The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1905-05-12

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, l understand that you hold
| different opinions" said the Russian.
mot at all" answered Paul Il adj
nit that the peasants have themselves
to blame-just as dog has himself
to blame when he is caught in trap"
as the case analogous? Let me rec
ommend those olives-I have them
from Barcelona by 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
ly to Maggie, Il sometimes thank my
star that l am not landholder-only
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"
"Oh, nor G:sc..is.nd Paul with
gravity at which some were rea1y to
laugh. Il only judge in small way
from small experience"
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
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 he
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,
1 feel the honor deeply. When you first
came into the room-you may have OBJ
served it-t was quite taken aback. L
Il have read in books of beauty capa-
BILE of taking away mans breath.
You must excuse mel am plain
spoken man. l 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 l known broke in Steinmetz,
who had approached somewhat quiet
ly "But he will not talk, princess-he
is so shy"
Paul was approaching also. 1t 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 tail doors mad 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.
1.-THE woman" he said slowly, "who
sold me the Charity league papers, and
she thinks / do not recognize her!'