The title of Prince had been given Charley Evens because he had proved
himself an unusually bright and shrewd as well as a liberal and
broad-minded man; all classes liked him. He secured the first coal mine
for the society by his clear reasoning among his friends who had money
saved.
“Invest it,” he had said to them all, “I have been to the mine; I have
worked in it. I tell you it will pay with the society’s protection.”
His manner was so forceful that they believed him and it turned out as
he had said. The mine was the means of increasing the members to many
thousands in the city because coal could be bought cheaper by members.
Then he pushed the automobile system. Everything he did was a success
because he gave his whole mind to it. From small beginnings, the savings
of the members to thousands of dollars he had used to start factories.
All trusted him; in return they were receiving dividends that were
earning them neat little incomes. Of course he was a favorite and one
and all said he was a prince; it is a pleasure to do business with such
a man and they demanded that he receive the title of Prince Charley
Evens, just to show their appreciation. He had secured a good income for
himself besides helping others who needed assistance. He was a friend
upon whom all relied. When he found that Geron Vivian was in danger of
losing his property by foreclosure he went quietly to work to secure it
to the family and presented it to Mrs. Vivian, Geron’s mother.
* * * * *
It had been arranged that a double wedding would take place after
Thanksgiving day, and Prince Charley and Paul had secured apartments in
a new building especially fitted up for young married couples. They each
had a suite of rooms opening into the same hall and Scoris and Helen
were giving them their finishing touches before their friends arrived.
Beautiful presents were in each apartment, many gifts from people the
least expected to remember them. Everywhere evidences of the love in
which they were held in the community. All had seen the rare china, the
silk drapery embroidered by loving hands. Everything that could make a
home lovely and a place of rest was there. They were holding a reception
so all their friends could see them before they left for their travels.
It seemed as though the family could do nothing all day but walk through
the apartments and admire it all. Each hour brought some new gift. Mrs.
Vivian enjoyed it as much as the rest.
Mira was trying hard to be cheerful amidst all the festivities that were
going on. Her heart still yearned for her boy and now she realized all
she had lost by her foolish infatuation. But as yet nothing had been
heard of the child.
About three o’clock in the afternoon a carriage drove up to the door and
Princess Lovechild was announced. All came forward to express their
pleasure in seeing her. Her manner was so constrained that they soon saw
she had something to tell. Her eyes kept following Mira and then as
their glances met, the Princess looked toward the door. Mira turned and
there stood Freddie, looking rather startled at seeing so many people he
had never seen before.
“My boy, my own Freddie,” Mira cried, “at last!” Then they all wanted to
know how she had found him.
[Illustration]
“Oh, it was not a case of finding him at all. I received a letter from
Mr. Moberly that I could take him to his mother, so you may be sure I
lost no time in going for him, and we came as fast as the ponies could
bring us, didn’t we, Freddie?”
Poor child, he couldn’t speak. Everything had been done so quickly that
he was bewildered. Soon his sister and little brother arrived, then he
realized that he was home once again. His mother, sister and brother
were inseparable. The baby, seeing all the attention that Freddie was
getting, began to feel slighted. Nellie was jumping around like a mad
child in the midst of it all. The Princess left the room to find Tom.
Presently they returned and Tom said:
“Mira, I have your divorce papers. If you wish, you can take your maiden
name again. Will you?”
“Indeed I will,” she answered.
“Then,” Tom says, “after the next coronation day, you will be known as
the Honorable Mira Vivian.”
“Yes,” she murmured, “and with the name of Moberly gone forever, I and
my children are free. Freddie, dear, your name is Vivian.”
“What,” exclaimed the child, “another name!” They all laughed. Mira and
her children then withdrew to her apartments.