Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1905-04-06

USSlll oAu SLOOA Il KUN eve
glass chidingly.
"Ah, my friend, your old pernicious
habit of calling q spade a spade! 1t is
unfortunate that they should hunger a
little, but what will you? They must
learn to be provident, to work harder
and drink less. With such people expe-
rience is the only taskmaster possible.
1t is useless talking to them. 1t is dan
gerous to pauperize them. Besides, the
accounts that one reads in the news
papers are manifestly absurd and ex-
aggerated. You must not, mademoi-
selle," he said. turning courteously to
Maggie-"you must not believe all you
are told about Russia"
The table was ~gorgeously decorated;
the wine was perfect, the dishes Pa
risian. Everything was brilliant, and
Etta's spirits ose Such little things
affect the spirits of such little minded
women.
ut is exile; it is nothing short Of ex-
ile," protested Vassili, who led the con-
%versation. Much as I admire my W
country as a country, l do not pretend
to regret a fate that keeps me resident
In Paris. For men it 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 If it knew
what 1t was losingY he added in a
low tone to Eta, who smiled, we'll
pleased. She was not always able to
distinguish between impertinence and
fattery. And indeed they are so close
" allied that the distinction is subtle.
Steinmetz, on the left hand of the
marQuise, addressed n or two re-
marks to that 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 IN exclamation of
delight at a particular flavor which
the lady was kind enough to point out
~ him with an eloquent and emphatic
fork from time to time.
Vassili noted this with some disgust.
He would have preferred that Karl
Steinmetz were greedy or more con
versational.
But" the host added aloud, ladies
are so good. Perhaps you are inter
ested in the peasants?'
Eta looked at Steinmetz. who gave
an imperceptible nod.
EYES," 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 ~endeavoring to alleviate
their troubles, their self inflicted trou.
bles, with all Difference to monsieur the
prince"
"Why with Difference to me?' asked
Paul. looking up quietly. with some
thing in his steady gaze that made
Maggie glance anxiously at Steinmetz.
We'll. 1 understand that you hold
different opinions" said the Russian.
mot at all" answered Paul. II ad.
nit that the peasants have 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 them
from Barcelona by q courier"
Quite" answered Paul: land it is
the obvious duty of those who know
better to teach the dog to avoid the
places where the traps are set. Thanks
the olives are excellent"
"Ah." said Vassili. turning courteous.
ly to Maggie. II sometimes thank r1y
star that l am not u acknowledgements
q poor D%ureaucrat. 1t is so difficult &c
comprehend these questions. mademoi
selle. But Of all men in or out Of Rus.
STA it is possible our dear prince knows
best of what he is talking"
"Oh. no" disclaimed Paul. Wit, that
gravity at which some were ready tn
laugh. II only Judge in a small way
from q small experience"
In such wise the conversation went
on during the dinner. which was q long
one. Continually, repeatedly. Vassill
approached the subject Of Osterno and
TIE udlt NE Ill INA SeuueSIereu cOun-
try. But those who knew were silent.
and 1t was obvious that Eta and Mag.
gle were ignorant of the life to which
they were going.
1t was only after dinner, in the draw
ing ROOM. while musicians discoursed
Offenbach and Rossini from behind a
screen Of fern and flower, that Vassili
found an opportunity of addressing
himself directly to Eta. In part she
desired this opportunity, with a breath.
less apprehension behind her bright SO,
ciety smile. Without her assistance he
lever would have had it.
ut is most kind of you," he said in
French. which language had been spo-
ken all the evening in courtesy to the
marquise, who was now asleep-''it is
most kind Of you to condescend to visit
my poor house, princess. Believe me,
l feel the honor deeply. When you first
came into the .room-you may have OBJ
served i'll was quite taken aback. l.
Il have read In books Of beauty cupa-
bic Of taking away a mans breath.
You must excuse mel am a plain
spoken a l never met 1t until this
evening"