The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 117: what you’re looking at

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

, 4 BY RIGHT OF SWORD. 7 ‘She has not always spoken so kindly of you, heutenant. But to see you is enough to prove the truth of her tales.’’ We danced that dance, and she declared that I waltzed better than any man in the room ; and at the close of the dance she asked me to take her to one of the conservatories. We sat there during two dances until the first that I had initialed came, and then we danced again. All the time she fascinated me with her manner and the infinite subtlety with which she implied the admiration she felt for my bravery, my skill as a soldier and a swordsman, my strength—everything in short ; while she was loud in the expressions of the interest which she said she should take in my future. At the close of the dance she sent me to fetch my sister; and when I presented her she made Olga sit down at her side and presently sent me away, saying that women’s friendship ripened much more quickly when they were alone—especially if they were interested in the same man. All of which would have been very sound philosophy, had Olga been my sister in reality. Essaieff had been watching me, and now chaffed me a good deal about my ‘‘conquest,’’ and grew enthusiastic about my future. ‘‘By Gad, man, she’s as rich as a grand duke; and there is no limit to the height her husband may not climb. Play your cards well now; and you’ve got all the pluck—aye, and the brains too, if you like to use them ; and you'll be war minister before I apply for my colonelcy.’’ I laughed lightly, but I thought to myself that if he only knew the skeletons in my cupboard that were gibbering and rattling their bones in mock- ery of me, he wouldn’t tell quite such an enthusiastic fortune for me. When I went back for my next dance with the princess, Olga was just being led away by a handsome young partner whom the princess had secured for her. ‘Olga is most delightful,’’ she said, with one of her smiles. ‘‘ She is worthy of—any one; and a most enthusiastic sister. She is the most genuine soul Iever knew. She will be my dear friend, when her reserve has worn €¢ off.’’ I thought I knew the cause of the to myself. I did not think that at such a time any woman on earth could have exer- cised so strong an influence over me in the course of no more than an hour or two; and when we sat together after our last dance for a few minutes before she left, I felt I would have done almost anything on earth she asked to serve her. Something that she said drew from mea rather random pro- testation to this effect, and she reddened and started, and then, after a rapid searching glance shot into my face, she sat silent, fingering her fan restlesslv. While doing this her program caught her attention. She looked at it, and held it so that I could read it. ‘“ No name but yours,’’ she said, almost ina whisper. I saw this was so. Then she broke the silken cord by which it was fastened to her wrist, and with another glance at me she put it away into her bosom. It was a little action, but from such a woman what did it not mean? TJ was amazed. 3 reserve,’’ but I kept the thought (S@) Eomichbooks