The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-04
CHAPTER II.
THE SABoB.

All st. Petersburg was talking of the
Dougall Sahib. For two years the nabob
had been the object of the to~wnspeople's
admiration and curiosity-their admiration
because OF his gorgeous equipages and mag
n~iffcently attired person and his thorough
knowlege Of social usages, their curiosity
BECAUSE Of the mystery attached To his per-
sonal appearance. re 4aF F..aesg@
The nabob never went out except in a
closed carriage and with his face covered by
a thick white veil. by his side there was
always a person maenifcently attired in
Indian style. Passers by had never seen
the strangers face.
Some papers %insinuated that the nabob
was a negro. Others said that he was horri-
that his head was a deaths head"
But, in the inner circles of the aristocra-
cy. those who had had access to his home,
announced at the English club" that the
WAS a stately looking parsonage of
fifty years. with a fair complexion, some
what bronzed-and very handsome. His
black hair WAS streaked with gray. His
features were regular. But this truth never
passed beyond the threshold of the Winter
palace, the English club, and a few aristo-
tocratIc circles. To the people Dongall
Sahib was always the ''nabob with the
DEATHS head
So on the night of November II, 1866, the
night announced for a ball to be given by
the nabob. there wal not a tongue from the
islands to the monastery of Alexander
Newsky that was not chattering about the
event, and even the highest officials and
prettiest women in society had not DIS
dained to beg for one of the thousand invi-
tations issued.
On the eyentful night the nabob stood in
the reception ROOM. His bronzed features,
his peculiarly brilliant eyes and the large
diamonds on his person alone recalled his
Asiatic origin. He was dressed on this oc-
%casion, in Difference to his guests, in mod
ern evening costume. He appeared at ease
in the midst of civilization and grasped
each visitors hand with extreme courtesy,
to which his naughty countenance gave an
additional charm. The man who was his
constant attendant was busy superintend-
ing the entertainment and doing the honors
of the house.
All at once his face lighted up, only for a
moment. The next instant he was again
calm, naughty. statuesque.
The usher had announced: "His excel
lency the lieutenant-geheral. Count Vladi-
mir Lanine, Nine. and Mile. Lanine."
The nabob advanced a few steps and said
in cultural tones:
II am glad that your excellency has been
pleased to accept my invitation. / have
heard your excellency's exploits in the
campaigns in Central Asia spoken Of in
The count bowed, smiled and accepted
the protfered hand. but his countess hest
tated, looking on the nabob with curiosity,
doubt and utmost distrust. The nabob
turned to her.
Your excellency's name has also crossed
the Himalayas," he said. "Will your ex-
c~ellency deign to permit me to present my
respects while ! thank you for the honor
lone me?"
The countess looked at him curiously andr
answered:
Il wished my young daughter to enter So
ciety through its most brilliant door. You
highness' reception has given me my oppor-
tunitys'
At this instant the usher announced
Their imperial hignesses the grand
dukes"
Dougail Sahib. obliged by etiquette to re-
ceive the grand dukes Ill the stairs. made
his way towards the threshold.
Mamma" said the countess daughter,
''let us go in to the ball." INT added with II
smile, ''The nabob il quite handsome after
all. is he nofY''
Mile. Alexandra Lanine would soon be III.
and looked muvts Ike her mother one
would have called her Il younger sisisE. She
had the same clear-cut outline. the same
colorleas complexion. the same black hair.
the same carriage. Perhaps the regular
beauty of Mile. Ianine would have ap-
peared less distinguished 10 n close OBJ
server than her mothers. This extraordi-
nary likeness was, il is true. a little To her
disadvantage. for she looked like che fair
countess shadow.
Count Vladimir had left them for n mo-
ment. A his wife and daughter passed
along the rooms he joined them again.
what IL II, lamar" he asked smilingly.
What makes you 81 serious. 81 silent2"
Have you noticed the nabob's faceg" she
asked IN an undertone.
Mott !. Why?'
lana replied with II trace of impat,ence.
Il advise YOU TO look well at him and 10
come and inform me of your impression"
Count Vladimir left them, but soon reap
peared: behind him came DouSall Sahib