by Robert Barr
CHAPTER VIII. JENNIE MIXES WITH THE ELITE OF EARTH.
It is said that a woman magnificently robed is superior to all earthlytribulations. Such was the case with Jennie as she left her carriage,walked along the strip of carpet which lay across the pavement under acanopy, and entered the great hall of the Duke of Chiselhurst's townhouse, one of the huge palaces of Western London. Nothing so resplendenthad she ever witnessed, or even imagined, as the scene which met her eyewhen she found herself about to ascend the broad stairway at the top ofwhich the hostess stood to receive her distinguished guests. Early asshe was, the stairway and the rooms beyond seemed already thronged.Splendid menials in gorgeous livery, crimson the predominant colour,stood on each step at either side of the stair. Uniforms of everypattern, from the dazzling oriental raiment of Indian princes andeastern potentates, to the more sober, but scarcely less rich apparel ofthe diplomatic corps, ministers of the Empire, and officers, navaland military, gave the final note of magnificence and picturesquedecoration. Like tropical flowers in this garden of colour were theladies, who, with easy grace, moved to and fro, bestowing a smile hereand a whisper there; and yet, despite her agitation, a hurried, furtiveglance around brought to Jennie the conviction that she was, perhaps,the best-gowned woman in that assemblage of well-dressed people, whichrecognition somewhat calmed her palpitating heart. The whole environmentseemed unreal to her, and she walked forward as if in a dream. Sheheard someone cry, "The Princess von Steinheimer," and at first had adifficulty in realizing that the title, for the moment, pertainedto herself. The next instant her hand was in that of the Duchess ofChiselhurst, and Jennie heard the lady murmur that it was good of herto come so far to grace the occasion. The girl made some sort of replywhich she found herself unable afterwards to recall, but the rapidincoming of other guests led her to hope that, if she had used anyunsuitable phrase, it was either unheard or forgotten in the tension ofthe time. She stood aside and formed one of the brilliant group at thehead of the stairs, thankful that this first ordeal was well done with.Her rapidly beating heart had now opportunity to lessen its pulsations,and as she soon realized that she was practically unnoticed, her naturalcalmness began to return to her. She remembered why she was there,and her discerning eye enabled her to stamp on a retentive memorythe various particulars of so unaccustomed a spectacle whose veryunfamiliarity made the greater impression upon the girl's mind. Shemoved away from the group, determined to saunter through the numerousrooms thrown open for the occasion, and thus, as it were, get herbearings. In a short time all fear of discovery left her, and she beganto feel very much at home in the lofty, crowded salons, pausing evento enjoy a selection which a military band, partly concealed in thefoliage, was rendering in masterly manner, led by the most famous_impressario_ of the day. The remote probability of meeting anyone herewho knew the Princess reassured her, and there speedily came over hera sense of delight in all the kaleidoscopic bewilderment of this greatentertainment. She saw that each one there had interest in someoneelse, and, to her great relief, found herself left entirely alone withreasonable assurance that this remoteness would continue to befriend heruntil the final gauntlet of leave-taking had to be run; a trial still tobe encountered, the thought of which she resolutely put away from her,trusting to the luck that had hitherto not deserted her.
Jennie was in this complaisant frame of mind when she was suddenlystartled by a voice at her side.
"Ah, Princess, I have been searching everywhere for you, catchingglimpses of you now and then, only to lose you, as, alas, has been myfate on more serious occasion. May I flatter myself with the belief thatyou also remember?"
There was no recognition in the large frightened eyes that were turnedupon him. They saw a young man bowing low over the unresisting hand hehad taken. His face was clear-cut and unmistakably English. Jennie sawhis closely-cropped auburn head, and, as it raised until it overtoppedher own, the girl, terrified as she was, could not but admire thesweeping blonde moustache that overshadowed a smile, half-wistful,half-humorous, which lighted up his handsome face. The ribbon of someorder was worn athwart his breast; otherwise he wore court dress, whichwell became his stalwart frame.
"I am disconsolate to see that I am indeed forgotten, Princess, and soanother cherished delusion fades away from me."
Her fan concealed the lower part of the girl's face, and she looked athim over its fleecy semicircle.
"Put not your trust in princesses," she murmured, a sparkle of latentmischief lighting up her eyes.
The young man laughed. "Indeed," he said, "had I served my country asfaithfully as I have been true to my remembrance of you, Princess, Iwould have been an ambassador long ere this, covered with decorations.Have you then lost all recollection of that winter in Washington fiveyears ago; that whirlwind of gaiety which ended by wafting you away to aforeign country, and thus the eventful season clings to my memory asif it were a disastrous western cyclone? Is it possible that I mustre-introduce myself as Donal Stirling?"
"Not Lord Donal Stirling?" asked Jennie, dimly remembering that she hadheard this name in connection with something diplomatic, and her guessthat he was in that service was strengthened by his previous remarkabout being an ambassador.
"Yes, Lord Donal, if you will cruelly insist on calling me so; but thiscannot take from me the consolation that once, in the conservatoryof the White House, under the very shadow of the President, youcondescended to call me Don."
"You cannot expect one to remember what happened in Washington fiveyears ago. You know the administration itself changes every four years,and memories seldom carry back even so far as that."
"I had hoped that my most outspoken adoration would have leftreminiscence which might outlast an administration. I have not foundforgetting so easy."
"Are you quite sure of that, Lord Donal?" asked the girl archly, closingher fan and giving him for the first time a full view of her face.
The young man seemed for a moment perplexed, but she went on, giving himlittle time for reflection. "Have your diplomatic duties taken you awayfrom Washington?"
"Yes, to the other end of the earth. I am now in St. Petersburg, withultimate hopes of Vienna, Princess. I happened to be in London thisweek, and hearing you were to be here, I moved heaven and earth for aninvitation."
"Which you obtained, only to find yourself forgotten. How hollow thisworld is, isn't it?"
"Alas, yes. A man in my profession sees a good deal of the seamy side oflife, and I fully believe that my rapidly lessening dependence on humanveracity will be shattered by my superiors sending me to Constantinople.But let me find you a seat out of this crowd where we may talk of oldtimes."
"I don't care so much about the past as I do about the present. Letus go up into that gallery, where you shall point out to me thecelebrities. I suppose you know them all, while I am an entire strangerto London Society."
"That is a capital idea," cried the young man enthusiastically. "Yes, Ithink I know most of the people here, at least by name. Ah, here comesthe Royal party; we shall just be in time to have a good look at them."
The band played the National Anthem, and Lord Donal got two chairs,which he placed at the edge of the gallery, well hidden from thepromenaders by spreading tropical plants.
"Oh, this _is_ jolly," cried Jennie, quite forgetting the dignity of aPrincess. "You told me why you came to the ball. Do you know why I amhere?"
"On the remote chance of meeting me whom you pretended to haveforgotten," replied the young man audaciously.
"Of course," laughed Jennie; "but aside from that, I came to see thecostumes. You know, we women are libellously said to dress for eachother. Away from the world, in the Tyrol, I have little opportunityof seeing anything fine in the way of dress, and so I accepted theinvitation of the Duchess."
"Have you the invitation of the Duchess with you?"
"Yes, I am going to make some notes on the back of it. Would you like tosee it?" She handed him the letter and then leaned back in her chair,regarding him close
ly. The puzzled expression on his face deepened ashe glanced over the invitation, and saw that it was exactly what itpurported to be. He gave the letter back to her, saying,--
"So you are here to see the fashions. It is a subject I know littleabout; but, judging by effect, I should say that the Princess vonSteinheimer has nothing to learn from anyone present. If I may touch ona topic so personal, your costume is what they call a creation, is itnot, Princess?"
"It isn't bad," said the girl, looking down at her gown and thenglancing up at him with merriment dancing in her eyes. The diplomat hadhis elbow resting on the balustrade, his head leaning on his hand, and,quite oblivious to everything else, was gazing at her with such absorbedintentness that the girl blushed and cast down her eyes. The intenseadmiration in his look was undisguised. "Still," she rattled on somewhatbreathlessly, "one gets many hints from others, and the creation ofto-day is merely the old clothes of to-morrow. Invention has no vacationso far as ladies' apparel is concerned. 'Take no thought of the morrow,wherewithal ye shall be clothed,' may have been a good motto for thecourt of Solomon, but it has little relation with that of Victoria."
"Solomon--if the saying is his--was hedging. He had many wives, youknow."
"Well, as I was about to say, you must now turn your attention tothe other guests, and tell me who's who. I have already confessed myignorance, and you promised to enlighten me."
The young man, with visible reluctance, directed his thoughts from theone to the many, and named this person and that, while Jennie, withthe pencil attached to her card, made cabalistic notes in shorthand,economizing thus both space and time. When at last she had all theinformation that could be desired, she leaned back in her chair with alittle sigh of supreme content. Whatever might now betide, her missionwas fulfilled, if she once got quietly away. The complete details of themost important society event of the season were at her fingers' ends.She closed her eyes for a moment to enjoy the satisfaction which successleaves in its train, and when she opened them again found Lord Donal inhis old posture, absorbed in the contemplation of her undeniable beauty.
"I see you are determined I shall have no difficulty in remembering younext time we meet," she said with a smile, at the same time flushingslightly under his ardent gaze.
"I was just thinking," he replied, shifting his position a little, "thatthe five years which have dealt so hardly with me, have left you fiveyears younger."
"Age has many privileges, Lord Donal," she said to him, laughingoutright; "but I don't think you can yet lay claim to any of them.The pose of the prematurely old is not in the least borne out by yourappearance, however hardly the girl you met in Washington dealt withyou."
"Ah, Princess, it is very easy for you to treat these serious matterslightly. He laughs at scars who never felt a wound. Time, being aboveall things treacherous, often leaves the face untouched the moreeffectually to scar the heart. The hurt concealed is ever the moredangerous."
"I fancy it has been concealed so effectually that it is not as deep asyou imagined."
"Princess, I will confess to you that the wound at Washington was asnothing to the one received at London."
"Yes; you told me you had been here for a week."
"The week has nothing to do with it. I have been here for a night--fortwo hours--or three; I have lost count of time since I met you."
What reply the girl might have made to this speech, delivered with allthe fervency of a man in thorough earnest, will never be known, for atthat moment their _tete-a-tete_ was interrupted by a messenger, whosaid,--
"His Excellency the Austrian Ambassador begs to be permitted to pay hisregards to the Princess von Steinheimer."
Lord Donal Stirling never took his eyes from the face of his companion,and he saw a quick pallor overspread it. He leaned forward andwhispered,--
"I know the Ambassador; if you do not wish to meet him, I will intercepthim."
Jennie rose slowly to her feet, and, looking at the young man with acalmness she was far from feeling, said coldly,--
"Why should I not wish to meet the Ambassador of my adopted country?"
"I know of no reason. Quite the contrary, for he must be an old friendof yours, having been your guest at the Schloss Steinheimer a year ago."
He stepped back as he said this, and Jennie had difficulty insuppressing the gasp of dismay with which she received his disquietingdisclosure, but she stood her ground without wincing. She was face toface with the crisis she had foreseen--the coming of one who knewthe Princess. Next instant the aged diplomat was bending over heroutstretched hand, which in courtly fashion the old man raised to hislips.
"I am delighted to have the privilege of welcoming you to this gloomyold city, Princess von Steinheimer, which you illumine with yourpresence. Do you stay long in London?"
"The period of illumination is short, your Excellency. I leave for Paristo-morrow."
"So soon? Without even visiting the Embassy? I am distressed to hearof so speedy a desertion, and yet, knowing the charms of the SchlossSteinheimer, I can hardly wonder at your wish to return there. ThePrince, I suppose, is as devoted as ever to the chase. I must censurehis Highness, next time we meet, for not coming with you to London; thenI am sure you would have stayed longer with us."
"The Prince is a model husband, your Excellency," said Jennie, with asly glance at Lord Donal, whose expression of uncertainty increasedas this colloquy went on, "and he would have come to London withouta murmur had his wife been selfish enough to tear him away from hisbeloved Meran."
"A model husband!" said the ancient count, with an unctuous chuckle."So few of us excel in that respect; but there is this to besaid in our exculpation, few have been matrimonially so fortunateas the Prince von Steinheimer. I have never ceased to long for arepetition of the charming visit I paid to your delightful home."
"If your Excellency but knew how welcome you are, your visits would nothave such long intervals between."
"It is most kind of you, Princess, to cheer an old man's heart by suchgracious words. It is our misfortune that affairs of State chain us toour pillar, and, indeed, diplomacy seems to become more difficult as theyears go on, because we have to contend with the genius of rising youngmen like Lord Donal Stirling here, who are more than a match for olddogs that find it impossible to learn new tricks."
"Indeed, your Excellency," said his lordship, speaking for the firsttime since the Ambassador began, "the very reverse of that is the case.We sit humbly at your feet, ambitious to emulate, but without hope ofexcelling."
The old man chuckled again, and, turning to the girl, began to make hisadieux.
"Then my former rooms are waiting for me at the Castle?" he concluded.
"Yes, your Excellency, with the addition of two red rocking-chairsimported from America, which you will find most comfortableresting-places when you are free from the cares of State."
"Ah! The rocking-chairs! I remember now that you were expecting themwhen I was there. So they have arrived, safely, I hope; but I think youhad ordered an incredible number, to be certain of having at least oneor two serviceable."
"No; only a dozen, and they all came through without damage."
"You young people, you young people!" murmured the Ambassador, bendingagain over the hand presented to him, "what unheard-of things you do."
And so the old man shuffled away, leaving many compliments behind him,evidently not having the slightest suspicion that he had met anyone butthe person he supposed himself addressing, for his eyesight was not ofthe best, and an Ambassador meets many fair and distinguished women.
The girl sat down with calm dignity, while Lord Donal dropped into hischair, an expression of complete mystification on his clear-cut, honestface. Jennie slowly fanned herself, for the heat made itself felt atthat elevated situation, and for a few moments nothing was said byeither. The young man was the first to break silence.
"Should I be so fortunate as to get an invitation to the SchlossSteinheimer, may I hope that a red rocking-chair will be
allotted to me?I have not sat in one since I was in the States."
"Yes, one for you; two for the Ambassador," said Jennie, with a laugh.
"I should like further to flatter myself that your double generosity tothe Ambassador arises solely from the dignity of his office, and is notin any way personal."
"I am very fond of ambassadors; they are courteous gentlemen who seem tohave less distrust than is exhibited by some not so exalted."
"Distrust! You surely cannot mean that I have distrusted you, Princess?"
"Oh, I was speaking generally," replied Jennie airily. "You seem to seeka personal application in what I say."
"I admit, Princess, that several times this evening I have beencompletely at sea."
"And what is worse, Lord Donal, you have shown it, which is the oneunforgivable fault in diplomacy."
"You are quite right. If I had you to teach me, I would be an ambassadorwithin the next five years, or at least a minister."
The girl looked at him over the top of her fan, covert merriment lurkingin her eyes.
"When you visit Schloss Steinheimer you might ask the Prince if heobjects to my giving you lessons."
Here there was another interruption, and the announcement was made thatthe United States Ambassador desired to renew his acquaintance withthe Princess von Steinheimer. Lord Donal made use of an impatientexclamation more emphatic than he intended to give utterance to, but onlooking at his companion in alarm, he saw in her glance a quick flash ofgratitude as unmistakable as if she had spoken her thanks. It was quiteevident that the girl had no desire to meet his Excellency, which is notto be wondered at, as she had already encountered him three times in hercapacity of journalist. He not only knew the Princess von Steinheimer,but he knew Jennie Baxter as well.
She leaned back in her chair and said wearily,--
"I seem to be having rather an abundance of diplomatic society thisevening. Are you acquainted with the American Ambassador also, LordDonal?"
"Yes," cried the young man, eagerly springing to his feet. "He was aprominent politician in Washington while I was there. He is an excellentman, and I shall have no difficulty in making your excuses to him if youdon't wish to meet him."
"Thank you so much. You have now an opportunity of retrieving yourdiplomatic reputation, if you can postpone the interview withoutoffending him."
Lord Donal departed with alacrity, and the moment he was gone allappearance of languor vanished from Miss Jennie Baxter.
"Now is my chance," she whispered to herself. "I must be in my carriagebefore he returns."
Eager as she was to be gone, she knew that she should betray no haste.Expecting to find a stair at the other end of the gallery, she soughtfor it, but there was none. Filled with apprehension that she would meetLord Donal coming up, she had difficulty in timing her footsteps to theslow measure that was necessary. She reached the bottom of the stair insafety and unimpeded, but once on the main floor a new problem presenteditself. Nothing would attract more attention than a young and beautifullady walking the long distance between the gallery end of the room andthe entrance stairway entirely alone and unattended. She stood therehesitating, wondering whether she could venture on finding a quietside-exit, which she was sure must exist in this large house, when, toher dismay, she found Lord Donal again at her side, rather breathless,as if he had been hurrying in search of her. His brows were knit andthere was an anxious expression on his face.
"I must have a word with you alone," he whispered. "Let me conduct youto this alcove under the gallery."
"No; I am tired. I am going home."
"I quite understand that, but you must come with me for a moment."
"Must?" she said, with a suggestion of defiance in her tone.
"Yes," he answered gravely. "I wish to be of assistance to you. I thinkyou will need it."
For a moment she met his unflinching gaze steadily, then her glancefell, and she said in a low voice, "Very well."
When they reached the alcove, she inquired rather quaveringly--for shesaw something had happened which had finally settled all the young man'sdoubts--"Is it the American Ambassador?"
"No; there was little trouble there. He expects to meet you later in theevening. But a telegraphic message has come from Meran, signed by thePrincess von Steinheimer, which expresses a hope that the ball will be asuccess, and reiterates the regret of her Highness that she could not bepresent. Luckily this communication has not been shown to the Duchess.I told the Duke, who read it to me, knowing I had been with you all theevening, that it was likely a practical joke on the part of the Prince;but the Duke, who is rather a serious person, does not take kindlyto that theory, and if he knew the Prince he would dismiss it asabsurd--which it is. I have asked him not to show the telegram toanyone, so there is a little time for considering what had best bedone."
"There is nothing for me to do but to take my leave as quickly andas quietly as possible," said the girl, with a nervous little laughbordering closely on the hysterical. "I was about to make my way out bysome private exit if I could find one."
"That would be impossible, and the attempt might lead to unexpectedcomplications. I suggest that you take my arm, and that you bid farewellto her Grace, pleading fatigue as the reason for your early departure.Then I will see you to your carriage, and when I return I shallendeavour to get that unlucky telegram from the Duke by telling himI should like to find out whether it is a hoax or not. He will haveforgotten about it most likely in the morning. Therefore, all you haveto do is to keep up your courage for a few moments longer until you aresafe in your carriage."
"You are very kind," she murmured, with downcast eyes.
"You are very clever, my Princess, but the odds against you weretremendous. Some time you must tell me why you risked it."
She made no reply, but took his arm, and together they sauntered throughthe rooms until they found the Duchess, when Jennie took her leave ofthe hostess with a demure dignity that left nothing to be desired. Allwent well until they reached the head of the stair, when the Duke, anominous frown on his brow, hurried after them and said,--
"My lord, excuse me."
Lord Donal turned with an ill-concealed expression of impatience, but hewas helpless, for he feared his host might not have the good sense toavoid a scene even in his own hall. Had it been the Duchess, all wouldhave been well, for she was a lady of infinite tact, but the Duke, as hehad said, was a stupid man, who needed the constant eye of his wife uponhim to restrain him from blundering. The young man whispered, "Keepright on until you are in your carriage. I shall ask my man here to callit for you, but please don't drive away until I come."
A sign brought a serving man up the stairs.
"Call the carriage of the Princess von Steinheimer," said his master;then, as the lady descended the stair, Lord Donal turned, with no verythankful feeling in his heart, to hear what his host had to say.
"Lord Donal, the American Ambassador says that woman is not the Princessvon Steinheimer, but is someone of no importance whom he has met severaltimes in London. He cannot remember her name. Now, who is she, and howdid you come to meet her?"
"My Lord Duke, it never occurred to me to question the identity ofguests I met under your hospitable roof. I knew the Princess five yearsago in Washington, before she was married. I have not seen her in theinterval, but until you showed me the telegraphic message there was noquestion in my mind regarding her."
"But the American Ambassador is positive."
"Then he has more confidence in his eyesight than I have. If such aquestion, like international difficulties, is to be settled by theEmbassies, let us refer it to Austria, who held a long conversation withthe lady in my presence. Your Excellency," he continued to the AustrianAmbassador, who was hovering near, waiting to speak to his host, "TheDuke of Chiselhurst has some doubt that the lady who has just departedis the Princess von Steinheimer. You spoke with her, and can thereforedecide with authority, for his Grace seems disinclined to accept mytestimony."
/> "Not the Princess? Nonsense. I know her very well indeed, and a mostcharming lady she is. I hope to be her guest again before many monthsare past."
"There, my Lord Duke, you see everything is as it should be. If you willgive me that stupid telegram, I will make some quiet inquiries about it.Meanwhile, the less said the better. I will see the American Ambassadorand convince him of his error. And now I must make what excuses I can tothe Princess for my desertion of her."
Placing the telegram in his pocket, he hurried down the stair and out tothe street. There had been some delay about the coming of the carriage,and he saw the lady he sought, at that moment entering it.
"Home at once as fast as you can," he heard her say to the coachman. Shehad evidently no intention of waiting for him. He sprang forward, thrusthis arm through the carriage window, and grasped her hand.
"Princess," he cried, "you will not leave me like this. I must see youto-morrow."
"No, no," she gasped, shrinking into the corner of the carriage.
"You cannot be so cruel. Tell me at least where a letter will reach you.I shall not release your hand until you promise."
With a quick movement the girl turned back the gauntlet of her longglove; the next instant the carriage was rattling down the street, whilea chagrined young man stood alone on the kerb with a long, slender whiteglove in his hand.
"By Jove!" he said at last, as he folded it carefully and placed itin the pocket of his coat. "It is the glove this time, instead of theslipper!"