The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-11-11
AWINTER AT NICE.
nx H. Won osrHH.
IansuTD FROM THE GERMAN BY HHrE & HIua
Copyright. 1907. syAN. Kellogg Newspaper Co.
CHAPTER XIV.

down 70 dinner.
Mise Rennert's kind eyes, which smiled
at me from the usual place, were the
only things unchanged, and Mr.. Whites
teeth did their work still In their old
place at the table d'hote.
In Lapotin's place sat the stout lady
from east Prussia, and next her her
niece, an uncommonly large, phleg-
maticyoung lady. 4Tf
Thereupon followed Count Degenfeld,
who, In spite of the presence Of Mrs.
Clifford, could not deny himself the
pleasure of examining this youthful
form e3 hstf ati A.l
He seemed in a merry humor, his
new role of grass-widower evidently
pleased him, and he entertained as
usual, the small circle, which always
gathered around Mrs. Clifford, who had
squeezed the English baronet in be-
tween her and me. We did not wish to
have anything to do with one another.
Even the fat boy did not sit next me;
perhaps as an embryo nihilist, was
considered too dangerous!
In his place sat his mother, and COM
municating across Miss Rennert and
me by means of secret signs with the
stout lady. 1t had the appearance as If
they wished unanimously to annihilate
Miss Rennert and me. Only Mr.. White
was companionable and expressed his
h regret that the pretty German lady had
left. "a very charming person, that
Miss Ellen" said he, very lovely, in
deedl So well-informed, knew how to
talk so well, and how nicely she spoke
Englishl" And he continued to talk
pleasantly, not noticing that the stout
lady laughed mockingly, the mater
familias shrugged her shoulders as If
F. she were bored, and that Mrs. Clifford
drew down the corners of her mouth
scornfully.
'But the best thing was her sing
ingp' continued indefatigable Mr..
White. ~ have never heard a young
lady sing with such charming express
sion"
''Well, WELL" said the quarrelsome
mater familias, "there are still many
young ladies who are very musical, and
who speak English / did not see any
thing very extraordinary about this
Miss Ellen, rs you call herl II she has
learned much do not know, at any
rate she has not learned yet to conduct
herself us young lady"
The stout lady now looked over at
Count Degenfeld significantly, and con-
vefsation ceased ffr
After pause the stout lady turned TO
Miss iRennert, and asked: How did
you feel, mademoiselle, when you found
that the young Russian, your especial
friend, was criminal pursued by the
police? My knees fairly knocked to-
erether to-day when I heard the scandal
Aous story; with what people one meets
.rl In travelingl had Marie--that is my
niece-see 10 II at once that nothing
valuable had disappeared: our rooms
were next his" laughed.
"Do not laugh, sir; II you lived asnear
Russia as do, you would realize what
a gang they are, and nihilists, too" She
.shuddered with horror.
81 bow before your superior knowl-
edge, madame, said /; but beg OF you
not TO apply the term political crimi-
nal TO this case. myself spoke with
the police officer. He called Lapotin a
political character there was no
mention Of the word criminal Per-
haps they hoped 10 received explana-
tions from him about certain alliances,
and these have not been forthcoming,
owing to his departure. Nothing can
be brought against my friend, Lapotin. "
The stout lady held her peace. Count
Degenfeld laughed, and said:
"Well, well, baron, has not this nihil-
istic friend infected you? They say that
those revolutionary doctrines, spiritedly
held forth, have an unholy attraction
for youth"
"What should have been as Rus
sian, know not" answered /, smiling.
''They maintain that now and then
sotne Of the best are stricken with so
called nihilism. AS n Prussian, one Is,
thank God, protected against such parox-
ysms You do not really wish TO stamp
me as q social democrat? Moreover,
Lapotin never spoke q word to me
about his political mission; ! only knew
him as an amiable, intelligent man,
whom shall miss very much"
"Yes, you have lost great deal, "
said Mrs. Clifford, her blue eyes spark.
ling with malicious triumph. "Hotel
Suisse has been deprived Of a great deal
Of beauty since Christmas eve. II was
an eventful evening, 30 II seems"
Count Degenfeld swallowed a glass Of
wine and suggested that we rise es-
corted Miss Rennert TO the door, and
then went out 70 fulfill Lapotin's secret
commission. On the whole was not
displeased with tilt was little ad'
venture. The charming blonde still
held place IN my memory, and the
thought Of freeing her from her un'
worthy position through Lapotin's gen.
orosity, raised my spirits.
entered the lighted church. II was
rather empty. walked slowly
through the nave, and perceived at a
small side altar, where lamp was
hanging before picture Of the Madon.
ma, q slender figure, darlsly clad.
She II was. There CLEANED the gold.
en- hair. Should wait until she had
finished her. devotions? / did not like
TO address In the church, but now that
the o,vd was streaming in how easily
might lose her In the semi-darkness.
{ stepped close TO her.
'sMademoiselle," said l, gently. She
started up affrighted. "Mademoiselle, y