Telegram-herald., 1891-07-30


like an advcnturer Of the lowest order?
My surmises on this subject became
almost certainty when upon paying q
call at our German representative
worthy Herr v. Re-, saw through
q door. slightly ajar. the consul in
earnest conversation with him of the
dark-blue spcctacles.
The door was finally closed. and some
minutes later the consul received me in
his drawing-room. introduced me to his
wife, an Englishwoman. and gave mo
cordial invitation to his house.
At dinner I again met the Russian.
His name was Lapotin-Scrgius La
potin. He looked pale, greeted me
pleasantly. but seemed rather absent.
His old friend looked him sidelong In .
troubled manner.
Between my pretty neighbor and me
a little secret understanding had been
established. She would drop her fan.
which !, Of course, picked up and
handed to her. at which her hand, with
q whispered Thank you. sir!" touched
mine, and the silken lashes drooped on
her blushing checks.
1t was pretty; SO pretty that would
gladly have done the samc again.
made another attempt with Parmesan
cheese for the macaroni, and salad
with the roast, always succeeding q
merveille; only her blush deepened and
slight smile quivered about her full
lips.
This time as she rose and shot a
glance at me from the door / could not
resist the temptation Of following her
into the drawing-room.
She was seated in o rocking chair,
half hidden by jardiniere. q paper in
her hand. The clergyman was placing
the pieces for game Of chess with the
German professor.
Tho long lashcs were lowered,
though was positive the lady had seen
me. The rocking chair was moving
slowly back and forth and afforded me
a glimpse of two dainty little feet in
open-work silk stockings and satin
slippers.
Seated on q low stool by the fireplace,
/ looked towards her over my book.
watching for a mark of favor.
There was a terrible din at the piano.
This time l was not scared away by it.;
only as the room began to all it was
natural that should move my chair
into tho quieter corner, near the
jardinisre.
The overture to "Midsummor Nights
Dream" was ringing ont, when my cars
heard slight rustling and my eyes
perceived the useful fan, which had
slipped from the beauty's hand. AS she
could not TO second without it,
handed 1t to her half lSneeling and
whispering softly: "Madamc!"
She started.
"Ah! sir. you are very kind! I am so
awkward. What will you think Of
ne?"
And ter eyes, which had q strange,
shimmering brilliance, looked for q mo-
ment into mine.
seated myself quito near her. On
account Of the music we could only
whisper.
Madame is not Engiish?" asked in
French.
"Why not?" said she, with bewitch-
In&ty TOSulSn SLaue.
because the EneAsh ladies tkot ]
have known Gre quito differcnt; they
arc not 80. not So"
Clumsy as I, you wished to say, did
you not?" asked she, supcrciliously. but
lowering her lashes under my gaze.
"Still. sir, ! am her gracious majesty,
Queen Victoria's, most loyal little sub
ject; In order to solve the riddle at once
for you, will tell you that am Irish.
You might have known that by my ac-
cent: my husband maintains that I
speak dreadful English"
II do not think that should be such
severe critic, becausc-well. because
understand worry little English. Docs
madame love her country?"
''Do I love it7 The lovely green
isle, as we call Il; my poor Ireland. that
Is now being desolated and de-
populated by q fsnatical bandl
Obi those English"-with a glance to-
ward her husband. they are truly TOO
embctant-or they would have put an
end TO the disorder long ago. The
Prussians should manage things; they
would understand Arc you not
Prussian, sir, and an officer? thought
% at once. Are all the Prussisn officers
% tall and 500 stronQ7'
TO be Continuedl