The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

se BY RIGHT OF SWORD, ‘““ Give it up,’’ I said, with a smile. ‘It’s that smile of yours fetches ’em, I believe,’’ said Essaieff, smiling in his turn. ‘‘It inakes your face one of the pleasantest things in the world to look at.’’ He had ripened quickly into a very familiar friend and we were great chums now. 7 ‘‘ What is there you want me to do, old man? You wouldn’t waste that flower of speech for nothing.’’ ‘Well, something’s done it. I have been asked to present you to one of the wealthiest, most beautiful, and most influential women in Moscow—the Princess Weletsky; and asked in terms which seemed to imply that the honor of the introduction will be conferred on her.’’ ‘‘The Princess Weletsky? Who is she?’ I inquired in absolute ignor- ance, | © ‘‘ That’s just like you, Alexis. I’m getting to know that sweet innocence of yours. Whenever I mention a name that all Russia knows, you make the same lame show and ask who’s he, or who’s she? You’ve heard of her a thousand times. You can’t help hearing of her. You couldn’t if you tried.” ‘All right,’’ I laughed, to turn my mistake. ‘‘ Have you been talking about me?’’ He laughed at the idea. ‘Why, man, where are your wits? Do you think the princess and I are on gossiping terms. I’m only the fly on the wheel in this. She wishes to know you ; I do know you; she once sent me a card for one of her assemblies and snubbed me in a high bred manner ; now she can use me and accordingly I am paraded for duty—to introduce you. Come along or she’ll be getting some court executioner to cut my throat for loitering.” I followed him, wondering what it could mean ; and half a minute later was presented to one of the most lovely and stately women I have ever seen. A queenly woman, indeed, and I should have been an icicle if I had not admired her. I have seen many lovely women of all types, but in all my life none to compare with the exquisite magnificence of this Russian beauty. Her reception of me could not have been more cordial had I been one of the greatest of Russia’s nobles, or had she begun to entertain some strong * favor for me. : I asked for the honor of a dance and she gave me her program, telling me I might write my name where I would. As it was empty, this seemed a generous invitation ; but I scribbled my initials against two dances, and was then going to move off. She glanced at the program and smiled. I cannot describe the effect which a smile produced on her face. 7 I had purposely kept the next dance for you, lieutenant,’’ she said. ‘’ But I see your reputation has not belied you.”’ ‘“My reputation ?’’ “Yes. But I have much I should like to say to you. I have heard of you often ; as a daring man even among Russia’s most daring ; and as modest as brave.”’ ‘“ Rumor is often an unreliable witness,’’ said I. Eomichook (E@)