The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1905-04-07

papers are maulIeStiy ABSURD ana eX-
aggerated. You must not, mademoi-
he said. turning courteously II
Maggie-"you must not believe all yo>.
are told about Russia"
The table was g%orgeously decorated:
the wine was perfect, the dishes Pa
Everything was brilliant, and
Etta's spirits rose. Such little things
affect the spirits of such little minded
women.
1T is exile; it is nothing short Of ex-
lie" protested Vassili, who led the con-
versation. much as I admire my own
country as a country, l do not pretend
to regret a fate that keeps me resident
in Paris. For men 1t is different, but
for madame and for you. mademoiselle
-ach" He shrugged his shoulders and
looked up to the ceiling in mute appeal
to the gods above it. Beauty, brillian-
cy, whitley are all lost in Russia.
What would Paris say II it knew
what it was losing?" he added in a
low tone to Eta, who smiled, well
distinguish between i%mpertinence and
6attery. And indeed they are SO close
~ allied that the distinction is subtle.
Steinmetz, on the left hand of the
marquise, addressed one or two re-
marks to chat lady, who replied with
her mouth full. He soon discovered
that that which was before her inter-
ested her more than anything around,
and during the banquet he contented
himself by uttering an exclamation Of
delight at a particular flavor which
the lady was kind enough to point out
to him with an eloquent and emphatic
fork from time to time.
vassili noted this with some disgust.
BE would have preferred that Karl
Steinmetz We're greedy or more con-
versational.
But" the host added aloud. ladies
are SO good. Perhaps you are inter
ested in the peasants|
Eta looked Mt Steinmetz, who gave
an imperceptible nod.
Yes" she answered, II am"
Vassili followed her glance and found
Steinmetz eating with grave appre-
citation Of the fare provided.
"Ah," he said in an expectant tone,
''then you will no doubt pass much Of
your time in e%ndeavoring to alleviate
their troubles. their self inflicted trou-
bles, with all Difference to monsieur the
prince"
"Why with Difference to mey" asked
Paul, looking up quietly, with some
thing in his steady gaze that made
Maggie glance %anxiously at Steinmetz.
"Well, l understand that you hold
different opinions said the Russian.
mot at all" answered Paul. II ad.
NIT that the peasants nave themselves
to blame-just as a dog has himself
to blame when he is caught in a trap
as the case analogous? Let me rec
ommend those olives-I have then
from Barcelona by a courier"
"Quite," answered Paul; land it is
the obvious duty of those who know
better to teach the dog to avoid thu
places where the traps are set. Thanks
the olives are excellent"
"Ah,' said Vasslli, turning courteous
" to Maggie, 81 sometimes thank III.
star that | am not a landholder-onl.
q poor Dureaucrat. 1t is so difficult t.
comprehend these questions, mademoi
selle. But of all men in or out Of Rus
sia it is possible our dear prince know
best Of what he is talking"
"Oh, no! disclaimed Paul, with tina
gravity at which some were ready t
laugh. Il only Judge in a small wa!
from a small experience"
In such wise the conversation Wen
; on during the dinner, which was a lon
one. Continually. repeatedly. Vassil
J approached the subject of Osterno an
the daily life in that sequestered coun
try. But those who knew were silent
and 1t was obvious that Eta and Mag
gle were ignorant of the life to whic
they were going.
' 1t was only after dinner, in the draw
I ing ROOM, while musicians discourse
: OHenbach and Rossini from behind
screen Of fern and flower, that Vassi
found an opportunity Of addressin
himself directly to Eta. In part sh
desired this opportunity, with a breatl
3 less apprehension behind her bright 81
b ciety smile. Without her assistance h
never would have had it.
q 1T is most kind Of you" he said !
French, which language had been sp'
q ken all the evening in courtesy to tt
maruuise. who was now ~asleep-"it
most kind of you to condescend to Wis
my poor house. princess. Believe IN
u l feel the honor deeply. When you fir
], came into the room-you may have Of
served i'll was quite taken aback. l
Il have read in books of beauty cap
BILE of taking away a mans breat
You must excuse mel am a pla,
n spoken man. | never met it until tn
evening"
Eta excused him readily enoug
re She could forgive plenty of pla@
speaking of this description.
a 81 only hope that you will honor ia
ia on your way home to England
II. went on Vassili, who bad a n
e, knack of judging men and women, e
= pecially shallow ones. Now, VINE
may that be? When may we hope