Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-09
The Argus Daily Story
The Invalid-By George Beckwith
Copyrighted, 1911. by Associated Literary Bureau

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 I'M
touched.
At II O'clock the count sent q serv-
ant to madame TO ask after her and
to express his disappointment that she
would not be able TO read to him. At
. In the afternoon he sent another
message, begging that she would make
an effort TO visit him If only for a few
minutes; he was desperately lonely.
Before dinner, which they had been
accustomed to eat together. he sent
word that IL he could not have her
company no dinner need be provided
for him. At 10 in the evening he de-
clared that If 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 break fast 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 benefactressr' he exclaimed.
as it only gratitude that moves
you7" she asked, lowering her eyes.
10 hot 7 hot
having become accustomed to your
ministrations, 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, I'VE
must part"
But" rejoined the count, putting
his hand on his side, "the motion has
brought on a terrible pain"
81 think" said madame, smiling,
that you are 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
q 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.
That evening when madame and the
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 is?'
"You know of a custom with us here
in Russia by which a woman who K
not noble may marry a noble and thug
acquire his title OF nobility. Some
times a wealthy woman will pay
handsome sum to an impecunlous 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, 1t was necessary
that l should either raise 100000 ru-
bles to pay off the debt or lose them.
At this time my eye caught an adver-
tisement of young girl who had just
come into q large fortune for q hus-
| "a al a m ho
honor conferred upon her, the two to
part Immediately after the marriage.
l 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 l 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
married." asked madame.
Il have forgotten"
WAS it Murianieff?"
The count started. ut was. What
do you know of herr
"She is very near to me-"
"Near to your
Yes; 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 a low tone. The servant
departed, and the count fastened to
say:
Tell me about your twin sister. Is
she as loyable IA your"
I'VE have the same disposition
Il would see her-but, no; she would
not be you"
At this moment the servant return
ed bearing letter on a salver Ma
dame took it, glanced at the super
scription and handed II TO the count.
Countess Radzimoff" he exclaimed.
81 am the Countess Radzimoff." said
madame quietly. II paid you in hard
cash for your name and title"
And l return it with my love" he
said "As my wife the money is your;