The morning call., 1890-04-06
II.


Alexander Wernin was 60 years old. He
was Senator, Councillor of State and A
knight of many orders. He had an income
of 100000 rubles year and only one daugb-
ter, the fair jana, who was to inherit his
whole fortune.
Wernin was a favorite at court and de-
voted heart and soul to the Emperor In
every reform or innovation he saw reyolu
tionary tendencies and believed firmly that
since the French revolution of 1889 the
reign OF the AntichTist had begun. His re-
spect for the hierarchy of the civil service
was very extraordinary; subordinatiou and
etiquette were To him Christian virtues A s.
soon as he saw Privy Councillor he rose: A
General he accompanied bareheaded to his
carriage N the bitterest cold, and ALWAYS
barred his head when any one uttered the
name OF the Car in his presence. He re-
CURED, however, something like ii from his
interiors, also, for himself; he called every
inferior officer by his Christian name and
only became respectful with Priyy Coun-
ciior5. be often repeated the words: SIN
my eyes no one is ANYBODY who is not a
Councillor Of State or a Colonel"
The only exception he made was In behalf
OF the surroundings of the Gar Whenever
he appeared ut cOurt-and this occurred
quite oIten-he bowed even to the lackevs
VINO wore the imperial livery. In spite of
these eccentrieities, Alexander Wernin was
one of the best men in the world: Courage
benevolent. He won the love and esteem
OF all who came in close contact with him.
Jana, his only daughter, whom he loved
with his whole heart was in every sense of
the word spoiled child, and the enormous
fortune of her father enabled her To crafty
every whim. Gradually she came to tvran-
nize over him entirely; he never yentured to
check her IN her caprices and he trembled
at look from her. Jana did not look at all
Ike TAR daughter of the, North, In her
dark eyes, overshadowed by heavy. black
DfoWs, every moment flashes of impatient q
or wrath would shine forth; her gestures
were quick, passionate, full of life and en-
ergy. her beauty was enchanting and
everybody soon recognized in her the ON
nlpoteDt woman, before whom all in the
house knelt down. And Jana was, by ma
ture, not bad at all; there was nothing dew
llIsh IN her eyes as in those of George
Sands her0neS; when she was at rest her
features reflected the satisfaction of a
queen whose every wish is silently fulfilled
by her subjects. Wrath was not infre-
quent, bat lt was sn0rt-lived. Her heart
was good, and her JOY greatest when she
could make others happy. Unfortunately
she, the object of continuous lattery, had
become so proud that when she did a kind
act or conferred benefit she made the re-
eipient feel that her presence alone was a
great benefit.
On the same day when the remarkable
scene took place at the Ministry Of the In
terIor Jana was sitting in q large draw
iagToom idly turning over the leaves of
an album. The clock struck t. Facing the
fire sat young man of very fine and
promising exterior, busily engaged in ar
ranging vislting-cards and writing ad-
dresses. This was Count Vladimir Lanin.
Jana's betrothed.
Jana refused te hear marriage spoken of
till she was 90. She knew how to dispose Of
all aSprants to her hand very cleyerly and
kindly tl0nph ginu lfxy far nT
quite so well. One day, however, she met
young diplomatic who was presented to
her by bis uncle, the Emperor first aid-de-
camp. She had known him now a whole
year. She had early begun to favor him
among the host of admirers who constantly
filed her fathers house. He was des per-
ateiy In love with her, yet he did not ven
ture 10 declare himself, although his po-
sltion and his fortune would have justified
the step. Jana anticipated the confession
which the young diplomatic did not venture
to make.
Count Vladimir" she said one evening
to him, calling him for the first time by his
Christian name, you are in love with me,
are you notY'
The young man blushed, then turned
pale. and was barely able to fold his hands
as II in silent prayer.
Il love you also," continued Jana, and
her voice, which was generally icy cold, be-
came OF sudden soft and gentle. will
You make me your wife?"
Count Lanin fell ON his knees over
whelned by his unexpected good fortune,
Kissed the hem OF her dress and was so re-
loleed and so deeply moved that the naughty
beauty did not repent having given him
such vigorous encouragement.
The next day Jana informed her father
OF her engagement. The Councillor was un :
able TO oppose any wish of his daughter,
and moreover, Lanin possessed ali that
could be desired in a s0n-in-law and was
certainly an excellent match Alexander
Nernln gave his consent most willingly.
As Jana knew only one win and that her
own, anu as she never liked to wait. she de-
iermined to have the wedding at once.
Wernin knew no difficulties and no i'm