The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-09-08

1
A commotion swept through the
scattered groups in the foyer-a mur-
mur. rustic. a whisper that resolved
itself at last into the excited phrases:
"rhe widow has arrived? Twenty
millions and unincumbered!' widow
of Sadowa, the animated money bag!'
"a Monte Cristo fortune for some
lucky man, ''Her name is Sonia Sa-
dowa; twenty millions-red hair. too.
but a beautyw Twenty millions"
1.-THE Merry Widow"
Down the stairway from the dress
ing rooms and into the salon swept Il
woman-young, beautiful, vivacious. A
light of mischief danced in her great
dark eyes. 7..r.
Her masses of auburn hair shone
like an aureole above : llcr. rather
pale, delicate face. About her ihovcred
q half score Of galiants,. all Vying for
a word, look, from the beauty (and
fortune) Of the Paris season.
Two men-the Marquis Of Cascade
and the Count dc st. Briochc-wrre
lucky enough to claim for: 8 moment
or two her attention.
"No, nor Sonia was saying in pro-
test. ''At home, In .Marsovia.. men don't
make such pretty speeches. Courtship
there is very primitive and marriage
lis for life When a man makes love to
another's wife. he is promptly shot.
When a wife flirts, her husband beats
her black and blue7--a good plan. Why
not try it in Paris?'
"Dellghtful!' exclaimed Cascade. DO
You know, madame, we have been
counting the moments until you ap-
peared?'
Il can we'll believe it," asscntcd So.
mia. >''It must have been just like
counting money"
"Oh, madame" protested the group,
Mortified. 49,.
Don't know" rC,orted Sonia, a
little bitterly. "It's always like that
People count me like SO much money
If it is coarse for, me to- say so, re-
member I'm farmers daughter and
that in my country people. call 4 spade
a spade" - -.
popoff and Natalie came hurriedly in
to pay their respects TO the guest upon
whom Marsovia's hopes so depended.
At q sign from the ambassador the 9th.
ers drew back. ,.--. .,,.,.,..
$50 you were shocking some OF our
Paris gallants%' heamed the ambassa-
dor: "What child of:"nature' You
are" -: -. ~
"You nlnan.n countered Sonia, nthat, |
am peasant dressed up. How ! wish
sometimes that l were a real peasant
agaihr'
| y"Ah" chacklcd Popoff. "Chiid ofSna-
turc, true child Of. .nature,- a.:si ways
remembering the dear Old days on the
farm-the hlea1lpgNof the'pigs, the neW
laid milk. the. tomatoes, freshly dug
up and all the simple. Joys OF. the caun-
try! But want you to meet tonight
sorne of our Marsorian nobi!ity-for
Instance. Prince i: Danilo. a charming
young fellow. Hell be here presently.
Danilo .iX."- 80 -. ..,. ;,,;e" 80:
But the mischief had died out of
Sonia's eyes. Her face was Daler than
was its wont. and there WAS stern
look as of pain about the, ,dalntily
cbiseied mouth.
~ have already met PRINCE Daniio"
she said curtly.
Really" cried popoff. Then. not
ing her change of expression. he added
with apprehension: 49,,
II hope it was not OH one of his wet
days--a charming, lovabie yQungster
in spite OF his
Il am not interested in hearing about
him." broke III Sonia In Il .curiQusly
level. emotionIess voice. "It was long
ago that We met. He willsharc forgot
ten Inc even as--as l have forgotten
him. let us talk of something else.
please"
Even Popofr could see something was
seriously amiss.