The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-11


mir returned his bow ~nonchalsntiy, lana
naughtily. He made his way toward the
loor. On the threp hold no looked back.
Alexandra Lenine WAS cycling him curi-
ons W. He looked fixedly Mt her; she
As Dakouss went out a servant camc In.
His exceIlency. the nabob Dowgnll
sahib, asks to present his respects to my
lad Y countess"
Alexandra. blushing with confusion md
unable TO explain this canse Of her b lushes,
out. There wa something amiss in
sristocratic dwelling. They could
hardly refuse to receive q great man like
the nabob, but his visit was Ill timed. The
waited for m answer. Vladimir
avoided his wise's glance, not wishing to
decide.
lana said:
'Show him in, since yon wish to keep this
duel a secret" she added, with an indsfin-
able smile, laying her hand on her hus-
ShO ulder.
lyon are wisdom incarnate. Really we
ought TO change in 10 way our household
customs. You always receive visits at this
b our"
ne was interrup ted by the Nabob's en-
trance.
DOwgall had resumed ais Indian costume.
but TO pay a visit to the Countess Lanipe
the rich nabob had been to some expense
and WAS even more gorgeous than usual.
His loose jacket OF violet cashmere WAS
held in at tho waist by a gold chain, at 0ne
end Of which hung a curved sabre in q gold
on sheath, with q hilt likewise OF gold,
adorned with diamonds, sapphires and en-
eralds. His robe. open at the breast, dis
closed a shirt Of fine batistc. A necklace Of
three rows Of pearls clasped by an enor
nous solitaire diamond, hung around his
neck. Two rows Of buttons, each formed
by a large diamond. blazed upon his breast;
on his toque OF violet velvet an opal of
really extraordinary siZe sparkled beauti.
fully, His half boots were covered with
~tur4uoises forming artistic arabesgues with
fine pearls. The nabob WAS dazzling.
He ciasped Vladimir's hand. ard after
having bowed grayely, in oriental style, be-
fore lana, he said:
1.-The object Of my visit il not merely TO
thank your excellence for having RraciousIv
pleased to be present at my ball. ] learned
this morning the unfortunate result Of the
duel"
Vladimir could not suppress an exclams-
ton Of astonishment, and lana herself,
though self controlled, trembled with sur
prise.
How can You know"
Have / not the means?" replied the ma
bob coolly. II POSSESS the same powers in
the question. This very evening you will
receive orders to set out for Riazan in or
der to conduct there al inquiry concerning
a secret society. The emperor assigns you
TO this mission because he remembers how
your residence in Siberia fits you for disen-
fannfinn ou.,h liHOr11ftn0 no..l~.
this is not the first time you have received
such orders, il itl
but, prince" cried Vladimir, amazed
beyond expression, chow can you, a for
eigner, learn the secrets of the winter pal
ace?r
And continued lana, "even admitting
TINT your incaicuiable wealth gives you sucn
foreknOwledge, how can we explain the ex-
traordinary interest with which You honor
us who are almost unknown TO you? This
interest,"" she added. with a touch Of rail-
lery, has 30 astOunded US that we have for
gotten to show you common courtesy. Your
highness is standing
The nabob, not the least embarrassed, sat
down in an armchair.
Madame" he began.
II wish you to answer my question" con-
tinued ana firmly. What IS the reason
us? We are high enough in the social scale
not to accept services"
Did possibly give you to understand
that 4 came to offer you my seryices!" the
Nabob interrupted her.
N matter. Let us come to the point.
You began to speak to us of our affairs.
This is not q rebuke, believe me, prince, I
pray You" she said in gentle tones. Count
Lanine and his countess will readily SON
sent to add you to the Number of their
friends. but they would like to know who
You are"
The Nabob looked astonished.
The countess went on slowly, with low
cred eyes and gentle. entreating voice:
Count Lanine" land she took her hus-
bands hand and both stood before him)-
Count Lanine and ] were exiles. We were
in great n~eed-need Of love. friendship, and
immediate help. We found that friend
ship and that help in one whom we have
never forgotten. His name was Muller.
Prince-your highness-wby this decep-
ton! You are our old, our beloved, friend,
Muller..'
In great agitatian lana held out her
hands entreatingIy to the nabob.
II the nabob's lip trembled, il his eyes
grew more tender, it was but for an in
slant. In n moment he answered coldly.
That you should take me for somebody
else, your excellency. somewhat surprises
me. | can only say" n he smiled kind
ly. that l am simply Dowgall Sahib. came
to do you IA service and glad to be able to
do so."
lana drew back in disappointment and
Vladimir looked OF the floor awkwardly.
lana spoke again, sadly and slowly.
IF your highness-if MulIer-comes to
warn US or advise US, we-Vladimir and
myself-are grateful-grateful always"
For another moment the nabob hesitated
then went on calmly and politely:
~ am glad to even resemble one who
merits such praise from your exceilency.
Permit me to conclude my mission. This
afternoon You will receive his maiesty's
commission. This afternoon also you will
receive n visit from two persons who will
uminon You to refuse it,"
Vladimir Indignantly interrupted the
nabob.
"fon arc testing, prince. Do you think
i can be intiniidnted!"
You cannot contend single-handed with
II hundre adyersarias.'
II shall first of all, il | should really re-
ceiye the visit which you turn
the insolent men out of the house,
That You will find impossible."
prince"
'You will see. A terrible danger threatens
you.'
He drew a letter from his pocket, H,s
look was so expressive that lana grew faint.
The nabob continued:
This letter alone can save you. You will
II TO those who come to threaten you.
Take it,
Vladimir burst ont laughing. That this
foreigner should come to Offer protection to
him. the emperor's Hide-de-camp, appeared
to him in the highest degree Rbsurd.