Jennie Baxter, Journalist, page 109 by Robert Barr
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r war chest is empty. Then, again, she cannot allow either Germany or Russia to know how effectually she has been robbed, for no one could tell what either of these nations might do under the circumstances. The Government fears to let even its own people know what has happened. It is a stroke of vengeance marvellous in its finality. Austria is crippled for years to come, unless she finds the stolen gold on her own territory."
The old lady had worked herself up into such a state of excitement during her recital that she did not notice that most of her companion visitors had taken their leave, and when the Princess approached the two, she arose with some trepidation.
"My dear Princess," she said, "your tea has been so good, and the company of your young compatriot has been so charming, that I have done nothing but chatter, chatter, chatter away about things which should only be spoken of under one's breath, and now I must hurry away. May I venture to hope that you will honour me with your presence at one of my receptions if I send you a card?"
"I shall be delighted to do so," replied the Princess, with that gracious condescension which became her so well.
The garrulous old lady was the last to take her leave, and when the Princess was left alone with her guest, she cried,--
"Jennie, I have found out absolutely nothing, what have you discovered?"
"Everything!" replied the girl, walking up and down the floor in excitement over the unearthing of such a bonanza of news.
"You don't tell me so! Now do sit down and let me know the full particulars at once."
When Jennie's exciting story was finished she said,--
"You see, this robbery explains why the Premier did not follow up his warlike speech. The police seem to think that England has had a hand in this robbery, but of course that is absurd."
"I am not so sure of that," replied the Princess, taking as she spoke, the Chicago point of view, and forgetting for the moment her position among the a