The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-06-15

say, land still think care for them more
than l should. If could only get thick,
red, rough skin on themp'
As she said, the owner of the shop was
only too glad to sell a machine. Eliza fur
nished the money. Work came to us in a
my sterious WAVELET downstairs with the
porter. By-and-by a fashionable dress
maker, who made dresses for the Court
ladies, sent for me and gave me- work. As
what we had to do was we'll sewed, and we
were always prompt, in less than three
weeks we we're doing good business. Ny
companion, save for the daily purchases
made in the immediate neghbOrhood, never
went out. No one called on her; she never
received a letter. A few days over the
month had passed, when one morning as |
was running up seam in piece of cloth,
my needle struck something 1t was piece
Of paper.
ut is for ME, Sister Mary" said Eliza.
She took the bit of paper, held il to the
stove, appeared to read something, and then
opened the stove door and burned it. l
did not question her. She worked on cheer
fully all day, chatting on different subjects.
That night, when we were in bed, taking
me in her arms, she said:
Poor Mary, your troubles. your anxieties
are now over. Tomorrow, early, apply for
your passport. 1t will cost you to 20 from
here 20 London, say $50. l wish it could
have been more, but you will have alto
kCbuOI S-OVOs W ilClIs dltcI your
travelling expenses, will leave you some
money TO begin your life with again. For
me-whO has learned to love q singularly
honest and supplemented woman you
shall have this ring" and she slipped on my
finger a aing. But don't wear it; the dia-
mond might betray me. SO far, Mary, you
nave run no risk; but next week you might
be ruined forever, for you have harbored
was speeches. with terror.
"Only a woman," she continued. Whose
own life-or the life of any one else who
stood in her way-She would care no more
of taking than cook would of wringing a
chickens neck Do not be shocked, Mary.
l shall sleep as sweetly tonight as if death
did not threaten me. My story, as far as re-
lates to you, is soon told. 1t became neces-
sary for me a month ago to disappear. The
simplest chance in the world threw you in
my way. Had YOU been of any other ma
tiOnalty than English | would never have
trusted you. You might go out, Mary, and
sell me, JudaS-like, for sum of money
which would make you rich for life"
clung convulsYely to her and babe her
be quiet.
best blood in Russia; but every drop of 1t l
will shed for the cause. Thank heaven for
your lowly estate. You must go away to-
morrow. and now goodnight"
begged her TO come 10 England with me.
She said:
mo, my place is here. should be use
less there"
Then she complained of, lassitude, and
presently went to sleep. | looked at her,
her face pillOwed on her arm, breathing as
calmly as an infant, and thought her the
lovelest woman had ever seen.
Next morning, out of package of some
material, she produced, as if by magic a roll
Of notes which, without counting, she
handed to me-
Later in the day there ought to arrive
some turs for me, for poor Mary must not
get cold. Now away with you"
Her old manner had returned.
"Get your passport Go by Bremen to
England. or the ice will delay you. Do not
wait"
Still was irresolute.
! could not bear to leave her.
| sObbed as if my heart would break
Then she knelt TO me and implored me to
60. At last | consented.
My passport was given to me at police
headquarters without a word.
| returned TO our room. As / stood al the
landing cheerful clatter of the machine
was heard. Eliza was bending over her
work, singing some plantjve air.
" Is it all right?" she asked, very quietly
See, your fuTs have come. They are very
beautiful, and so warm.
g have PERM ssiOn To leave"
THANK God! See my work. l think /
could do nos without You"
" Y GU do not love me, Eliza" | cried.
mot love you-my sister, l loved my
husband-he was shot. | loved nv only
child; in the agony OF my grief-because his
father was killed-he sucked poison from
my breast ana died. After them love you
best"
Then. for the first time she burst in par
0Xysm Of tears.
at is because love you-thatI might be
your death"
As she wrung my hand she felt the ring
on nv hnger
"Off with it, You wore your mittens at
the police office! Ii they had seen it'll
Quick, let me hide il"
She took off my shoe and hid the ring in
my stocking.
Should you ever marry sell the ring or
the stone in it, and you will not be portion
less. Now off with you. | have made a
bundle for yOu. The rest of your things
yours-yOu will let me keep II ?''
She took me by the hand, gave me one
long kiss, Osed the door on me. aud never
saw her more.
My trip home was without single incl
dent Ny dear mother cOmforted me- Still
there was some vague feeling of dread. NV
mind wandered in spite of all | could do to-
ward my room companion. Picking up a
newspaper when at home, some two weeks
after my arrival, l read IN the telegraphic
dispatches:
"ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 23.-An arrest
Of great importance has been made One
of the chief actors in the Nihlistic plots, a
Russian Princess. was taken, but only after
she had killed one of the police. Disguised
as a sewng-machine woman she had bith-
ertO baftird the detectives" - Pail Mall