New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-01
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she arrived, Tor ne was nafu AT WORK Ill
on his book which was now growing fast toward
completion. Still there was much work to De
done. The already sorted notes ana 1acts Oh
wss net tS ypnsh them all Little BY little
chapter was finished il was sent to Englanaa
to the publisher, and the old Count used to watch
his notes sealed up in the long envelopes with
Leslies manuscript with pride. At last all the
pains that he had taken in keeping this journal
would prove useful. and possibly more'-misht
benefit the poor peasants around him. .r
The friendship of the two men had grown stu
closer. There was no secret now when one nad
not confided TO the other. The Count, with tears
Paunc's young days,-had told his whole history,
aye, even how he had fought duel with an officer
about the girl who was afterward bis wife, ana ma
how he had wounded him on the hand with his
sword and victorious, married the girl.
Leslie, on the other hand, had much to tell TOO;
of his mothers death in Egypt, OF ms fasner' and
his country place, now let; how the lana mao
gradually depreNato in value, ana now SiaT ne
was TO get the whole place off his hands. mat
this land and some investments only brougnt MIN
in three thousand year now, instead Of four
as formerly.
that Leslie saw her. ,
He came down from his room just as the bell
sounded for dinner room leading out OF the
hail. with its door open, was lighted up Lesne
had never seen this room used before but he knew
it was Pauline's boudor. When she was away
they always sat in the library
Within he heard the Count talking, and every
now and then the laughter OF GIRL lie entered
slowly. For moment the occupants OF che room
did not see him.
Count Dmitresky was standing with his back to
the stove. smiling at his daughter, who laced
him. one hand resting on either shoulder
Her back was turned to Leslie when he en-,
tered he saw only her perfect figure hair neck and
Have yon been good while have been away3'
she was saying to her father. o,.
Yes, my dear i have been good-very good;
but here is Leslic-asS him."
She turned round with little start and held
out her hand. Leslie took it and bowed slightly
over. it, -,
u have only known your father q few weeks,
Leslie answered in his slew voice; but know
him we'll enough to say that be is slways good"
oh, you've. been spelling, him. Mr. Smith
has been spelling you, papa"
A footman announced dinner.
At the table Leslie had more time and OPP
portun1ty to look at Pauline.
There was doubt she was very lovely,
lovelinefs Of the purest Russian type Her face
was long and rather oval, with 11rk-gray eyes and
black lashes. arched eyebrows, q rather fine
straight nose, and perfectly bowed lips. Though
her features were not perhaps perfect, yet there
was the surrounding mass OF lightgolden hair,
the long white neck of exquisite moulding, to add
She was beautifully dressed Her costume
struck Leslie who had keen eye to art as as near
perfection as anything be had ever seen in the way
OF wOmens dress
tea was gom Rsi' The 'Hnf foundati oS' was
Of mauve silk. an exquistely pale tone of manye
that was almost gray In snad0w pVf the SILK
and almost hiding il, was draped tule OF the same
delicate hue. Where the tulle hung in loose
folds over the body it was embroidered in tiny
pearls, also the skirt train hung from
her shoulders, train Of the same shade of silk
brocadc. The sleeves reached her elbows,-droop-
ing sleeves of mauye tue. held back BY little
strings Of pearls oyer her neck and snGdde d
shape but in natural folds, just thick enough for
one to gather the perfect outline Of her shoulders
The conversation was bright; and although Les
liz had rafh Ayoad ID thn m
lady, fearing it would draw him from his work.
now she was come he was very pleased He felt
then, for the first time. that the house had been
trif!e dull before, though he was always assuring
| the Count TO the contrary, How OFTEN one dis
covers something when it is all over!
After dinner Pauline left them to their cigar.
cites They did not sit long d couple Of glasses
of Dmtresliy's famous Chateau Margaux, and they
joined her jim the boudoir.
She was seated at the piano, playing, and made
no attempt to leave as they came in. 1t was the
Swan Song from Lohengrin." She was only play
ing from ear, yet her touch was soft and sweet.
and every note spoke of pathos, of the parting OF
| Lohengrin and Elsa
Leslie walked toward the piano. She turned
toward him.
will you not sing it9'' he said. W.T.
mo, certainly not. sing Lohehgrlh why,
| to begin with, it's mans part, and would lose
all its meaning if | sang it; and besides, don't
~ II do" said Leslie, quickly. II can prompt
Then if Mr. Leslie Smith knows the words
of Lohengrin's song, no doubt he can sing it.
/" / never sing now. SAID LcSlle
"Ah you are like all men, she said you want
| pressing. Papa made me think you were better
than tie rest-no, don't mean that" she added
hurriedy but think you might sing
THAT / can't say till I've heard you. There
now, that's all the pressing you'll get. 80 sing
| or not, rs you please
NO it is as you please
| We'll then, sing.
She left out the melody, playing the accom-
paHiment only which she Lex knew d by neal that
most beautiful song in all Wagners music. In a
voice one can seldom hear-a perfect tenor. AS
the difficult song proceeded. he worked more and
| in those last sweet notes.
| The music ceased. III,
music ?" she asked. hurredy This is not the
! drst time you have played Lohengrin."
And you are playing Elsa Take care, per-
hape If you asl; these questions I shall go away
Yes; and nice and comfortable boat drawn
by swan would he in weather like this. with all
And SO they talked on, while the old Count
sat at the other end Of the room turning over
page after page of large manuscript
Soon Pauline left them. and the vision OF mauve
"" Come into the library Leslie the old man
said: I" l have something TO say to YOU
| They crossed the hall ard entered the room
| with the blackjack shelves.
Il am going to tell you something have not
,o1d YOU before. No. you need not look So anxious;
| it is no cause for anxiety" Then nervously,
| Leslie. | have written novel only finished
| it the night you came
| a novcl!' cried Leslie ostonished =" never
| thought you could have written a novel"
| no. / know ii is very foolish and stupid
of me- but | have been often alone and dull, you
| know. before you came have written it on
| and of for three years. dare say ii is very
stupid but would you read it
'Of course will, with pleasure and no doubt
%Oh, no, you won't do that. 1t is not a novel
| for enjoyment 1t is sad story"
| And what is its subject" asked Leslie.
| The Count looked round him. IL is polit
cal novel" he said: "a little advanced in ideas,
| perhaps, but you know how think in these mat
| tcrs and there are no secrets between u.s. be