The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-05-04

| Indulge In pleasantries II he consentec-the one
condition being that no business matter must
De Introduced. The Emperor was thus walking
| up and down in the ballroom. and seemed TO De
/ highly amused by the merry company OF a black
domino with a white camellia She seemed to
entertain MIN SO well that he showed no desire
| TO leave the room with its motley eroW,i OF
merry masks Alone In the joyful assembly and
hidden behind pillar si0od Jana, wrapped in
the Wide folds .. d dark domino. her father
standing ~ her III simple ball costume The
Emperor had not noticed WernIn who kept his
place near the principal entrance while Jana
followed In feverish excitement every gesture of
the Car and the elegant mask
AZ struck 1O;3O. Jana whispered TO her father
with q sigh:
No sign OF himi And yet he promised he
would be here before TO-"
What is it, Jana ?" said low voice close to
heL ear: The black domino with the camellla
had lett the Emperor and was now at her side.
Nothing" replied the Countess, ''as yet we
know nothing. And yet IL is time he should be
here. The Emperor has promised me he Will not
leave the ball before II 80. 1 have promised
then TO take of my mask and let him know who
am. But at midnight he will be gone, and we
sh saiI, never fnd better Opportunity"
.Can ne also be a traitor 2" whispered Jana.
"Jana!" said her father, "siay here. I'll drive
to me Ministry. Perhaps can hear something
Quick. dearest fatheri L shall walt here
Are you afraid of remaining here aloneq"
husband ?"
" must also CO." said the Countess "when
you see me again on the Emperors arm and you
step up boldly before nimw
She disappeared in the crowd and Jana re-
manned alone, anXlously watching the staircase
where she expected every moment to see PopofT
appear She saw nothing. She did not even no.
lice a small crowd OF merry young officers Of the
guard who came down from the galleries rather
nolsliy. Ihey had all OF them been drinking
nnf,avly, especially Prince Max. who led them.
MS eyes iell upon Jana. The wonderful grace
with which her whole presence was mpreg-
mated, her delicate. beautifully shaped foot, ex-
cited bis curiosity He stopped to look at her
and then said: ''She must DO wonderfully faIro
Then he pointed out the solitary domino TO his
friends; Jana said nothing until the Prince
| slightly touched her arm. She turned round
| quickly and at the sight OF these young men,
who bad evidently had too much wine, she
uttered a little cry of terror
Fear not, fair mask" said the Prince, 1--WE
| are all admirers OF yours. Choose from among
| alone" '''-N -''D'' "0' w ''i'
Gentlemen, said Jana. in low tone OF
voice, u beseech you to leave me-"
"Oh, you cruel one, you wait for some one,
| aud we are all In love with you"
or, Your highDess is Mistaken" said Jana.
:. An, you know mel" laughed the Prince.
IA No ,, snail not think OF leaving you. Come.
lei US take walk into the room and will bring
| you back In time for the happy one.''
The Countess treinDled III all her limbs
must remain here. You do not kn0w-I
pray you VIII leave me alone-such persistence
% What! You mean to scod us 2o said the
Prince, pray your arm" And once more he
touched her arm. Jana, In her indignation,
struck him with her fan. saying:
:. Has no one here respect for iadIes?"
Inc Officers drew back, but the Prince half
| angry and half amused by the scene, was about
TO repeat his appeal, when a strong hand moved
the officers aside, and Wernin, pale and out OF
| breath, offered Jana his arm.
Come, child, let us leave this place as soon as
| possible. All is lost. Popoff has been arrested
/ saw him In droschke between Two gen.
darmes."
% 1t is his daughter" said several voices
50 IL Is the Countess Lauin. And here at ball.
When her husband is suffering in prison, she
goes TO a ball ''
Jana was almost falntlDg. Her father sup
ported her, measuring the crowd around him as
| IL increased, with proud, angry looks.
All OF sudden the crowd stepped aside full OF
awe. All heads bowed. An imperious voice
| asked:
- What is this noise?v
The Emperor Nicholas appeared In the center
Jana aud her father who had been carried away
by his Indignation. The sudden stiffness startled
jana When she raised her eyes she saw the Gar.
Az sight OF him she pulled of her mask and
CRED, falling al the monarch's feet: "Your
Majesty, am the wife of Count Lanin, and beg
TO ask Tor one favor only"
what Is. 1T ?'
"Tbey tell me my husband has sinned against
the empire, but that does not make him cease to
be my husband. Your Majesty's Justice has SEN
fenced him to exile. WIN your Majesty's favor
grant me leave 10 follow him to Siberia ?''
Inc Empefors eyes grew milder and beneyo-
lent expression appeared In his features.
Poor woman, your wish shall be fulfilled! I"
lie raised her and offered her his arm.
And, now, allow me to see you to your car
riage. This Is no place for you 20
Casting stern look at the bystanders, the En-
peror lett The ball. poor Jana hanging on his arm.
To be continued tomorrow.