Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1905-05-04

AASIAS AhSSNiAA6 LA " Ao'S ~
strange way of proving the truth Of
your own statements"
"What Statements"
She gave a little laugh. Her atti-
tude, her glance, the cunning display
Of a perfect figure, the laugh, the
whole woman, was the incarnation OF
practiced coquetry. She did not ad-
NIT even to herself that she was afraid
Of De ChauXville, but she was play
ing her best cards in her best name
She had never known them fail.
Claude de Chauxville was n little
white about the lips. His eyelids flick
cred, but by an effort he controlled
himself, and she did not see the light in
his eyes for which she looked.
"1f you mean," he said coldly, 1.-THE
statement that l made to you before
you were married-namely, that 1 love
you'll am quite content to leave the
proof till the future. know what 1
am about, madame"
He took his watch from his pocket
and consulted it.
II must go in five minutes" he said.
II have a few instructions to give you.
to which I must beg your careful at
tention."
He looked up, meeting Etta's some
what sullen gaze with a smile Of tri-
umph.
1T is essential" he went on, that 1
be invited to Osterno. l do not want
to stay there long-indeed, 1 do not
care to. But l must see the place. l
dare say you can compass the invita-
ton, madame?"
ut will be difficult"
"And therefore worthy of your en-
deavor. l have the greatest regard for
your diplomatic skill. 1 leave the mat
ter in your hands, princess"
Eta shrugged her shoulders and
looked past him out of the window. De
Chauxville was considering her face
carefully.
Another point to be remembered"
he went on, sis your husbands daily
life at Osterno. The prince is not
watching him. He is suspected of
~propagating revolutionary ideas among
the ~peasantry. I should like you to
find out as much as you cur Perhaps
you know already. Perhaps he has
told you, princess. I know that beau
tiful face. He has told you. Good.
Docs he take an interest in the peas
ants?"
Eta did not answer.
Kindly give me your attention ma
dame. Does the prince take an inter-
est in the %peasants?"
Eyes"
"An active interest"
eyes"
"Have you any details?"
"No," answered Eta.
Then you will watch him and pro-
cure those Details"
Etta's face was defiant and pale.
De Chauxville never took his eyes
from it.
II have undertaken q few small COM
missions for an old friend Of yours. NJ.
Vassili. whom you obliged once be-
fore" he said, and the defiance faded
from her eyes.
"The authorities cannot in these dis
turbed times afford to tolerate princes
Of al Independent turn Of mind. Such
men are apt to make the peasant think
himself more. important than he Is. I
dare say, madame, that you are already
tired Of Russia. 1t might perhaps serve
your ends If this country was made q
little too hot for your husband. eh? l
see your proud lips quivering, princess!
1t is well to keep the lips under con-
troll. We. who deal in diplomacy, know
where to look for such signs. Yes. l
dare say I can get you out Of Russia
forever. But you must be obedient.
You must reconcile yourself to the
knowlstxe that you have met-your
master"
He bowed in his graceful way,
spreading out his hands in mock hu-
mility.
"A lenient MASTER pursued the
Frenchman, whose vanity was tickled
by the word. II do not ask much.
One thing is to be invited to Osterno.
Ildt ! Hlay Ue near You. The other is
a humble request for details of your
daily life, that l may think of YOU
when absent"
Eta drew in her lips, moistening
them as if they had suddenly become
parched.
De Chauxville glanced at her and
moved toward the door. He paused.
with his fingers Oh tie handle, and,
looking back over his shoulder. he
said:
Have l made myself quite clear?"
Eta was still looking out OF the win.
dow with hard, angry eyes. She took
no notice Of the question.
De Chauxville turned the handle.
Again let me impress upon YOU the
ACCESSIBILITY Of implicit obedience" he
said, with delicate in%solence. 81 men
toned the Charity league, but that is
not my strongest claim upon your at-
tention. have another interesting lit
tie detail Of your life, which l will re.
serve until another time"
He closed the door behind him, leav.
ing Eta white 1innod