The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-01-18

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 mistress?" asked the
count In a dissatisfied tone
Madame is indisposed this morn
ing"
Madame was listening at the door.
"Umph"
The servant set the breakfast down
on table beside the count and left
him to eat alone. When the dishes
were carried ont madame was In the
pantry to inspect them. She smiled at
noticing that the breakfast vas IN
touched.
At II o'clock the count sent 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 II only for 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 IL 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 breakfa 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 bencfactress" he exclaimed
rs 1t only gratitude that moves
you?' she asked, lowering her eyes.
"Yes==no. 1t is both | mean that l,
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 able" cried the count and.
getting up from his chair, he plrouet-
ted around the room.
Madame looked sad. The count asked
what was the matter.
Since you are we'll she said, we
must part"
But rejoined the count, putting
his hand on his side the motion has
brought on n terrible pain"
II think" said madame. smiling,
that you are we'll 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 a pile of fur robes and went for
drive.
That evening when madame and the
count We're sitting before n great open
fireplace the count looked very sad
What troubles youf' 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 woman who is
not noble may marry a noble and thus
acquire his title OF nobility. Some
times wealthy woman will pay
handsome sum TO an impecunlous mo-
bleman to marry her, the two parting
not to meet again. rs soon as the cere-
mony has been performed My heredi
tary estates came TO me very much in
numbered Indeed, il WAS necessary
that | should either raise 100000 ru-
bles to pay off the debt or lose them
At this time my eye caught an adycr
y
come into a large fortune for hus-
band with Il title she 10 pay for the
honor conferred upon her. the two to
part Immediately after the marriage.
| opened negotiations with this woman.
and the result was an agreement by
which she was to pay 100000 rublcs
and be my wife IN name SO distaste-
full was the sale to me that | stipulated
the ceremony should take place Ivy
proxy. | never saw my wife"
The count hcaved sigh at finishing
his confession
What was the name of the girl you
married. asked madame.
~ have forgotten"
Was it Murianieff?'
The count started 1t was What
do you know OF her"
"She is very near to me-"
Near to YOU
yes; we are twins"
Madame arose and touched n bell
\ servant came, whom she met Mt the
door and to whom she gave some in
Rtructions in low tone. The servant
departed and the count FASTENED to
say:
TEL me about your twin sister. Is
she as loyable as you
I'VE have the same disposition
Il would see her-but. no; she would