Jump to content

Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/111

From Wikisource
This page has been validated.
AN IMPERIAL CHRISTENING.
105

rather have him a thorough Russian than a cosmopolitan. To speak frankly, I don't know why I should not like him, unless it is because he is so unconscious that one can look upon him with any feelings except those of admiration."

"I think that is simply a manner which every man acquires who goes into society so much as he does, and in so many different countries. If you knew him as I do, you would acknowledge that he is thoroughly trustworthy; and he has one quality which I have rarely found among his compatriots, or, in fact, among society men anywhere. I mean truthfulness. There was a time when I doubted him, but this virtue has been proved to me beyond dispute. I think you are unjust to him. From a worldly point of view Count Piloff is certainly all that can be required to constitute a suitable match for your cousin."

I sighed. "I cannot bear to think of Judith's marrying a foreigner."

Then I began to wonder what had happened to make Mr. Thurber talk so much to me and in such a confidential manner. Every time I see him he does something which surprises me. He broke the silence by saying,—"Does your antipathy to foreigners as husbands extend to Englishmen?"

Aha! thought I, I see what you are thinking of. Aloud I answered carelessly,—

"To a certain extent, yes. But although Englishmen do not make so good husbands as Americans, they come nearer my standard of excellence than any other for-