The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-12-29
The Commands of the Empress.
A Story OF Russian Despotism.
lY MARY KYLE DALLAS.


To believe the following story, which
is recounted by French historian, one
sian Emperor or Empress has always
been very different thing from the
word of an English King or Queen and
that whereas in this case-the British
cabinet would decide that her majesty
was temporarily insane, the Russian
lady would be considered only little
more severe than her predecessors.
In the time of Catherine the Second,
there dwelt in Russia a gentleman
named Sonderland, who, though English
by birth, had become Russian subject,
and also a great favorite with the EN-
press. She loaded him with favors
made him immensely wealthy; gave him
. palace to live in, and embraced him
publicly.
What more could sovereign do to
show her affection for subject?
Her partiality was 80 welI-known that
the greatest people at Court sought his
favor and feared his frown /; but he was
8 very pleasant and good-hearted per-
son, who thought more of his dress ap-
pearance, and the effect he produced on
the fair sex, than anything else and it
was rather benefit to the community
than otherwise that he should have the
cal of the Empress. He, himself, was
perfectly happy, and spent great deal
of his time in writing verses expressive
of the charms of the Empress, her good
ness, and the amiabiity of her DISPOSE
ton.
One morning he had just finished a
most hattering poem in several cantoes,
setting forth the story of her condescen-
sion to a poor old soldier to whom she
had really been kind, and was reading ii
to a select audience, when servant
| entering the room, announced to him
that the Chief of the Police, whose
name was Reliew, desired to speak with
him, having message from the EN-
press.
The poet instantly threw down his
paper. and delighted with this proof OF
confidence on the part of the sovereign
excused himself to his friends, and hur
ried to the room where Reliew was wait
ing for him.
The Chief of Police sat leaning bacl
in his chair, with very grave face, an6
saluted the Englishman as jailer nigh
salute prisoner whom he was about tt
lead to execution.
"What can do for you, Reliew ?
asked Sonderland, with condescendine
twist of his mustache. 81 see you ar,
in trouble, and it was well to come to m,
at once. The Empress was kinder thai
usual yesterday, and expressed hersel
more anxious to take my advice than sh,
has ever done before; so have no fears.
esteem you, Reliew. I consider you m,
best friend.''
"Ah" said the Chief of Police, doubt
fully. "And 1 am very sure I have tru
friendship for you; but I regret to say
have terrible news for you. You hav
utterly lost the favor which has bee
yours SO long. Indeed, though 1 ma
not question the royal mandate, suffe
terribly in bringing you the news. Sc
how pale I am. Look how tremble
Oh, how can tell you?"
"But how have I offended?" aske,
Sonderland. "Assuredly you are mis-
taken. The Empress kissed me on IN
forehead last evening before the Who'll
Court
$50 one loses the favor of royalty,
sighed Reliew. perhaps you have ad
mlred a pretty woman.
"No, no, replied Sonderland.
"The Empress told me nothing" sal
Reliew; nothing whatever. She CAV
me her commands, and bade me accom-
plish them at once. But they are to
horrible! too horrible I"
"Am I to be sent away ?" asked .Sor
derland.
"You could be very happy in som
other country. should not dread giN
ing you that news" replied Reliew.
"Am I to be exiled to Siberia ?" aske
Sonderland.
"In that case there might be som
hope of your coming back" replied r.
liew.
"Then, good heavens !! I am to b
whipped with the knout," sighed Sor
derland.
"You might get over that; it seldol
kills." answered the Russian, moodily
"Then she wants my life," said Sor
derland "But know her better tina
you do: I will fling myself at her fe'
and implore her pardon. And, at a
events, one can die but once"
"Oh, my poor friend!" moaned RI
Iiew, bursting into tears, "it is wors
than anything you can imagine. tt
Empress has ordered me to have 70
stuffed"
"What?" cried Sonderland.
"To have you stuffed" replied th
agitated Reliew. "Listen, my poi
friend. This morning she sent for M
"sReliew,' she said, you saw to tt
stufing of my favorite horse, who die
, last month";
"I bowed and assented.
"'Send Sonderland to the same tax
dermist and have him stuffed, in an att
| tude of supplication-begging, you III
; derstand-and placed upon stand
my private apartment. Let the stan
be elegant and bear his name with thes
words: "The Favorite Of the Ell
pre- S."
"'Your majesty is good enough
jest I said, humbly.
"She flashed fierce glance at me.
"'I am in no jesting humor. Ivalue
him, she said. Look, have even she
tears but go. I do not wish to see hi
again. Take him to the taxidermist tn
morning I will write my orders f
him ; and she gave me this paper ;" al
s he handed to poor Sonderland pap
: on which were written these worls:
"Stuff Sonderland very carefully al