Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-09


One Of them, Count Radzimoff. man
about thirty-two and of very aristo-
cratic mien. was thrown from his
horse and injured. On an eminence
build, and the counts servant was
sent there to inquire If 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 a young and beautiful woman.
MY MASTER he said, Count RadZi-
moff, while hunting in the forest be-
low has fallen from his horse and
sent me to learn If he may beg a lodg-
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 It's 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 a physician
for whom she had sent. She met the
doctor without on the porch and said
to him:
Doctor, 1 have received as my guest
a gentleman who has been injured
by 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 a 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
sympathetically.
THAT rascally doctor says 1 must
thrust myself upon you for a whole
week." said Radzimoff.
you shall be my welcome guest fol
that time and longer"
"But the hunt shall miss that"
81 am sorry for you, but shall en-
deavor to make your enforced stay
here as endurable as possible
81 shall be needed at the capital.
hold a position at the palace, and hi
majesty has given me leave for but .
few days"
His majesty, If he values you, vii
not risk your life by calling for you t.
come before your physician gives per
mission. l will write an explanation
, for YOU"
Nonsense! 1 can write perfect,
, well. Indeed, don't believe wor,
that stupid doctor says. 1 can cestainl,
go to St Petersburg, even If it is no
best for me to continue the hunt"
r. She brought writing materials, bu
his reclining position was not cor
ducive to scribbling, and his ham
trembled So she did the work for hin
And now" she said, "as your host
ess 1t is my bounden duty to relieve, s
far as possible, the tedium Of your car
tivity. There are chess, checkers, card
and books. Which shall it be?'
Nv l.;
apologized for not having shown hi
appreciation of 1t before and said tina
he would prefer the books So sh
went to her library and selected sever;
volumes, which she brought to him an
read to him the titles, that he Nigh
designate one he would prefer. He 81
lected a novel, and. drawing a chat
close beside the lounge, she began I
read from il.
Madame devoted herself continl
Ously to the count. His bedroom wa
directly off the living room and on tn
same floor. Every morning her SER
ant dressed him and assisted him int
the living room, where he at fir!
took to the lounge, but soon insisted o
an easy chair. Madame read to hin
p, played games with him and cooke
y dainties for him with her own hand
studying continually how she migf
administer to his comfort. There
). no more certain way for a woman
win her way to a mans heart tina
by caring for him in his Illness.
the present case there was but or
I. drawback to the lady's method-tl
NJ count was perfectly well.
The doctor called every day, felt Il
patients pulse, examined a black an
, blue spot on his leg. took his temper
" ture. looking wise and thoughtful a
4 the time. and at each departure hi
dame slipped 10 rubles into his ham
At the end Of the week, before ente
n ing the so called sickroom, he said
- her:
THE count will probably ask 10
now that the first week has passe
n IL he can be moved What shall te
him?"
He will not ask you, but If he do
h tell him he must remain anoth'
AZ week"
n. "Just So" remarked the doctor AT