Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-07-19


ter in her hand "This is threat--a
threat that my uncle preferred to have
ME read rather than to tell me himself.
Let them threaten! But will attend
the ball and will assist in entertaining
Prince Dellnikoff, the most dissolute
prince in st. Petersburg"
Have you received letter at last,
mademoiselle" asked Marie as she en-
tered the room.
"At last, Marie, have been permit
ted to read a letter. 1t is not, however,
addressed to me. It Is one that was
sent by my father to my uncle with
some very interesting news. Prince
Dellnikof is coming to Tiflis."
Heavens! To be marriedY"
II presume that is the real object.
Openly he comes as the inspector gen.
eral Of prisons"
Inspector general! He will be a
proud one in that uniform"
"Why so, Marie? What distinguish
ing uniform does the inspector general
of prisons wear7"
"All gold lace, mademoiselle. 1t is
fine. l once knew the inspector gen
eral of prisons for Perm. He was a
grand looking man in his uniform"
II should like to see It," said Alma
with smile. II suppose l will have
the opportunity soon."
II have book with all the uniforms
of Russia. Shall get it,"
mo, never mind. Well, get it. 1t
will serve to pass away a few miser-
able moments"
Marie brought little leather cover
ed book.
"It is Alexander's, mademoiselle.
He hopes for promotion and is study
ing the fine uniform he will wear"
Alexander is noble and faithful. l
hope he will win his promotion and not
disgrace himself by assisting me-"
HE would die for you, mademoi.
selle."
Alma turned the pages of the book.
Many of the brilliant uniforms she
saw pictured were familiar to her.
The uniform prescribed for the In
spector general of prisons was gor-
geous affair, all gold lace, shiny boots,
a cap and medal that hung from the
golden sash. She closed the book and
sank back In the chair with her eyes
closed. Instead of returning the bool;
Alma rose from her chair and placed II
in drawer.
II like to look at them, Marie" she
said. II will keep the book awhile"
The approach of the governors ball
in honor Of the new inspector general
Of prisons reused great interest.
governors ball was always grand
affair, but this one, coming at the close
of the fair, with SO many notables from
all parts Of the east in Tifiis, was Ger
tain to surpass in splendor any OF
Its predecessors. The bazaars brought
out their best goods and displayed
them to the best advantage. Women Of
all nations began feverish shopping
and preparing. Officers of the garrison
Persian grandees, Chinese princes
Turkish pashas, We'd with one another
in their efforts to do credit to this grea'
occasion Alma seemed imbued will
the same spirit Of rivalry. One day a!
she and Marie were going out Jurnief
stopped Marie.
"Marie." he said, what has brough
the great change over your mistress
Heretofore she has been morose ant
sad; now she is smiling and cheerful
What has caused It? She acts like on,
who knew that her lover had come t.
see her"
Marie started. Did he know that Al
ma was aware Of the presence of Irons
in the prison?
ut Is not that, think, Colonel Jur
nieff, but that perhaps one is coming"
DO you mean-you cannot mean tn,
prince?"
1T may be, though Mile. Alma say
little to me. Is he not a great officer 2
HE has high and honorable posi-
ton. He is inspector general Of pris
ons."
| "Ah! That enlightens me, your ex
cellency. know what she wanted i
for now"
Wanted what fort"
"The book-the pictures Of uniforms
saw her studying the uniform Of tn,
inspector general Of prisons. She seem
ed pleased after that"
Jurnieff turned away.
what was there in the generals let
ter to produce this changer he asked
himself. ut is remarkable can nov
write to him that he Is in fair wa,
to have his dearest wish gratified.
ought to be promoted myself II tina
comes off,"
What did my uncle ask you, Ma
vie?" inquired Alma as the carriag
was being driven of.
He had noticed that you We're ga,
and smiling Of late. He asked me tn
cause. l said I believed it was be
cause the prince was coming. toll
him you had studied the uniforms o
the inspector general of prisons an
had seemed pleased"
Il must be cautious"
Arriving at one Of the largest bs
zaars, Alma left Marie in the carriag
and proceeded to do her shopping alon,
She was attired becomingly, her gov
setting of her form to advantage
Among the things she purchased was
long cloak, reaching almost to th
ground, having hood for covering tn
head in winter.
Permit me, lady, to carry your pul
chases to your carriage" said the me-
lchant.
e'you mar, bgt not yet. I shall nee