Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-23


convicts or men connected with the
railway. were two women. One of
these was about fifty years of age,
Thin and subducd in appearance, and
her face bore the marks of suppressed
anxiety. The other was scarcely more
than a girl-twcnty az most-but her
carriage was noble, and her entire ap-
nearance that of one born to command.
Her lovely face and well shaped head
rose above collar of erminc although
It was TO. winter.
"l'o the palace of Neslerov. governor
Of Tomsk." she said to drosky
driver and she and her companion
were soon on the way.
Ncslcrov was at dinner when a serv-
ant announced the Princess Olga.
what about the Princess Olga" he
asked.
"rhe princess is here-she has asked
to see your cXcellency."
Here. Olga Neslerov. herev 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 luttlluG Will lIcIlOu.
He found the princess in the recep.
Non room.
princess olga he exclaimed. kiss
Ing her hand. Fair cousin. what hap
pv circumstance brought you here?
And why have you come unannounced
md unattended?'
Il saw no reason to herald my ap-
bn nd |
unattended. This is my attendant"
The woman courtesied and looked
uncomfortable. but Neslcrov paid her
not the least attention.
well, since you are here. ! am pleas
cd 10 see YOU" said the governor.
Your branch of the NcSlerov family
and mine have not been too friendly. |
am glad that at last one of you has had
the grace to begin reconciliation"
Princess Olga smiled.
Whatever feeling my branch Of the
family may have for yours could scarce
ly he 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-
terry of Graslov," he said soberly. III
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,
l was so glad to see you that l forgot
that you must be weary after your
Journey. Let me have you shown your
rooms, and ! will order dinner for you
when you wish"
Thank YOU. We are both hungry.
will join you in ten minutes, and The
reese viii be ready 10 go to the servants
dining room in that time"
you have become a regular cOsmo-
poltan," laughed Neslerov. Your Wis
it's 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 t,
their rooms.
Now, what devilish luck could have
brought her here at this time?" sale
Neslerov TO himself II must be eau
tious. But it is so long-she was moi
born-she can know nothing, But
must be discreet"
well we are here" said the prin
cess to her companion when they were
alone. Nov. obey me; let me do ths
planning. Neslcrov must not suspect
us. 1t would ruin all, and there is NJ
telling what he might do. The govern
or of a province in Siberia is almos
supreme"
Her attendant shuddered.
Il lived in dread of Siberia for TWEEN
ty years" she said, with n shuddcr
"And now you have brought me here. "
But not as a convict-as friend, ;
woman, Ike myself, resolved to RICH
wrong"
The princess was soon ready anC
Joined the governor in the dining room
Il have just been thinking, Olga" IN
said, his face wreathed with smiles
that it is at least three years since W.
met. Your fnce has not changed much
but you are now woman and wer
then little girl. You are one OF tn
most beautiful women in Russia"
Thank you"
And l might say, the richest"
NEARLY so. But the wealth bring
It's responsibilities. IL is difficult il
Russia to do those things that are jus
and proper with our wealth"
II never found it So" said the gov
ernor, with laugh.
Perhaps" said Olga, you are no
interested in the question. To me it i
burning one. Our mobiles have TO
much wealth and our lower classe
have too little opportunity to rise. 1t
not so in England France or Amer
ca"
you had better leave those question
for older heads, princess. You will be
come involved with the government b'
fore you know. You were not born t
waste your beauty and talents in sue
matters. You were born to be admired
to enjoy your wealth"
II do enjoy my wealth aud do whs
good girl can do with it. AS to bein
admired, meet few from whom adm
ration seems to come with sincerity"
"Oh as to that, you cannot expect
find the cou"t!ers at beauty's court a
as gruff and outspoken as drosk
driver"
II have met some who WERE" sh