Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-01-20

the latter hnd Forgotten CnhI the week
Of his captivity had expired or wheth-
er he feared the doctor would tell him
he could go, he did not mention the
matter. He continued to enjoy the at
tentions of madame, and since he re-
ceived an order from st. Petersburg
not to risk anything by being moved
he remained passive and content.
Then one morning, instead of ma
dame bringing him his breakfast, a
servant brought 1t.
''Where is your mistressT asked the
count in dissatisfied tone.
MADAME IS indisposed this morn
ing"
Madame was listening at the door.
"Umphv'
The servant set the breakfast down
on a table beside the count and left
him to eat alone. When the dishes
were carried out madame was in the
pantry to inspect them. She smiled at
noticing that the breakfast was un-
touched.
At II o'clock the count sent a serv-
ant to madame to ask after her and
to express his disappointment that she
would not be able to read to him. At
2 In the afternoon he sent another
message, begging that she would make
an effort to visit him II only for few
minutes; he was desperately lonely.
Before dinner, which they had been
accustomed to eat together, he sent
word that If he could not have her
company no dinner need be provided
for him. At 10 In the evening he de-
clared that II she did not come to bid
him good night he would violate all
rules of propriety and go to her. To
this she sent word that she was better
and would breakfast with him in the
morning.
So the count, forced to go to bed
without seeing her, fretted all night,
and when In the morning he waited in
his easy chair for her to bring his
breakfast and saw her enter with the
tray, as usual, he was beside himself
with JOY. Rising and setting the tray
ON the table, he took both her hands In
his and carried them to his lips.
my benefactress" he exclaimed.
"Is 1t only gratitude that moves
your" she asked, lowering her eyes.
"Yes-no. 1t is both. mean that I,
having become accustomed to your
ministrahons, cannot get on without
them"
That was happy breakfast Ma
dame said she felt much better than
yesterday, but needed the air. She
would ride out, but regretted that the
count was not able to ride with her.
"But am ablew cried the count, and,
getting up from his chair, he pirouet-
ted around the room.
Madame looked sad. The count asked
what was the matter.
."Since you are WELL" she said, 1--WE
must part"
But" rejoined the count, putting
his hand on his side, "the motion has
brought on terrible pain"
'T think" said madame, smiling,
that you ase well enough to ride out,
but any violent motion Is still danger
GUS"
EXACTLY" exclaimed the count, sink
ing into his chair, with an apology for
a groan.
A pair Of horses and a sleigh were
ordered-for by this time the snow lay
deep on the ground-and the two got in
among pile of fur robes and went for
a drive.
count were sitting before a great open
fireplace the count looked very sad.
"What troubles your asked ma
dame.
Something that must separate me
from you" was the reply.
"And that something isr'
"You know of a custom with us here
In Russia by which a woman who is
not noble may marry a noble and thus
acquire his title of nobility. Some
times a wealthy woman will pay a
handsome sum to an impecunious no
bleman to marry her, the two parting,
not to meet again. as soon as the cere-
mony has been performed. My heredi.
tary estates came to me very much In
numbered. Indeed, It was necessary
that I should either raise 100000 ru.
bles to pay or the debt or lose them.
AT this time my eye caught an adver-
tisement of young girl who had just
come into a large fortune for a hus.
band with a title, she to pay for the
honor conferred upon her, the two 10
part Immediately after the marriage
opened negotiations with this woman
and the, result was an agreement by
which she was to pay 100000 rubles
and be my wife In name. So distaste.
full was the sale to me that stipulated
the ceremony should take place by
proxy. never saw my wife,"
The count heaved sigh at finishing
his confession.
what was the name of the girl you
] marriedr asked madame.
II have forgotten"
"was It MurianieffT
The count started. cit was. What
do you know of herr
"She is very near to me-"
"Near to your
Eyes; we are twins"
Madame arose and touched a bell
A servant came, whom she met at the
door and to whom she gave some in.
structions in low tone. The servant
departed, and the count fastened to
say:
"Tell me about your twin sister Is
she as lovable as your
I'VE have the same disposition"
II would see her-but, no; she would
| NOT he Won"