The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-05-04


small room, saw Paul lift Eft
a = ia from the sleigh, and the
Sight made her clinch her hands until
the knuckles shone like polished ivory.
She went slowly downstairs to the
long, dimly lighted drawing room. AS
she entered she heard her mothers
cackling voice.
Eyes, princess the countess was
saying, lit is quaint old house-lit.
tie more than fortified farm, I know
But my husbands family were always
strange. They seem always to have
ignored the little comforts and ele
gancies of life''
ut is most interesting" answered
Etta's voice, and Catrina stepped for
ward into the light.
Formal greetings were exchanged
and Catrina saw Eta look anxiously
toward the door through which she
had just come. She thought that she
was looking for her husband. But ii
was Claude de Chauxville for whose
appearance Eta was waiting.
Paul and Steinmetz entered at the
same moment by another door, and
Catrina, who was talking to Maggie in
English; suddenly stopped.
"Ah, Catrina," said Paul, 1--WE have
broken new ground for you. There
was no track from here to Osterno
through the forest. I made one this
afternoon, so you have no excuse for
remaining away now
"Thank you," answered Catrina,
withdrawing her cold hand hurriedly
from his friendly grasp.
Miss Delafeld," went on Paul, lad
mires our country as much as you do
II was just telling mademoiselle, -
said Maggie, speaking French with an
honest English accent.
Paul nodded and left them together.
eyes," the countess was saying at
the other end Of the gloomy room, Eyes,
we are greatly attached to Thors-
Catrina perhaps more than I. I have
some happy associations and many sor-
rowful ones. But then-mon Dieu-
how isolated we arev'
1T is rather far from-anywhere, -
acceded Eta, who was not attending,
although she appeared to be inter-
ested.
Ear! Princess, often wonder how
Paris and Thors can be in the same
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 a
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 a
little gratitude in the individual, but
none in the race''
"None," answered Eta absently.
1T was Sc with the Charity league
went on the countess volubly. Size
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
one friend to whom you may safely
mention that
"Ah! Bad example!" exclaimed the
countess playfully. you are there!
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 l 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. 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?
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. It 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