Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1905-04-27

l eSCeU.
Far! Princess, I often wonder how
Paris and Thors can be In the SANE
world! Before our-our troubles we
used to live in Paris a portion of the
year. At least I did, while my poor
husband travelled about. He had II
hobby, you know, poor man! Humanity
was his hobby. I have always found
that men who seek to do good to their
fellows are never thanked. There is Il
little gratitude in the individual, but
none in the race"
"Nope," answered Eta absently.
ut was SO with the Charity league
went on the countess volubly. She
paused and looked around with her
feeble eyes.
I'VE are all friends,' she went on;
$50 it Is safe to mention the Charity
league, is it not?"
NO" answered Steinmetz from the
fireplace; mo madame. There is only
n friend to whom you may safely
mention that"
"Ah! Bad example!" exclaimed the
countess %playfully. You are there!
I did not see you enter. And who is
that friend?"
"The fair lady who looks at you from
your mirror" replied Steinmetz, with
a face of stone.
The countess laughed and shook her
cap to one side.
WELL" she said, II can do no harm
in talking Of such things, as 1 know
nothing Of them. Ny poor husband
my poor mistaken Stepan-placed no
confidence in his wife. And now he is
in Siberia. I believe he works in a
bootmaker's shop. I pity the people
who wear the boots, but perhaps he
| only puts In the laces. You hear, Paul?
He placed no confidence in his wife,
and now he is in Siberia. Let that be
a warning to you-eh, princess? I
hope he tells you everything"
"My dear countess, silence!" inter-
rupted Steinmetz at this moment,
breaking into the conversation in his
masterful way and enabling Eta to
get away. Catrina, at the other end
Of the room, was listening, hard eyed,
breathless. 1t was the sight of Catri-
mas face that made Steinmetz go for
ward. He had not been looking at
Catrina, but at Eta, who was perfect
in her composure and steady self con-
troll.
do you want to enter the boot trade
also?" asked Steinmetz cheerfully, in
a lowered voice.
Heaven Forbid" cried the countess.
"Then let us talk of safer things"
The short twilight was already
brooding over the land. The room,
lighted only by small square windows,
grew darker and darker until Catrina
rang for lamps.
II hate a dark room," she said short
ly to Maggie.
When De Chauxville came in a few
minutes later Catrina was at the piano.
The room was brilliantly lighted, and
on the table cleaned and glittered the
silver tea things. The intermediate
meal had been disposed of, but the
samovar had been left alight, as is the
habit at Russian afternoon teas.
Catrina looked up when the French
man entered, but did not cease play
ing.
There is no need for introductions, l
think" said the countess.
1--WE all know M. de Chauxville," re-
piled Paul quietly, and the two men
exchanged a glance.
De Chauxville shook hands with the
newcomers and while the countess pre-.
pared tea for him launched into a long
description Of the, preparations for the
bear hunt Of the following day.
The Frenchman was really full Of in
formation and enthusiasm. There were
many details upon which he required
PauFs advice, and the two men talked
together with less constraint than they
had hitherto done. De Chauxville had
picked up a vast deal Of technical mat
ter and handled his little knowledge
with a skill which babe fair to deprive
it Of its %proverbial danger. He pres.
emily left SteinmetZ, and the prince en-
gagged in a controversy with the coun-
tess as to a meeting place at the lunch
cor hour.
Maggie and Catrina were at the pi-
ano. Eta was looking at q bOOk of
photographs.
"a charming house, princess" said
De Chauxville in a voice that all could
hear while the music happened to be
soft. But Catrina's music was more
remarkable for strength than for soft
ness.
"Charming," replied Eta.
The music rose into q swelling burst
Of harmonious chords.
Il must see you, princess" said De
Chauxville.
Eta glanced across the room toward
her husband and Steinmetz.
"Alone." added the Frenchman cool
ly.
Eta turned a page of the album and
looked critically into q photograph.
"Must?" she said, with a little frown
"Must!" repeated De Chauxville.
"a word 1 do not care about" said
Eta. with raised eyebrows.
The music was soft again.
1T is ten years since l held q rifle
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