Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-01-20
Woodstock. VI. Jan. 20. 1912
The Invalid !
A Russian NObIeman Injured
While Hunting Is Entertained
by a Charming Woman
By GEORGE BECKWTTH

A party Of gentlemen were hunting
IN the province Of lula, In Russia.
Ono OF them, Count Radzimoff, a man
about thirty-two and of very aristo-
cratic mien, was thrown from his
horse ana injured. On an eminence
near by appeared a castle Of modern
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
or and was ushered into the presence
Of q young and beautiful woman.
my master" he said, Count Radzi-
mon. 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 It can be determined
II he In able to proceed to the capital"
At the name RadEimon 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
tho departure OF the carriage she said
30 its driver:
Answer no questions concerning
me" Then, calling her household to-
gether, she said to them, During the
stay I'm the castle of the gentleman
who IN coming you are to remember
that am Nine. Murienieff and am
30 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
6erness. She placed him on q lounge
IN the great hall or living room, where,
his head resting ON pillows and cover
cd 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
30 him:
Doctor, I have received as my guest
q gentleman who has been injured
by a fall from his horse Whatever
his condition, you are to tell him
that he viii not be able to leave the
castle for at least q week."
The doctor carried out his instruc-
lions, 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 I must
thrust myself upon you for a whole
week." said Radzimoff.
'You shall be my welcome guest for
that time and longer"
'.But the huntr--I shall miss that"
II am sorry for you, but I shall en-
deavor TO make your enforced stay
here as endurable as possible"
II shall be needed at the capital. I
hold a position at the palace, and his
majesty has given me leave for but a
few days"
''His majesty, II he values you, viii
mot risk your Life by calling for you to
come before your physician gives per-
mission. win write an explanation
Tor you"
'Nonsensel I can write perfectly
wen. Indeed, I don't believe a word
that stupid doctor says. can certainly
10 20 st. Petersburg, even If It is not
best for mo to continue the hunt"
She brought writing materials, but
his reclining position was not con-
ducive to scribbling, and his hand
trembled. 30 she did the work for him.
"And now" she said, "as your host
ess Il is my bounden duty to relieve, 80
far M possible, the tedium Of your cap
tivity. There are chess, checkers, cards
and books Which shall It ber'
Tho count, touched by her kindness,
apologiSed for not having shown his
appreciation Of It before and said that
he would prefer the books. 80 she
went to her library and selected several
volumes, which she brought to him and
read to him the titles, that he might
designate one he would prefer. He Sc
lected a novel, and, drawing a chair
close beside the lounge. she began to
read from It.
Madame devoted herself continu-
ousty to the count. His bedroom was
directly or 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 a 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 well
The doctor called every day. felt the
patients pulse, examined black and
blue spot on his leg. took his tempera-
ture, looking wise and thoughtful all
the time, and ut each departure ma
dame slipped 10 rubles into his hand.
AT the end of the week, before enter
ing the 80 called sickroom, he said to
her:
'.rhe count WIN probably ask me.
now that the first week has passed.
II he can be moved. What shall tell
himr'
''He win not ask you, but II he does
tsIi him he must remain another
week. 1
-Just So" remarked the doctor and