The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-06-21
A LESSON in SMALL TALK
BY b. ISRAELI.
copyright. 1904, by Daily Story Pub

copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub
(Co.).
ut is suffocating here, Count Bob
rinski," Miss Throckmorton said to her
partner, at the end of the waltz;
please take me to some place where
can cool off"
The affair was given by one of the
social leaders of Farragut Square, in
honor of Count Woldemar Bobrinski.
This amiable young man was being
lionized by Washington society that
season. He was a Russian nobleman
of great wealth and ancient lineage.
said to stand in excellent sdvor with
the Car. He was travelling in Ameri-
ca that winter, and was just then the
guest of the Russian ambassador at
Washington.
Some great Russian writer says,
began Lillian, as soon as he and she
were safely ensconced in a cool and
retired nook. some great writer says
was it Tolstoi?-that you Russians
do not possess the art of small talk.
Is 1t true?"
Very likely Tolstoi said it, and very
likely it is true returned Woldemar,
readily. He was prepared to uphold
: the reputation of his great country
man, and admit everything IL that
would advance The others esteem in
foreign lanOS. genuine
is nothing If not patriotic.
Shall l give you a lesson?" asked
the girl, her eyes playing brightly.
"I shall be under great obligation
the young man replied simply 81
have come here to learn Miss Throck-
morton" he added, with becoming hu-
mility. you know. it is to the young
west that the old cas- must turn for
enlightenment" he explained. This
young man spoke English almost per-
fectly, and his accent if he had any
was discernibIe only to the critical
ear-and one was not habitually criti-
cal in dealing with Woldemar.
During the silent interval which fol-
lowed. Lillian busted herself rearrang-
ing her gown-a very becoming pale
cream creation of a celebrated mod
iste. Lillian Throckmorton was one of
the fitting bellies of the national CAPT.
tai Daughter of a rich western mine
owner. she was that season the guest
of the hostess of the evening.
"a penny for your thoughts said
She, presently.
The young man seemed absorbed at
that moment. Whether it was the curls
of the girls fair hair, at which he
was gazing abstractedly just then, or
the matter of small talk, in which, as
a Russian, he was so inefficient, that
occupied his mind, is problematical
Perhaps it was both these factors to-
gether. and possibly others besides
SIS not that bid rather rash?' banter
ed he with equal gayety.
Perhaps" returned the girl, with
a deprecating gesture. Still"
"Yes?" encouraged the young man
contemplating his companions beauti.
full profile.
I'll risk IT." announced the other
facing Woldemar with resolution ir
her splendid eyes.
ION second thought, nor said the
count. determinedly. He twirled hi,
mustache for a second. then contin-
ued: Il am willing to do this, Miss
Throckmorton; I'll let you have my
'Mishka' If you make an accurate
guess of what there is in my mind al
this moment" 'Mishka" was a fine
specimen of a Russian wolfhound tn,
young man had brought with hin
from his native land.
Lillian considered I could not guess
1t in the wide world said she, dis
tressedly.
You might try" returned the 9th
er. insinuati ngly. He was making a
mental picture of that straight. small
nose of hers, remarking that the Rus