Part 11 (2/2)

”How I hate thetoward the Ambassador as he reached the vestibule ”May I have a ith you, my lord?”

”A thousand, my dear Monsieur De Froilette Ah, a private word is it?”

he added as the Frenchreatest esteem, as you are aware”

Lord Cloverton bowed

”If, as a loyal Frenchman, I would see France predominant in the affairs of this country, that is natural, is it not so?”

”Most natural indeed, and,a very worthy part”

”No doubt, my lord,” De Froilette answered ”I am but a looker-on, with certain business interests which politics ht affect, and therefore I take some notice of politics Perhaps I see more clearly than some, my lord--the lookers-on often do; and I am convinced that British policy is at the present uard of Wallaria”

”I rejoice to hear it, monsieur”

”And if you will allowis the great security”

”You flatter me,” Lord Cloverton returned ”You will be pleased to learn that I have received no notification that I a”

”That would indeed be a disaster,” said De Froilette ”So, ive you, I shall give gladly Regard for yourself and my business interests will prompt me

We have all a vein of selfishness in us”

”I am honored by your confidence, and you will be welcoive you the information now,” said De Froilette And he lowered his voice as he leaned toward the Ambassador: ”The Princess Maritza!”

”Is in Australia at present, I believe”

”Exactly,” said the Frenchlish Colonies

A delicate attention to an honored guest and unfortunate exile, designed to keep her out of the hile the present unsettled feeling in Wallaria lasts; is it not so?”

”Your political acumen is not at fault”

”No, my lord, but yours is The lady at present in Australia, or wherever she may be, is not the Princess, but a substitute It needs very powerful friends to carry through such a deception as that”

Lord Cloverton turned sharply toward him, and, as Francois had done, De Froilette answered the unasked question

”Yes, ”