Little Falls herald., 1901-09-06

aStlr. LeuoDle SatneTeQ tOSeineT
such articles of clothing as would be
needed and then proceeded to pre-.
/ pare her mistress for tie adventure.
':Fear not," she saV, as she drew
on Rosalind's robe Of fur, <<for there
can be no danger worse thaa that we
flee from. Try only to remember
that YOU fee from the dukes foul
embrace"
This served to nerve the fair
young countess up to the task, and
her frame ceased its trembling. :
Il shall not faltcr now," she said.
"But shall we find the emperor at
this late hour?"
<<Bless me, tits not. late! But even
if we do not see him tonight we can
do it in the morning. We shall find
plenty in the imperial palace who
will shelter US till then"
The girls Were now ready, and all
that remained was to start on their
strange mission. With noiseless
steps they left the apartment where
they had dressed and proceeded.
along the corridor o,the great stair,
case. Zenobie knew there would be
less danger there than to go down
the other way among the servants.
Having descended these stairs, they
came to the great hall which opened
one way into the saloons. They
took the former course and were
soon in the court. The only trouble
now was in passing the porter's
lodge at the gate, for they knew the
great gate was not open, and to gain
the street they must pass through
the room where the porter always
staid.+ Zenobie went ahead and look
ed in. The porter sat by the fire
playing with his dog.
F'My mistress" whispered the girl
as she came back, cold John is in the
lodge, and we need have no fear. He
is simple, good natured fellow, and
am sure | can get by him. Do you
60 in advance; cover up your face; !;
don't look at him, and be sure you
don't tremble. Leave it all to me.
Remember, now, You have"-
@Fear not, Zenobie. Go on.''
So on they went, and when they
reached the lodge Rosalind went in
first and stood by the wicket, while
Zenobie followed and opened the
door that looked into the porter's
room.
"Good John," she uttered in anx-
ious tones, ''come and open the wick
ct for me, quick. My good mistress
is very i'll, and Tilda and l are going
for the doctor. Come; be quick
'SBut why don't some of the men
| go?'' asked John as he started up
and forced his dog back. +
Because 'twould take them Ion
ger to do the errand than twill u.s..
But don't detain US. We shan't be
| long"
The honest porter had orders not
| to allow the countess to pass out,
| but he Thought not of that now.
He had known the gentle girl from
a child, and so well did he love her
that he might not have stopped her
even had he known she was then
waiting to pass out. At all events,
he could not refuse the present re-
quest, so he came out and opened
the wicket without further ques-
ton, and the girls passed through.
"Now, now," uttered Zenobie in
nervous haste, 1--WE are eelear of the
palace: Here is the street. Our
walk is not long"
Rosalind answered not; but, draw
ing her robe more closely about her
to keep out the cold, biting wind,
she hastened along. by the side Of
her companion. Hope was now alive
within her. She turned one glance
behind her, and she could see the
light which she had left burning in
her chamber. It seemed at.that mo-
ment to be the fiery eye of demon
gazing after her, and instinctively
she quickened her pace.
= s<~s =
! Twice during the day did the
! Duke Of ala call at the imperial
palace without being able to find the
emperor, but in the evening he was
more fortunate. The emperor was
in, and Olga was admitted at once
to his presence -
/ tsWel1, my lord duke,p said Peter
as Olga approached, what business
! calls you from home at this hour % :
! business Of i4nostapce sire
/. business OF less mohledt td me than
to the state. 8 5 : s s. ...:
| .AA! Proceed. 2
Only two attendants we're with
the emperor, Qneof whom Eas De
met1ius the 6feS ap{1Z lesnlaee of
audience vas i one 6f fhes sf1yate
/ apartments near the .bedeA
! where only privileged ones were ever
i allowed 60 come.
= -