The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1903-03-24
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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 time?" said
Neslerov to himself. Il must be eau
tious. But it is so long-she was not
horn-she can know nothing. But I
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
US 1t would ruin all, and there is no
telling what he might do. The govern
or Of a province in Siberia is almost
supreme"
Her attendant shuddered.
81 lived in dread of Siberia for twen-
ty years." she said, with a shudder.
"And now you have brought me here"
"But not as convict-as a friend,
woman, like myself, resolved to right
wrong"
The princess was soon ready and
joined the governor in the dining room.
81 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 woman and We're
then.a little girl. You are one of the
most beautiful women in Russia"
'"Thank you"
1And | might say, the richest"
al, xl.1 y, f,,.3,,
its responsibilities. 1t is difficult in
Russia to do those things that are just
and proper with our wealth"
81 never found it so.' said the gov
ernor, with laugh.
Perhaps" said Olga. you are not
interested in the question. To me it is
a burning one. Our mobiles have too
much wealth and our lower classes
have too little opportunity to rise. 1t is
not so in England France or Ameri-
ca"
you had better leave those questions
for older heads, princess. You will be-
come involved with the government be-
fore you know. You were not born to
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 girl can do with it. AS to being
admired, meet few from whom admi-
ration seems to come with sincerity"
ooh, as to that. You cannot expect to
find the courtiers at beauty's court all
as grutf and outspoken as a drosky
driver
81 have met some who were" she
said. laughing pleasantly.
They ate slowly, chatting 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. it
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.
''You are as conceited at any other
nobleman have met. l did not come
to see YOU. | came, first. to ride on the
new railway; second, to study the con-
ditions existing in this part of the en-
pire. and. third to look into this new
proposition of the cZar to induce peas
ants to settle in Siberia along the line
of the railway. 1t is very good idea,
if the country will support settlers"
ut will under proper help from the
government at the start" replied Ne
slerov. II am glad you came to me-
We shall have fine time making our
investigations"
Il notice that you do not seem tc
have the free use of your arm," said
Olga. Have you been i'll or injured?"
"a slight injury. l fell from an un
ruly horse"
"You must be more cautious. 1t must
have been wild beast. You have the
name of being an excellent horseman.'
When their meal was finished, they
strolled together through the rooms Of
the palace.
81 am quite interested in your pal
ace" said the princess. ut is not th'
finest l have seen, but it is excellent
There are some barbarisms, but pre-
sumo you get accustomed to them-h
Siberia"
Eyes, in Siberia one gets accustomed
to almost anything" he answered.
She continued her inspection with in
terest and suddenly came to stop be
fore a painting. Neslerov's face be
came shade paler.