entanglement this menace to your country I cannot consent to another moment of this grave misunderstanding the Baron was watching her face with penetrative keen discernment of the character that lay behind her looks and words he had shown not the slightest sign of surprise nor the change of a muscle in his face thank you Miss Surly for your candor your spirit he said to her quietly I knew at once that you are not a princess you will pardon a grey old man I am sure for saying you are perhaps more beautiful even more endowed with charm it was because I knew you were not her royal highness that I ventured to hope for this thoroughly felt her tension instantly released oh I am glad you know I've been so puzzled I have felt so guilty I've hardly known what I ought to do in such a situation but as long as it seemed a harmless joke it was fun a temptation to let it go on your position requires no explanation I understand it perfectly I am certain more over of your sympathy as well as your honest intent I am here to implore your aid his gesture and the tone of his voice in that final sense went straight to Thurley's heart she knew not why I can help you but how? what is it I could do much perhaps very much indeed his gravity was obvious first let me ask you did Zadouk request that he might return again? well yes certainly you see I couldn't understand whether he'd been engaged to a princess without having ever seen her first as they sometimes do I'm told or whether he really thought exactly the Baron interrupted in his quiet way that masked a certain eagerness to proceed with the matter at hand I appreciate all of that also did you tell him he might return well there seemed nothing else to do I hardly knew how to refuse you had no personal feeling no suddenly ignited feeling toward in the interview its outcome his evident pleasure at some meeting his desire to renew his addresses why he was nice very interesting it was flattering I suppose Thurley faltered rosy of face again I hardly had time to think except that he was handsome and pleasant and a Duke the Baron motioned her once more to her seat then occupied his chair edge as soon as she was settled he altered his course to secure the information for which he was to delicately feeling his desire to know how much or how little Thurley might have fallen love's victim to the looks and titles of her recent suitor today I saw you riding in the park this Mr. Stiverland he said once I knew him well I regard him as an exceptionally able and splendid young man said thoroughly surprised at his swift abandonment of the former subject he said he saw you at the time and mentioned meeting you once in Berlin the Baron nodded do you feel a particular interest in Mr. Stiverland pardon the question of an old man greatly concerned at everything at present pertaining to yourself you doubtless have many admirers but perhaps there is one he left the sentence incomplete Thurley had reddened as before would it help in your dilemma to probe to know won't you please tell me exactly how I may be of assistance I will be very frank he answered becoming aware that the open way was Thurley's way and candor the most expedient if the young Duke should missing himself in love if it should be no fancy what would you say to his addresses what would you do Thurley left he couldn't do anything of the sort unless he thinks why he's only a boy he's not an American I should feel very sorry if it went so far and I'm sure it never will exclaimed the Baron I felt certain of your aid is it possible now to tell me when he will come well I have no means of knowing that myself the Baron rose to paste about a little uneasily of course but come he will and we shall learn I arrive now it's a pointless Thurley I shall make a very important request Thurley met his gaze unflinchingly yes it is something about the Duke that putt presently it is first that you continue as before to enact the role of Princess Thurvinia that is to say that you do nothing state nothing confess nothing that in any manner disabuse the minds of those who now credits a story that you are her royal highness thoroughly almost gasped she had been prepared to abandon everything in any public manner the Baron might have desired she had thought no other chorus tenable after tonight she had been feared the imposition of which she and Alice had been passively guilty had wrought great harm to her Zagotha possibly and constituted grave peril to its princess go on with she said you wish that wish me to occupy the place do you mean to everyone to everyone not confess to the Duke whom he when he comes even that would be quite unnecessary but why continue the fiction after this she inquired wonderingly can it do any possible good to be of any benefit or surface perhaps a very great service indeed he assured her earnestly I am not at liberty to explain except to say that you are already accepted almost officially as princess Thurvinia and that her Zagotha may be immeasurably served and indebted if you will kindly consent to proceed as before disturbed no beliefs already excited as to who and what you are this you will promise to do thoroughly smiled at him girlishly well of course I've enjoyed it any young woman would if you knew how novel how wonderful it has been to me I've done almost nothing to bring it about I admit I'd feel a little regret to well be stripped of all of it so suddenly but I made it my mind to do anything to help her Zagotha for all her troubles are real and serious and mine are all pretence not all pretence he corrected her kindly they are just as real just as poignant as those of the kingdom but may they be fewer and briefer he held forth his hand and took Thurley's in his firm dry clasp and raised it as before to his lips you deserve your throne and cornet he added I trust they will come one day thank you said Thurley but I feel as if I'm being absurdly overpaid for having a very happy time her smile went straight to his heart he knew of the dangers the unsuspecting girl and felt a momentary pang at the element of heartlessness he was practicing in shielding the genuine princess and perhaps her Zagotha's integrity behind this innocent instrument of the fates then the overwhelming gravity of the situation in his own relentless and absorbing patriotism for which he would have sacrificed a score of lives his own included this steadied him back upon his course like an iron device on its rails I could wish your happiness in absolute triumph always he assured her sincerely be sure that every possible exertion will be made so far as I and my associates are concerned to secure that end I have your agreement to continue as you were the reputed princess Thervinia if you wish it with all my heart do everyone no matter what may occur of course it could be no other way he kissed her hand again I'll feed a sane he said and she presently heard the hall door close when he and Wank had gone end of chapter 30


It says up there that this is my Valentine's Day special, but there's already a problem I guess you've noticed Valentine's Day was yesterday Let's just get started. Okay, the big grocery store down the street Really wants to unload this old force awakens merchandise Somebody help these poor animals They're neck deep and plastic And this one was pretty angry about it take a look at this Collection of so-called dinosaur toys at least half of these aren't dinosaurs see that big White and yellow bird thing in there that thing is not a dinosaur. It's not even a pterodactyl It has feathers. So it's some kind of bird That that same mold Has been in every plastic dinosaur collection.  Where do you keep your toys? They're on aisle three with the rat poison Okay. No, seriously.  There's a pair of slacks a Full pair of men's slacks Just laying there on the sidewalk everybody walking around them and there were playing cards everywhere too What happened here? But this cheered me right up at the mall. They're having some event where Everybody gets a crown and a trophy. Oh Boy if only and now here I have a question There's this new trend that's been happening at the dollar stores It's been going on for for months now, but I didn't notice for the longest time I was walking past these without looking and then finally I Did a double-take and said wait a minute. What are these things? These are wrist-mounted Containers of some sort see they've got this rectangular space inside them the kids are supposed to hold something on their wrist and Whatever they are it's popular enough that they're getting Endorsements they've got cartoon characters on them Spider-man wants to hang out on your wrist because of this whatever it is right next to these things they've got these boxes full of little bottles of liquid and I'm thinking is this some sort of energy drink or some liquid candy or something or maybe perfume, but no It's hand sanitizer That's what's popular with the kids now Boy, I never would have predicted that But it's popular enough that Marvel slash Disney wants to put 1970s Iron Man and Hulk on it Wow, who knows what's gonna happen next at the dollar store?