The free press., 1893-05-11

CuuCdlCO COupdllouS.
When Cecil Pentreath, with outward
composure and inward tribulatlon, was
shown into his private sitting room at
the Langham Hotel that afternoon he
laid down the Times and regarded her
pretty face with evident appreciation.
At the end of five minutes he said he
believed she would suit his friends, and
that he would pay her passage out to
Odessa, providing-and he did not doubt
that it would be the case-each found
the others references satisfactory.
II will give you till this time to-mor-
row to consider the matter and make such
inquiries as you think-proper, he said,
in conclusion.
"Anyhow, l suppose need not start
for week or two9" she asked. ~
should like little while in which to
take leave of my friends"
Naturally you would" he answered
kindly. "There is no immediate hurry.
A fortnight hence would suit the Petro-
witches very well, I've no doubt"
The next afternoon, having perfectly
satisfied herself in the interim anent the
responsibility of her future employers,
she went to keep her appointment with
Mr.. Kanseroff.
He was not alone to-day. Another
man was in the room, younger man,
VINO was seated at writing table strewn
with papers, and who merely glanced up
and bowed as she entered, and then paid
no more attention to her.
Kanserof rose courteously, shook
hands and asked her to sit down.
"Well, Miss Pentrcath, he said, sand
have you decided to go to Russia"
eyes" she answered, simply.
As she spoke she was conscious that
the stranger--his interest suddenly
awakened-had turned his head, and
was looking at her earnestly; the keen
scrutiny rendered her somewhat uncom-
Portable.
He said something rapidly to his
friend in Russian. From the note of in
ouiry in his voice, and the mention OF
her own name and that OF Petrowitch in
the reply, she guessed correctly mat he
had asked who she was.
discussed business matters and settled
the date of her departure, she was SEN
sible of the fact that every word she ut
tered was being absorbed and criticized
by the man at the other end OF the room'
and that all the time he was watching
her closely-that his eyes never left her
face.
When at length she rose to go he called
Kanseroff aside, and the latter left the
girl with brief apology and request
that she would remain moment.
The two men talked eagerly, excitedly;
but it was the stranger who was having
most of the say. She could not under
stand them, of course. 1t appeared 10
her, however, that he was making some
PROPOSAL of W hich Kanseroff did not ap-
proye. At last the elder gave IN, but
half convinced and shrugged his
shoulders, remarking In English
swell, have yonr own way. But you
mnst make YOUR own arraL gements; l
shan't interfere"
The Younger man turned abruptly to
Cecil, who had been watching the ii''ie
scene with natural curiosity.
..Miss Pentreath, would you IKE 10
earn $5000W -, ~
A rush of color flushed Ceciis cheehs
"Ah--yes," she said, with a iiI'le
gasp in her voice. "But why 90 you
ask mea How could could make 80
much2" "a
Every simply. By leaving Englana
in two days instead of two weeks ;.I auh
taking a little packet of papers VIII
you-a little packet that is o. SUI
great Importance to my family 'na: a:.
do not care to transmit 1t IN the ot''n'
ary way, through the post.