The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-04
CHAPTER XII.
THE PRINCESS OLGA.

and screaming into the station ,and among
the passengers, mostly officers and con-
victs 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 girl-twenty at
most-but her carriage was noble. and
her entire appearance that Of one born to
command. Her lovely face and we'll
shaped head rose above collar OF ermine,
although 1t was not winter.
ITO the palace of Neslerov, governor
of Tomsk,'' she said to drosky driver,
and she and her companion were soon on
the way.
Neslerov was at dinner when a servant
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
calm look that had not been there since
his meeting with Denton.
He found the princess in the reception
room.
princess Olga!" he exclaimed, kissing
her hand. Fair cousin, what happy cir
cumstance brought you here? And why
nave you come unannounced and unat-
Iended?"
Il saw no reason to herald my ap-
proach, y she answered. land | am not I'M
attended. This is my attendant
The woman courtesied and looked I'M
comfortable. but Neslerov paid her not
the least at tention.
We'll, since you are here, am pleased
to see YOU" said the governor. Your
branch Of the Neslerov family and mine
have not been too friendly. l am glad
that at least 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 scarcely
be said to interest me- she said. Re
member l have spent much Of my time
out of Russia, and-it happened twenty
years ago.
Neserov turned to the door and then
stopped.
You refer to the unfortunate mystery
Of Graslov," he said, sobery. 1T was
that, I fear. that ruptured the former
friendships. Yet 1 have insisted and
proved that our family was not to blame.
1t was either an accident or was done by
our enemies. Pardon me! I glad
to see you that 1 forgot that you must be
weary after your journey. Let me have
you shown your rooms, and l will order
dinner for you when you wish"
THANK you. We are both hungry.
will join you in ten minutes, and Therese
ing-room in that time"
You have become a regular cosmopoli-
TAM" laughed Neslerov. Your visits
to America and London have almost taken
away the traces Of our Russian habits"
Some of them could be well dispensed
with" she answered.
In response to his summons a servant
appeared and conducted the women to
their rooms.
Now, what devilish luck could have
brought her here at this timer said Mes
lerov to himself. ST must be cautious.
But 1t is so long-she was not born-she
can know nothing. But must be dis
Greet"
We'll, we are here" said the princess
to her companion when they were alone.
Now, obey me; let me do the planning.
pNeslerov must not suspect us. 1t would
ruin all, and there is no telling what he
might do. The governor of a province in
Siberia Is almost supreme"
Her attendant shudered.
Il lived in dread of Siberia for twenty
years!" she said, with shudder. And
now you have brought me here"
But not as a cOnvict-as a friend. a
woman, like myself, resolved to right a
wrong"
The princess was soon ready and joined
the governor in the dining room:
Il have just been thinking, Olga he
said, his face wreathed with smiles,
that it is at least three years since we
met. Your face has not changed much,
but you are now aWoman, and were then
little girl. Your are one of the most beau
tiful women in Russia
Thank you
"And 1 might say, the richest
NEARLY so. But the wealth brings its
responsibilities. 1t is difficult in Russia
to do htose things that are just and proper
with our wealth.
Il never found it So" said the COVER
Perhaps" said Olga, "you are not in
terested in the question. To me 1t is a
burning one. Our mobiles have too much
wealth, and our lower classes have toe
little opportunity to rise. 1t is not so In
England, France or America
You had better leave those questions
for older heads, princess. You will be-
q come involved with the government be-
3 fore you know. You were not born tc
waste your beauty and talents in such
matters. You were born to be admired
to enjoy your wealth.
81 do enjoy my wealth, and do what
good a girl can do with it. AS to being
admired, l meet few from whom admira-
ton seems to come with sincerity
ooh, as to that you cannot expect to
find the courtiers at beautys court all as
gruff and outspoken as a drosky driver. .
II have met some who Were," she said
laughing pleasantly.
They ate slowly, chat ting the while
"You have not quenched my thirst for
knowledge said the governor. IF
were in st. Petersburg and you did me
the honor to ask me to visit you, 1t would
even then surprise me. But that you have
come to Tomsk, more than half way
across Siberia, to visit me is to say the
least, amazing"
The princess gave her silvery laugh
again. &c.,. .....
"You are as conceted any Other
nobleman I have met. I did not come
to see YOU I came, first, to ride on thu
new railway; second, to study the condi
lions existing in this part of the empire
and, third, to look into this new PROPOSE
tion Of the car to induce peasants tt
settle in Siberia along the line of thu
railway. 1t is very good idea, If thu
country will support settlers"
"It will under proper help from the gov
eminent at the start replied Neslerov
81 am glad you came to me. We shall
have a fine time making our investiga
TONS" .la-
'I notice that you do not seem to hav,
the free use Of your arm" said Olga
"Have you been i'll or injured?"
"A slight injury. fell from an unrul,
horse"
you must be more cautious. It mus
have been a wild beast. You have tn,
name of being an excellent horseman."
When their meal was finished the,
strolled together through the rooms of.th,
palace
II am quite interested in your palace