CONCERNING KINGS AND QUEENS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4734, 16 August 1902, Page 3 (Supplement)

CONCERNING KINGS AND QUEENS.

"APrince of the Captivity.’’ Sydney C. Grier, continues his stories of Lalkau intrigue Felicia Steiuherz is the daughter of an American millionaire, who is also an Archduke in disguise. She is very beautiful, is essentially vulgar, and of unmixed- selfishness. The first sight of her changed the whole outlook of life of Lord Usk, a nobleman, just, noma from a trip, during which he navigated the Euphrates, and. it is the Euphrates that has floated the young man into Paradise. He is introduced to Felicia's father, who contemplates navigating the river, as one likely to give valuable advice. With the young girl is her friend, Mamie Logan, who is devoted to her. and full of a consuming ambition on her behalf. When Lord IJsk asked Mr Steinberg to bo allowed to pay his addresses- to his daughter, the American reveals himself as a son of Paul X., of Calabria. Ho had fallen in love and married a singer, and he had been exiled from Iris father’s kingdom. He had given out that he wae drowned, and conio to A merica, and there he had worked till he had amassed millions. There is a great deal of "go" end cynicism in Mr Steinhcrz. Mamie, who had hidden herself behind a curtain on' the verandah, hears this wonderful story, which she proceeds to unfold to Felicia. From that moment the heart ,of the girl is fired with a new ambition. Sb» determines that she will aim at being a queen, but she will keep Usk in tow, so as to be abe to fall back on the English nobleman should her dreams of royalty prove futile. The story, observes the "Daily News,” concerns itself with the cold-hearted coquette’s matrimonial intrigues, and with the hopelessness of the love of the proud man for her. Michael, the son of our old friend Queen Ernestine, supplies the monarch, and the whole plot of character turns upon Felicia’s attempt to win him. while at the same time not parting from the man for whom alone she has a spark of -affection. There were genuine tears in Felicia’s eyes. “You won’t understand, Usk,” she said, "and I don’t see but it must seem' strange to you. I don’t pretend to be romantic: American girls aren’t generally • that, I guess; but I like you really. If. they reject my claim after all. I’ll just settle down real happily with yon, and you’ll forget all this.” “And if they acknowledge it vbn‘ll settle down happily with me all the same ?”

Felicia looked down. "X guess I won’t just have things in my own hands then.” she said. ■ "Oh. yes. you will, if you choose. If you're engaged to me I’ll take good car* that you don't uiary anyone else.” “You don’t know the temptation of a crown, Usk,” said Felicia, softly. “I know my father tried it. and was jolly glad to give it up.” "Oh, your father!” The tone was eloquent. "But for me, Usk!” "Very well; if you 2>refer your crown, say so, and I'll go.” “You’re real tiresome, fussing me like {his. Do just wait a litllc.” " "Net another hour,” said Usk. Felicia marries the King, and presently she has the mortification of knowing that another and a rejected suitor has tiiossomed forth into an linperor. Her husband puts himself in the wrong by rifling her cabinet, and Felicia sails away in her yacht. Meanwhile, a charming little Princes: is provided for Lord Usk.