The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-04-06
distinguish between impertinence and
lattery. And indeed they are SO close
lY allied that the distinction Ia SUBTLE h.

fattery. And indeed they are SO close
II allied that the distinction is subtle.
Steinmetz, on the left hand of the
marquise, addressed one 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 an exclamation of
delight at 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.
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, 81 am"
| Vassili followed her glance and found
Steinmetz eating with grave appre-
citation of the fare provided
"Ah," he said in an expeetant 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.
"Well, I understand that you hold
different opinions said the Russian.
"Not at all" answered Paul. II ad-
nit that the peasants have themselves
to blame-just as dog has himself
to blame when he is caught in a trap
"1s the case analogous? Let me rec
ommend those olives-I have them
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 the
places where the traps are set. Thanks,
the olives are excellent"
| "Ah," said Vassili, turning courteous
| ~ to Maggie, II sometimes thank my
star that I am not landholder-only
a poor bureaucrat 1t is so difficult to
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"
ooh, nor' disclaimed Paul, with that
gravity at which some were ready to
laugh. II only judge in small way
from small eynerience"
In such wise the conversation went
on during the dinner, which was long
one. Continually, repeatedly, Vassili
approached the subject of Osterno and
the daily life in that sequestered coun-
try. But those who knew were silent,
and it 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 breath
less apprehension behind her bright So
ciety smile. Without her assistance be
never 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,
I feel the honor deeply. When you first
came into the room-you may have OBJ
served it was quite taken aback l.
Il have read in books Of beauty capa-
BILE Of taking away mans breath.
You must excuse mel. am a plain
spoken man. I never met it until this
evening""
Eta excused him readily enough.
She could forgive plenty Of plain
speaking of this description.
II only hope that you will honor Par
is on your way home to England,
went on Vassili, who had wonderful
knack of judging men and women, es-
pecially shallow ones. "Now, when
may that be? When may we hope to
see you again? How long will you be
in Russia, and''-
'This Vassili is the best English
scholar I know" broke in Steinmetz,
who had approached somewhat quiet
| ~. "But he will not talk, princess
| is SO shy
Paul was approaching also. It was
II o'clock, he said, and travellers who
had to make an early start would do
we'll to get home to bed.
When the tall doors had been closed
behind the departing guests, Vassili
walked slowly to the fireplace
He stood biting at his thumb nail
looking at the door through which Eta
Alexis had just passed in all the glory
Of her beauty, wealth and position
''The woman" he said slowly, "who
sold me the Charity league papers, and
she thinks do not recognize her!'