Ainslee's Magazine, February 1913 — page 33: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE POINT OF VIEW movement that he was ready to follow the waiting servant, and soon found himself being shown into Count Rou- movski’s sitting room. It was luxu- riously appointed, and presented every appearance of manly comfort. There were quantities of books and papers about, and the smell of excellent cigars, and put carelessly aside were various objets d'art which antique dealers had evidently sent for his grand seigneur’s approval. Count Roumovski was standing by the mantelpiece, and looked very tall and commanding in his evening dress. “It is most good of you to come,” he said, while he indicated a big armchair for his visitor to sit in—he did not offer to shake hands. ‘It was certainly my duty to have called upon you; my only apology for getting you to ascend here is that the subject I wish to converse with you upon is too serious for both of us to admit of interruptions.” “Indeed!” said Mr. Medlicott pomp- ously, growing more surprised each moment. “And may I ask the nature of your trouble?” Count Roumovski did not change his position by the mantelpiece, and he kept still as a bronze statue as he spoke in a courteous tone. “It is not a trouble at all,’ he began gravely. “On the contrary, it is a great joy and honor for me. I will state the facts immediately: I understand that for a short while you have been engaged to be married to Miss Stella Rawson, the niece of the respected English cler- gyman, the Reverend Ebley e “Pardon me,” interrupted Mr. Medli- cott acidly, “but I do not see how my private affairs can interest you, sir—I cannot——” But the host in turn interrupted him. “Tf you will be so good as to listen patiently, you will find that this matter is of vital importance. May I pro- ceed ?” : Mr. Medlicott bowed; what more could he do? Count Roumovski went on: “T understand that Miss Rawson never showed very strong affection for you, or great desire for this union, so ‘row forehead. 23 what I have to ask now is if you, as a gentleman, will release her from lier promise to you and set her free?” “Upon my word, sir, this is too much!” Mr. Medlicott exclaimed, start- ing to his feet. ‘‘By what authority do you say these preposterous things? You were only introduced to Miss Raw- son and myself to-night. You must be mad!” “No, I am quite sane—and I say them upon the best authority,” Count Rou- movski continued, ‘‘because I love Miss Rawson myself, and I am deeply hon- ored by believing that in return she loves me—not you at all. Therefore, it is common sense to ask you to release her and let her be happy with the per- son she prefers—is it not so?” Eustace Medlicott had grown white with anger and astonishment as he lis- tened, and now broke in hotly, forget- ful of his intoning voice, or anything but his outraged dignity: “When have you had the opportu- nity to try and undermine the faith of my betrothed, may I ask? Supposing you are saying this seriously, and not as some ill-timed jest.” Count Roumovski lifted his eyebrows a little, and looked almost with pity at his adversary. ‘We are not talking in the heroic manner,” he replied, un- moved by the other’s taunt. “We are, I presume, two fairly intelligent men discussing this affair together. There has been no question of undermining. Miss Rawson and myself found we un- derstood one another very soon after we first met. Surely you must realize, sir, that love cannot be commanded—it will not come, or go, at one’s bidding. These ridiculous bonds of convention, holding to a promise given when the spirit to keep it is no longer there, can ruin people’s lives.” Mr. Medlicott drew himself up. He was not quite so tall as the Russian, but of no mean height, and his intense, ascetic face, emaciated to extreme lean- ness, now reddened with passion, while the veins stood out upon his high, nar- He was always very irritable when crossed, and his obstinate nature was strongly combative. Com HOOK (C@