The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1882-02-02
The Commands of the Empress.
A Story OF RuAnIan DespotlsGr,.
By MARY KYLE DALLAs.


...
10 believe the following story, which
is recounted by French historian, One
must remember that the word Of Rus
Sian Emperor or Empress has always
been a 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 gentleman
named Sonderland, who, though English
Dy birth, had become Russian subject,
and also 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 q subject?
Her partiality was so well-known that
the greatest people at Court sought his
favor and feared his frown but he was
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 u benefit to the community
than otherwise that he should have the
'eal of the Empress. He, himself, was
perfectly happy, and spent great deal
OF his time In writing verses expressive
OK the charms of the Empress, her good
ness, and the amiability of her disposi-
ton.
One morning he had just finished a
most t1attering poem in several cantoes,
setting forth the story of her condescen-
sion to poor old soldier to whom she
had really been kind, and was reading it
to select audience, when q servant
entering the room, announced to him
that the Chief of the Police, whose
name was Reliew, desired to speak with
MIN, 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-
rled to the room where Reliew was wait
ing for him.
The Chief Of Police sat leaning back
III his chair, with very grave face, aud
saluted the Englishman as iailer might
salute prisoner whom he was about to
lead to execution.
"What can 7 do for you, Reliew ?"
asked Sonderland, with condesceHdinQ
twist of his mustache. "I see you are
in trouble, and it was we'll to come to me
ut once. The Empress was kinder than
usual yesterday, and expressed herself
more anxious to take my advice than she
has ever done before; so have"no fears. /
esteem you, Reliew. consider you my
best FRIEND"
"Ahl" said the Chief of Police, doubt
fully. "And I am very sure have true
friendship for you; but regret to say i
have terrible news for you. You have
utterly lost the favor which has been
yours SO long. Indeed, though I may
not question the royal mandate, suffer
terribly in bringing you the news. See
how pale / am. Look how tremble.
Oh, how can tell you?",
"But how have J. offended?" asked
Sonderland. "Assuredly You are mis-
taken The Empress kissed me on my
forehead last evening before the whole
Court"
$50 one loses the favor of royalty" I"
sighed Reliew. perhaps you have ad-
mired n pretty woman"
"No, no, replied Sonderland.
| "The Empress told me nothing" said
Reliew; "uothing whatever. She gave
ne her commands, and bade me accom-
p!ish them at once. But they are too
Y horrible! too horrible
g Am to be sent away9" askedi Son
| lerland.
You could be very happy in some
other country. I should not dread Civ
| ,ng you that news" replied Reliew.
" Am I to be exiled to Siberia ?" asked
| Sunderland.
In that case there might be some
hope Of your coming back" replied Re-
| LEW.
"'Then, good heavens I am to be
whipped with the knout," sighed Son
| derland.
''Ynu might get over that it seldom
] kills" answered the Russian, moodily.
"Then she wants my life." said Son
lerland. "Bnt know her better than
YOU do. will fling myself at her feet
aud implore her pardon. And, at all
events. one can die but once"
ooh, my poor friend % moaned Re"
lew, bursting into tears, sit is worse
than anything You can imagine. The
Enpress has ordered mo to have you
ssrffed. !"
| g What?" cried Sonderland. '.
! 10 have you stuffed, :" replied the
agitlted Reliew. Listen, my poor
friend This morning she sent for me.
Reliew, she said, Won saw 20 sl,e
stuftiug q my fayosite horse, who died
4 last month
s baset assentad
efd t"9 frlena 81 flie za6 TAXI,
,g as3 sik al a1lls