Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-11-15
CHAPTER XII.


~HE train from Moscow came
snorting and screaming into
the station, and among the
passengers, mostly officers and
cOnVicts or men connected with the
railway, were two women. One OF
these was about fifty years OF age,
thin and subdued in appearance, and
her face bore the marks Of suppressed
anxiety. The other was scarcely more
than q girl-twenty at most-but her
carriage was noble, and her entire ap-
pearance that Of one born to command.
Her lovely face and well shaped head
rose above a collar of ermine, although
1t was not winter.
ITO the palace Of Neslerov, governor
Of Tomsk," she said to a drosky
driver, and she and her companion
were soon on the way.
Neslerov was at dinner when serv-
ant announced the Princess Olga.
"What about the Princess Olga% he
asked.
"The princess Is here-she has asked
to see your excellency."
"Here! Olga Neslerov, here" rising
from the table. He had improved much
In the last few days, and his face wore
a calm look that had not been there
since his meeting with Denton.
He found the princess in the recep'
ton room.
Princess Olgaw he exclaimed, kiss
ing her hand. Fair cousin, what hap
py circumstance brought you here?
And why have you come unannounced
and uratte2ded?
II saw no reason to herald my ap-
proach," she answered, "and l am not
unattended. This Is my attendant"
The woman courtesied and looked
uncomfortable, but Neslerov paid her
not the least attention.
"Well. since you are here, am pleas
ed to see you," said the governor.
"Your branch Of the Neslerov family
and mine have not been too friendly. l
am glad that at last one of you has had
the grace to begin q reconciliation"
frluceSS OlSd Slililcu
"Whatever feeling my branch of the
family may have for yours could scarce
ly be said to interest me-" she said.
Remember, l have spent much Of my
time out Of Russia, and-it happened
twenty years ago."
Neslerov turned to the door and then
stopped.
"You refer to the unfortunate mys-
terv of Graslov," he said soberly. ut
was that, l fear, that ruptured the
former friendships. Yet have insist
ed and proved that our family was not
to blame. 1t was either an accident or
was done by our enemies. Pardon me!
was so glad to see you that forgot
that you must be weary after your
tourney. Let me have you shown your
rooms, and will order dinner for you
when you wish"
"Thank you. We are both hungry. l
will join you in ten minutes, and The
rese will be ready to 60 to the servants
dining room in that time"
"You have become q regular cosmo-
politan," laughed Neslerov. Your Wis
its to America and London have almost
taken away the traces Of our Russian
habits"
"Some Of them could be we'll dispens-
ed WITH" she answered.
In response to his summons servant
appeared and conducted the women to
their rooms.
Now. what devilish luck could have
brought her here ut this time?' SAID
Neslerov TO himself. Il must be eau
tious. But it is so long-she was not
born-she can know nothing. But l
must be discreet"
"Well, we are here" said the prin-
cess to her companion when they were
alone. Now. obey me; let me do the
planning. Neslerov must not suspect
ms. 1t would ruin all, and there is no
telling what he might do. The govern
or of province in Siberia Is almost
supreme"
Her attendant shuddered.