I was deeply implicated in the--Charity League--" Etta dropped her fan with a clatter into the fender.
"Oh! I hope it is not broken," she gasped, with a singular breathlessness.
"I do not think so," replied Paul, picking up the fan and returning it to her.

"Why, you look quite white! What does it matter if it is broken?
You have others." "Yes, but--" Etta paused, opening the fan and examining the sticks so closely that her face was hidden by the feathers.

"Yes, but I like this one.

What is the Charity League, dear ?" "It was a large organization gotten up by the hereditary nobles of Russia to educate the people and better their circumstances by discriminate charity.

Of course it had to be kept secret, as the bureaucracy is against any attempt to civilize the people--against education or the dissemination of news.