A Cigarette-Maker's Romance, and Khaled (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ...principal authorities confidently assert that he will soon be quite free. He passed but one moment in a state of semi-consciousness. Then he raised his head, and stood erect, and to the great surprise of Grabofsky, showed no further surprise at the news he had just received. "The fact is," he said, quietly, "I was expecting you yesterday. I had received a letter from the wife of the steward informing me of the death of my father and brother. I think your coming to-day must have disturbed me, as I have some difficulty in recalling the circumstances which attended our meeting here." "A passing indisposition," suggested Grabofsky. "Nothing more. The weather is warm, sultry in fact." "Yes, it must have been that. And now, we had better communicate the state of things to Herr Fischelowitz, to whom I consider myself much indebted." "Our Consul came with me," said the lawyer. "He is in the shop. Perhaps you did not notice him." "No--I do not think I did. I am afraid he thought me very careless." "Not at all, not at all." Grabofsky began to think that there had been some truth in Akulina's remarks after all, but he kept his opinion to himself, then and afterwards, a course which was justified by subsequent events. He and the Count turned towards the shop, and, entering, found Fischelowitz and the Consul conversing together. The Count bowed to the latter with much ceremony. "I fear," he said, "that you must have thought me careless just now. The suddenness of the news I have received has affected me. Pray accept my best thanks for your kindness in accompanying Doctor Grabofsky this morning." "Do not mention it, Count. I am only too glad to be of service." "You are very kind. And now, Herr Fischelowitz," he continued, turning to the tobacconist, ...