The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1905-06-02
CHAPTER XVIII.


- TIA did not move when Stein
metz approached, except. liz
deed, to push one foot farther
- out toward the warmth of the
wood fire. She certainly was very neat
ly shod. Steinmetz was one Of her few
failures. She had never got any near
er to the man.
81 wonder why" she said, looking
into the ire, you hate me-"
Il wonder why you think that of
me-" he replied.
"One cannot help perceiving that
which is obvious"
While that which is purposely made
obvious serves to conceal that which
may exist behind it, replied the stout
man.
Eta paused to reflect over this. Was
Steinmetz going to make love to her ?
She was not an inexperienced girl and
knew that there was nothing imposSi-
bic or even improbable in the thought.
She wondered what Karl Steinmetz
must have been like when he was 4
young man. How could she know that
his manner was always easiest, his
attitude always politist, toward the wo-
men whom he despised. In his way
this man was philosopher He had
u theory that an exaggerated polite
ness is an insult to woman's intel
lect.
You think do not care" said the
Princess Howard Alexis.
You think | do not admire you," re-
piled Steinmetz imperturbably.
She looked up at him.
do you not give me every reason to
think so?" she returned, with toss Of
the head.
Not Intentionally, princess. am, as
you know, a German of no very subtle
comprehension. My position in your
household appears to me to be u little
above the servants, although the prince
is kind enough to make a friend of me,
and his friends are so good as to do the
same. do not presume to form an
opinion upon YOU
But l want you to form an opinion"
she said petulantly.
Then you must know that l could
only form one which would be pleasing
to you"
Il know nothing of the Sort" re-
piled Eta. "Of course know that all
that you say about position is mere
irony. Paul thinks there is no one in
the world like YOU"
Steinmetz glanced sharply down at
her. He had never considered the pos.
s1Dility that she might love Paul Was
this, after all, jealousy? He had at
tributed it to vanity.
And l have no doubt he is right"
she went ON. Suddenly she gave lit
tie laugh. Don't you understand"
she said. Il want to be friends
She did not look at him, but sat with
pouting lips holding out her hand.
He took it in his great, warm soft
grasp, held it for a moment and re-
linquished it.
Il don't want you to address all your
conversation to Maggie and to ignore
me- Do you think Maggie SO very pref
ty"
There was twist beneath the gray
mustache as he answered: lis that all
the friendship you desire? Does it ex-
tend no further than a passing wish to
be first in petty riyalries of daily exist
ence? l am afraid. my dear princess.
that my friendship is a heavier matter,
clumsier thing. than that"
A big thing not easily moved" she
suggested, looking up, with her daunt-
less smile.
He shrugged his great shoulders.
ut may be. Who knows? / hope II
is" he answered.
1.-THE worst of those things is that
they are sometimes in the way" said
Eta refectiyely, without looking at
him.
And yet the life that is only con-
glomeration of trifieS is poor life to
look back upon
Meaning mine?" she asked.
your life has not been trifing," he
said gravely.
She looked up at him and then for
some moments kept silence while she
idly opened and shut her fan.
do you ever feel an unaccountable
sensation of dread" she asked, with a
weary little laugh, "a sort of forebod-
ing with nothing definite to forebode?"
"Unaccountable-no, replied Stein
metz. But. then, am a German-and
stout, which may make difference. I
have no nerves"
He looked into the fire through his
benevolent gold trimmed spectacles.
IS To; Dof. S,,.
asked abruptly. 81 think it is Peters
burg. hate Petersburg"
"Why Petersburg more than Moscow
or Mini or-Tyer?"
She drew in a long, slow breath,
looking him up and down the while
from the corners of her eyes.
i do not know" she replied collect