Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1912-02-08
The Invalid
A Russian kObIemdn Injured
While Hunting Is Entertained
by a Charming Woman
by GEORGE BECkWlTH
BY GEORGE BECkWlTH

III tue pihAlhCe VI lului III huSNlds
One Of them. Count Radzimoff, a man
about thirty-two and of very aristo-
| cratic mien, was thrown from his
horse and injured. On an eminence
near by appeared castle of modern
! build. and the counts servant was
sent there 10 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 II he may beg a lodg
ment here until it can be determined
| if be 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 its 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 | am Nine. Murienieff and am
- 10 a ~ T.,
On the counts arrival madame met
him at the steps and herself assisted
him into the castle. Her reception OF
him was fun of sympathy, even ten
! derness. She placed him on a 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 physician
for whom 81 had sent She met the
doctor without OIL the porch and said
to him.
doctor. | have received as my guest
gentleman who has been injured
by fall from his horse Whatever
his condition, you are to tell him
that he win not be able to leave the
castle for at least n week"
The doctor carried out his instruc-
tions, and when he left his patient
madame went into the room where the
count was lying ard bent over him
sympathetically.
"That rascally doctor says | must
thrust myself upon you for whole
week" said Radzimoff
You shan be my welcome guest for
that time and longer
But the hunt shall miss that"
Il am sorry for you, but / shall en-
deayor to make your enforced stay
here as endurable as possible"
Il shall be needed at the capital |
hold a position at the palace, and his
majesty has given me leave for but
few days
His majesty If he values you, win
not risk your life by calling for you to
come before your physician gives per
mission | win write an explanation
for you"
Nonsense. can write perfectly
well. Indeed. | don't believe word
that stupid doctor says can certainly
go to St Petersburg, even if It is not
best for me to continue the hunt"
She brought writing materials but
his reclining position was not con
ducive to scribbling and his hand
trembled So she did the work for him
and now, she said, las your host
ess it Is my bounden duty to relieve, SO
far as possible. the tedium Of your cap
tiyity. There are chess checkers, cards
and books Which shaI 1t be-"
The count touched By her kindness
apologized for not hay shown his
appreciation of it before I'd said that
he would prefer the be- s. SO she
went TO her library and SO ted several
volumes which she brough 10 him and
read to him the titles thu he might
designate one he would pre- r. He Sc
lected a novel and drawiug chair
close beside the lounge. she began to
read from it,
Madame devoted herself contfnu-
ouSly to the count His bedroom was
directly off the living room and ON the
same floor Every morning her serv
ant dressed h.m and assisted him into
the living room, where he at first
took to the lounge. but soon insisted on
an easy uhair Madame read 20 him.
played games with him nd cooked
dainties for him with her own hands
studying continually how she might
administer 10 his comfort There IS
no more certain way for woman to
win her way 10 a mans heart than
by caring fur him I'm his illness. In
the present ease there was bur one
drawback 10 the mdy's method the
count was perfectly we'll
The doctor called every day, felt the
PATIENTS pulse examined a black and
blue SPOT ON his leg took his temrera
ture, looking wise and thoughtful am
the time ana ar each departure ma
dame Slipped 10 rublcs into his hand
At the end of the week. before enter
Ing the SO called sickroom. he said TO
her
THE count viii probably ask me
now that che first week as passed
II ne can Sc moved What shall I ten
him."
Tie win not ASK you but il he does