Dynastic Alliance?

The Royal Palace at Bucharest burned to the ground one night last week. Meanwhile, at the Cotroceni Palace, surgeons were operating upon King Ferdinand, who was kept in ignorance of the fire. Prince Nicholas watched the blaze, was present when the Throne was carried out to safety and superstitious onlookers cheered, believing its destruction would have blighted the Dynasty. Atop these sensations came another.

The engagement of Princess Ileana of Rumania, 17, to Crown Prince Umberto of Italy was reported by the Associated Press "on high authority." Premier Averescu was quoted as having said to a close friend: "I didn't get much from Italy (last September) except a throne for a Princess of Rumania."

Though all such rumors are sure to be denied up to the moment of official announcement (usually a month or two before the marriage is to take place) it seemed certain last week that the Rumanian and Italian Governments have taken the possibility of dynastic union under serious advisement.