The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1905-03-17
Henry Seton Merriman

wealthy, both educated, both intclli-
gent. He, simple minded, earnest, quite
absorbed in his happiness, because that
happiness seemed to fall in so easily
with the buster and, as some might
say. the nobler side of his ambition;
she, failing to understand his aspira-
tons, thinking only of his wealth.
But" she said at length, shall you
-we-be allowed to do all this! l
thought that such schemes were not
encouraged in Russia. 1t is such pity
to pauperiZe the people
You cannot pauperiZe a man VINO
has absolutely nothing replied Paul.
"Of course we shall have diihcultles,
but together | think we shall be able
to overcome them"
Eta smiled synpatheticaily, and the
smile finished up, as it were, with
CLEAN very like amusement. she mad
been vouchsafed for a moment vision
of herself in some squalid Russian vii
lage in a hideous Russian made tweed
dress discensin~ the necessaries of life
to Il people only little raised above the
beasts of the field. The vision made
her smile, as well it might In st. Pc
tersburg life might be tolerable for
little in the height of the season, for 4
few weeks of the brilliant northern
winter, but in no other part of Russia
could she dream of dwelling.
They sat and talked of their future
as lovers will, knowing as little of it as
any of us, building up castles in the
air, such edifices as we have all con-
structed, destined no doubt to the same
rapid collapse as some of us have
uuailed under Paul. with lamentable
honesty. talked almost as much of his
STUPID peasants as of his beautiful
companion, which pleased her not too
well. Eta with strange persistence,
brought the conversation ever back
and back to the house in London, the
house in ST. Petersburg. the great grim
castle in the government Of Tver and
the princely rent roll. And once on the
subject of Tver. Paul could scarce be
brought to leave it.
81 am going back there lie said at
length
''When?" she asked, with a compo-
sure which did infinite credit to her
modest reserve. Her love was jealous
ly guarded. 1t lay too deep to be dis
turbed by the thought that her lover
would leave her soon.
Tomorrow" was his answer.
She did not speak at once Should
she try the extent of her power over
him? Never was lover so chivalrous,
so respectful, SO sincere. If it proved
less powerful than she suspected she
would at all events be credited with
very natural aversion to parting from
him.
Paul" she said, "you cannot do
that. Not so soon. l cannot let you
60"
He flushed up to the eyes suddenly.
like a girl. There was little pause,
and the color slowly left his face.
Somehow that pause frightened Eta.
81 am afraid l must co. he said
gravely at length.
"Must-a r,~ince?'
at is on 1A.t account" he replied.
''Then am to conclude that you arc
more devoted to your peasants than to
me?'
He assured her TO 8, contrary she
tried once again, but nothing could
move him from his decision.
1t almost seemed rs if the abrupt de
parture of her lover was in some sense
a relief to Eta Sydney scarborough,
for willie he, lover-li!le. was grave and
earnest during the small remainder of
the evening she continued to be
sprightly and gay. The last lie saw of
her was her smiling face at the win
dow as her carriage drove away.
Arrived at the little house in upper
Brook street Maggie and Eta went in
to the drawing room. where biscuits
and wine Were set out. Their maids
came and took their cloaks away, leav-
ing them alone.
Paul and l are engaged" said Eta
suddenly. She was picking the with
cred flowers from her dress and throw i
ing them carelessly on the table
Maggie was standing with her back
to her, with her two hands on the man
telpiece. She was about to turn round
when she caught sight of her own face
in the mirror, and that which she saw
there made her change her intention.
Il am not surprised" she said in an
even voice, standing like statue. Il
you. think he is nice"
''You also think lie is too good for
me-" said Eta, with little laugh. /
There was something in that laugh |!
a ring of wounded vanity, the wounded |
vanity of bad woman who is i'll the !
presence of her superior.
NO" answered Maggie slowly, trac.
ing the veins of the marble across the |
moo, not that"
Eta looked up at her. 1t was rather !
singular that she did not ask what |
Maggie did think
CIT A