Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-11-25

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know-but he may be in love with her
| also."
.srhree loversi She Is fortunate-no,
would say most unfortunate. With
sne true and honorable lover any wo-
man is fortunate, but with three-and
one like Neslerov! 1t Is too much"
You do not seem to suspect where
the picture came from"
do you mean the oil painting Of my
cousin. the Princess Alexandria"
81 mean it. You say it hangs on the
wall of Neslerov's room. 1t is undoubt-
edly the one painted by Vladimir"
"And when Vladimir and his parents
were sent to Siberia Neslerov took the
painting?"
YES. Vladimir is talented, as you
know-at least as l have told you
Then Vladimir must be near this
place"
Therese shuddered again.
"He is-he is in the dungeons under
this palace" she whispered in terror.
A sudden change came over the prin-
cess. She walked in agitation to and
fro across the room.
Then Neslerov must suspect that
Vladimir holds the key to the mystery
of Graslov," she said, stopping again
before Therese.
81 do not know what he thinks. The
American also is here under charge
of conspiring against the car
"Oh, then it becomes clearer. These
Americans are shrewd. This one, per-
haps, in order to crafty his love of
truth. has set himself the task of dis
covering the truth about Graslov."
"Who knows?" asked Therese. But
how would he know anything about
the mystery of Graslov:'
True, but you say Vladimir and the
American girl are in love. Vladimir
may have discovered something and
told the girl She may have told the
American, who may not be a lover, but
a friend. She may have enlisted his
efforts in the task of unraveling the
mystery"
1T is possible"
"What else did you hear?"
Nothing; that is all. The American
was arrested as he was about to leave
for Perm. Vladimir was brought from
Tivoloffsky, small village near here
"By the orders of Neslerov:"
ut must be. since they are in the
dungeons of his palace
"And that is all you heard:'
"All-everything."
at is enough to place me upon the
right scent. You must not. however,
give way to these fits of unconscious
ness. Be stronger, be brave"
1T is all very we'll, princess: but If
you had lived for twenty years with
the horror Of that crime OverShadow-
ing you, with constant fear of the 81
berian mines weighing upon you, you
would not be calm"
"Poor woman. l appreciate your
feelings in the matter. But try to main
tain your composure, for one mistake
now, the slightest suspicion OH the part
of Neslerov. may destroy the efforts we
have made during the last two years"
"SiX months, princess
For YOU, since your husband died.
have been working upon this mystery
since / returned from Paris two years
ago. If God spares my life, | will
avenge the crime that was committed
against our branch of the Nes!erovs."
That evening the princess met NeSle-
rov in the dining room with no shIw OF
emotion. Her smile was as winning
and her wit as sharp as ever
81 have not seen you during the aft
ernoon, fair cousin" said NeSlcrov.
But have not forgotten you. Lave
been gathering tie resources of FomSk
to give you fitting welcome to our
city. Tomorrow night there will he
reception and fete here in your honor.
Tomorrow night? That is quickly
DONE"
"It does not take long to arrange such
thing here We have so few social
pleasures that when the opportunity
occurs we grasp it greedily. The Off
GERS of the garrison and the head OH
cials, with their families, will attend.
| You must not expect to see the grand
eur Of fete in st. Petersburg or Par
is."
1T would weary me-" said Olga.
The perfecting arrangements for the
fete made Neslerov hurry away. and
Olga was soon left to herself. She had
resolved upon certain plans. but the
activity of the palace in the prepaIa-
tions for the coming festivities seemed
destined to balk her. She roamed
through the great rooms alone. scan
uing the faces of those she met. speak
Ing to few, but watchful for the opyor-
tunity she craved.
1t was nearly midnight when she be-
came discouraged and went 10 her
room. The servants Of the palace were
still ut work arranging the rooms for
the dance.
But the princess did not retire. She
sat down near window ana waited.
From the ballroom windows the glare
of lights spread out upon the sur! lid
ing trees and buildings. From below
came voices of those who were making
ready for the reception.
Therese came in to prepare her mis-
tress for bed.
Not yet, Therese." said the princess
wearily. II shall not retire"
"You will make yourself ILL., said
Therese nervously.
do not fear-I shall not be i'll. But
1 am not ready for bed. must wait
and act"
"You will learn nothing tonight"
ut Is night to learn. Leave me
alone"
Therese stood q moment watching
the princess with wistful. loving
glance, and then she went to her own
room.
The princess sat with scarcely mo-
tion for more than two hours. An OBJ.
server might easily have supposed she
had gone to sleep. But suddenly the
glare of the lights from the ballroom
died away. and the princess rose to her
feet.
1T is finished" she said. "and they
are weary. Tomorrow night will be
severe one. and they will retire at
once. Some one must be on guard
md cold Is poWerful, Tonight ! must