The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1882-02-01
The Commands of the Empress.
BY MARY KYLE DALLAS.

~ NAhi hlLE DAbLho'
To believe the following story, which
4 recounted 10y French historian, one
must remember that the word Of Rus
sian Emperor or Empress has always
been II very different thing from the
word Of al English King or Queen and
tLUt wncre--as III this Cause.-The British
cabinet would decide that her majesty
was temporarily insane, the Russian
ady would be considered only little
more severe than her predecessors.
In the time Of Catherine the Second,
there dwclt Ill Russia gentleman
am' 5pEderlan !, who, though En-, in
~ tirtL, had become II Russian subject,
AID also Il great fayorite with the EN-
press. She loaded lin with favOrs
made him immensely wealthy; gave him
palace to live i'll, ana embraced him
publicly.
What more could sovereign do to
show her affection for a subject?
Her parllIlity was SO we!l-known that
the greatest people at Court sought his
favor aud feared his frown ; but he was
very Pleasant and good-hearted per-
son, who thought more Of his dress APP
pe9rance, and the effect he produced on
Tho laIr sex, than anything else and 1t
was rather benefit to the community
than otherwise that he shou,d have the
eai of tae Empress. He, himself, was
perfectly happy, and spent great deal
OF his time III writing verses expressive
Of the charms Of the Empress, her good
ness, and the amiab.lIty Of her disp 81
ION.
One morning he had Just finished n
mos iiat'e!!ug poem in several cantocs,
setting forth the story uf her condescon-
siOntO n poor old soldier to whom she
had really been kind, and was reading it
to Il select audi nee, when servant
entering the room, announced to him
that the Chief OF the Police, whose
name was Keliew, 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 lIr-
ried to the room where Rciew was wait
ing for him.
The Chief OF Police sat leaning back
in his chair, with very grave iace, and
saluted the Engli5hman as n jailcr might
salute n prisoner whom he was about to
lead to execution.
"What can do for you, Reliew?
asked Sunderland with n condescendmg
twist OF his mustachc. II see you are
in trouble, and il was well to come to nc
at once. The Empress was kinder than
usual yesterday, and expressed herself
moro anxious to take my advice than she
has ever done before; SO have no fears.
esteem you, Reliew. l conside, you my
best friend.
"Ah!" said the Chief of Police, doubt
fully. "And am very sure have true
friendship for you; but / regret to say |
have terrible news for you. You have
utterly lost the favor which has been
yours 50 long. Indeed, though | may
not question the royal mandate, suffer
terribly in bringing you the news. See
how pale | am. Look how | tremble.
Oh. how can | tell your
"But how have | offcnded?" asked
Sunderland. "Assuedly You are mis-
taken. The Empress kissed me on my
!, forehead last e7ening before the whole
Court"
go one loses the favor of royalty,
sighed ReIiow. Perhaps you have ad
ni!eA II pretty woman."
"No, no, replied Sunderland.
"The Empress told me nothing" sale
Rolew; nothing whatever. She gave
10 her commands, and babe me accom-
p'i~h them at once. But they are toe
3, horrible! too horribleW
Am to be sent away?' askcdl Son
larland .
You could be very happy in SOM
other country. I should not dread Civ
'np Won that news" replied Reliew.
cam to be exiled to Siberia ?" aske'
Sunderland.
"In that case there might he som
hope of your coming back" replied lie
lew.
"Then, good heavens ! | am to b.
whipped with the knout," sighed Son
lerland.
"You might get over that; it seldom
kills" answered the Russian, moodily
"Then sh, wants my life," said Son
lerland. "Bnt I know her better tina
YOU do. will fling myself at her fee
and implore her pardon. And, Mt a
events, one can die but once.
"Oh, my poor friend" moaned r.
lew, bursting into tears, ait is wors
than anything You can imagine. Th
Empress has ordered me to have 70
stuffed"
"Whot?" cried Sunderland.
"To have you stuffed" replied I'll
agitated Reliew. "Listen, my po,
friend. This morning she sent for m
"Raliew,' she said, you saw to Il
, Stufing of my favorite horse, who die
last month";
az bowed and a4sentod
"'S,nd Sonaerlnnl to iho same tax
. donnist and have him stuffed, in m att
ltude Of supplcation --beggin2. You III