The morning call., 1890-05-05
A ROMANCE OF RUSSIA AND SIBERIA,
COPYRIGHT 1890, BY META DE WERE

claims to possess permission OF the Emperor,
but the Minister or the Interior Informs me that
she has obtained this permission by an abuse Of
the EmpeTors kindness"
- should like 10 meet the Countess, said
Palkin. 50 know her slightly, rs have just al
rested her husband"
Nothing is easier. II you will remain here
you will see her in a moment. Here she IS"
Inc door opened, Jana and the doctor en-
tered. The Countess seemed TO anticipate mis-
fortune. She was deadly pale, but her innate
pride did not abandon her for moment The
mild face OF the doctor, on The other hand, had
changed very strangely; usually quiet and
placid il now shone with resoute determination.
He entered the room, saying:
''Your Excellency the officers here"
Jana interrupted him.
Never mind, doctor, I Will speak with his
EXcellency The Governor myself"
The doctor was silent.
''Your Excellency," said the Countess, turning
to The Governor. "the Emperor has been graci-
ousy pleased 10 grant NE leave to share my
husbands exile. Here are papers confirming It.
DO not know by what right your subordinates
drag me into your presence. This is want OF
respect for the Emperors will which l cannot
comprehend. You Will please, therefore, ex-
anime the papers and in no way prevent my con-
Here jana broke down under the pressure
OF sudden fright and CONSERVATION. When she
entered she had not noticed Pakin. who had
purposely concealed himself behind desk.
Now the Governor arose to take the papers
and In so doing revealed his guest AT once
the memory of that fearful night came back
10 her and the ominOus figure of the
officer of the gendarmes had left It's Impress upon
The poor woman's heart. She recognized him in
stanty and this meeting with one OF her per-
seeutors, who, she thought. must have pursued
her even to the frontier lines of the empire, filled
her with unspeakabe anguish. She fell almost
l1eiess INTO chair, saying to herself:
:" Iost!'
Palkin. however. approached her and said, try
ing to give a milder tone 10 his rough voice:
81 understand. Countess, tnat my presence
here cannot be pleasant TO you. / had most
painful duty 10 perform at your house. l only
did my duty. pray you will not imagine thar,
therefore, am your enemy. Very far from 1t.
II can be in any way of service 10 you l pray
you Will command me-"
Toe Governor, who mad been wondering at
Jana's naughty carriage at first aud her discom-
future so soon after, now said:
=" regret very much, Countess, that 1 must
disappoint your hopes l knew that this doclI-
ment was III your hands. l had, however, re-
celyed orders to prevent your journey and send
you back TO ST. Petersburg"
The Countess was 80 unnerved that she could
not answer; she seemed to be unable to see or to
hear: The doctor, however, protested.
Your EXcellency has no right to detain US.
Perhaps you have not read the document very
carefully. II contains the express words: Upon
his MAZE the Emperors special order" and be-
low is the Emperor's own signature"
The Governor turned round quickly, surprised
at the tone 10 which the doctor spoke TO him.
" Who are you 90 he exclaimed. "What right
have you TO interfere In this AFFAIR.""
al am DR.. Haas, and accompany the Countess
Lanin as her medical adviser. am one of the
persons to whom his Majesty has given leave to
go with her TO Irutska. have, therefore the
right 10 continue the journey and no one dare
prevent me-"
No one prevents you" said the Governor.
My orders concern The Countess alonei'
since l have offered my services TO the
Countess L am no longer my own master. L
speak, therefore, IN claiming my rights only of
those of The Countess"
Now the Colonel also began 10 take a part In
the discussion, after having asked permission TO
them he said
1.-The papers of the Countess are In perfect
order and nobody has right to stop her"
Jana raised her beautiful eyes with ray of
hope In them. astonished al the courtesy Of one
whom she considered her Interest enemy.
You see, Governor. was right" said DR..
The Governor shrugged his shoulders, re.
81 have already stated that have received
precise orders to pay no regard 10 that permis-
sion of his Majesty. These orders came from the
Minister OF the Interior. whom am bound to
obey"
al did not see that" said Palkin. "In no case
can man like Schelm nullify Imperial order.
l am of the Doctors opinion: Nobody has right
TO stop the Countess"
"What?" said the Governor. amazed.
-, not only ADVISE you urge you-remember
that single order given by the Emperor super
sedes all other orders"
" But my responsibility TO Mr. Schelm ?"
"Canno be greater than that to the Carr
Ths Governor hung his head
ued Palkin, "YOu know that as superior offiper
OF the gendarmes L have the duty to see 10 1t
that his Malesty's orders are faithfully carried
main herewith profound bow to jana
ask the Countess II she would rather comply
with MIR. Schelm's demand, in which case do
not oppose"
The doctor. full OF joy, seized both OF Palkln's
hands and said:
81 thank you, Colonel. You are sent by
Pfoyldencel'
Jaua had suffered so terribly from treason and
deception that she dared not hope. Besides she
mlstiusted PalklD, whose lowering face and
ugly features had made a bad impressl on upon
her. secret aversion besides warned her not
to lntrust herself to his hands.
she said. therefore, onlys few words of cool
gratitude, thanking him for having assisted her.
The indifference OF these words wounded Pal
Kin, but lie did not show his discomfort.
" Well, then!" he said to the Governor. "You
lei the Countess continue her journey, without
making any dlfnculties about it, and as / am 60
ing also TO lTkutsk can be some protection,
perhaps"
When he said this Jana took the aoctors
hands and whispered:
" Nothing in the world could induce me to
travel with him. L am frightened 20
g Accept hls offer !" whispered the doctor in
always be near you?"
She bowed, and thus consented. In the mean
time Palkin had removed the Governors last
scruples, and turning to Jana he said:
Countess 1 shall leave Kasan to-day. as
soon as some important business which
was sent to transact shall be finished. /
have been appointed chief OF the gendarmes
In East Siberia and this will explain to you why
got to lrkutsk. II you will, therefore, have the
kindness to wait Till evening, shall have the
honor 10 accompany you to the end of your
journey and remove every difficulty from your
way"
VERY well, as you order it," said Jana haught.
lily.
The question is not to obey me,p replied Pal
Kim rather hurt, "but whether you will accent
my protection"
The Countess accepts It gratefully" said the
Doctor, ana the Colonel had 10 be c0niented with
Jana's silent consent.
As Jana ana the doctor rose to go Palkin de.
tanned Them moment, saying:
fray walt for me at the Postofice. We travel
together. 'iy sleigh will follow your coach and
promise you shall do everything In my power
TO make ihe long journey pleasant and easy"
he spoke with such respect that Jana was
said: '
Very well, we shall wait for you"
when the chief OF tile gendarmes was alone in
the Governors room be rubbed his hands ioy.
ously, and said TO himself:
"Hoi no! Mr. Scbem, you have not won the
game Vel! The lrumps are all in my handi"