The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1912-03-29
The Invalid
A Russian NObleman Injured
While Hunting Is Entertained
by a Charming Woman
BY GEORGE BECkWITH

A party Of gentlemen were hunting
in the province of lula, in Russia.
One Of them, Count Radzimoff, man |
about thirty-two and Of very ar!sto-
cratic mien, was thrown from his
horse and injured. On an eminence
near by appeared a castle Of modern
build. and the counts servant was
sent there to inquire II his master
would be welcome until he might re-
cover from his injuries. The servant
rode to the castle, asked for the own
er and was ushered into the presence
of young and beautiful woman.
MY master" he said. Count Radzi-
mott. while hunting in the forest be-
low has fallen from his horse and
sent me to learn II he may beg iodg-
ment here until 1t can be determined
If he is able to proceed to the capital"
At the name Radzimoff the lady
started. When the man had made his
request she called for the master of
her stables and ordered him to get out
the most comfortable conveyance for
an invalid. go with the lackey and
bring the count to the castle. Before
the departure Of the carriage she said
to its driver:
Answer no questions concerning
me-" Then, calling her household to-
gether, she said to them, During the
stay In the castle Of the gentleman
who is coming you are to remember
that I am Nine. Murienieff and am
to be addressed solely as Madame"
On the counts arrival madame met
him at the steps and herself assisted
him into the castle. Her reception of
him was full OF sympathy, even ten
derness. She placed him on lounge
In the great hall or living room, where,
his head resting on pillows and cover
ed by an afghan, she bid him remain
quiet until the arrival of physician
| for whom she had sent. She met the
doctor without on the porch and said
| to him.
Doctor. | have received as my guest
gentleman who has been injured
| by a fall from his horse. Whatever
his condition. you are to tell him
that he will not be able to leave the
castle for at least week"
The doctor carried out his instruc-
| tons. and when he left his patient
madame went into the room where the
count was lying and bent over him
alphabetically.
"That rascaly doctor says l must
| thr,,at .,yyalf nnOn NOT, faf. N xvhnIa
week." said Radzimoff.
you shall be my welcome guest for
| that time and longer"
But the hunt shall miss that"
Il am sorry for you. but shall en-
deavor to make your enforced stay
here as endurable MS possible"
II shall be needed at the capital
hold position at the palace. and his
majesty has given me leave for but a
few days"
| His majesty, IL he values you, win
not risk your life by calling for you to
come before your physician gives per-
mission. I will write an explanation
for you"
Nonsense! | can write perfectly
we'll Indeed. | don't believe word
that stupid doctor says. can certainly
| go to st. Petersburg, even If 1t is not
best for me to continue the hunt"
She brought writing materials, but
his reclining position was not con-
ducive to scribbling. and his hand
trembled. So she did the work for him.
And now" she said. las your host
ess 1t is my bounden duty to relieve, so
far as possible. the tedium of your cap
tivity. There are chess. checkers, cards
| and books Which shall 1t beT'
The count, touched by her kindness,
apologized for not having shown his
appreciation of 1t before and said that
he would prefer the books. So she
went to her library and selected several
volumes. which she brought to him ana
read to him the titles. that he mighs
designate one he would prefer He Sc
lected novel. and. drawing a chair
close beside the lounge, she began to
read from It.
Madame devoted herself continu-
ously to the count. His bedroom was
directly Off the living room and on the
same floor. Every morning her serv-
ant dressed him and assisted him into
the living room, where he at first
took to the lounge. but soon insisted on
an easy chair. Madame read to him,
played games with him and cooked
dainties for him with her own hands,
studying continually how she might
administer to his comfort There is
no more certain way for woman to
win her way to mans heart than
by caring for him in his Illness. In
the present case there was but one
drawback to the lady's method-the
count was perfectly we'll
The doctor called every day, felt the
patients pulse. examined black and
blue spot on his leg. took his temporal
ture, looking wise and thoughtful all
the time, and at each departure ma
dame slipped 10 rubles into his hand.
At the end of the week, before enter
ing the so called sickroom. he said to
her:
The count will probably ask me.
now that the first week has passed,
II he can be moved. What shall tell
himrs
He will not ask you, but II he does