CHAPTER XXIII.
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 quietlyto 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, lookingrather 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.
“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.