The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-13

STACEY and SuperfiuOus? This ReStOIsh
for the purpose OF imperial show. take IL,
TO render?'
Volborth laughed gaily.
You must not expect me 10 disparage
the most cherished OF our institutions. Col.
Delaval said he. with just enough latent
sarcasm in his tone 10 hint al no great
fondness for the police. Seriously. though.
the answer 10 your question must depend
on two whether any need for
Restofskis services viii occur. and. sec.
ondly, whether he will be competent 10 deal
with IL II il does. 1 am no; competent to
offer an opinion on either point
He laid the faintest possible stress on the
personal Dronoun-so faint that il would
not be noticed but by one conscious OF a
merited inuendo. This scarcely perceptible
emphasis was one OF those bats which he
habitually threw out in the course OF his
willy fishing; but keenly as he watched. he
could detect no sign either that the Ameri-
can or the princess rose To IL. Not by the
culver OF an eyelid did they show that they
possessed the knowledge which Volborth
disclaimed. much less that they suspected
him OF implying that they had it,
Olga Palitzin was toyiag with a jeweled
paper knife, and with il she stabbed play
fully at Volborth.
''of course you know nothing of such
things, Paul" she laughed How should
you. when Colonel Delaval is probably
right, and there is nothing TO know? But
come, let US discuss something more inter-
esting than vulgar fry like Nihilists and
the journey, PAUL. You should gather ma
terials for comedy in Watching the pretty
idyn between those fondest of betrothed
lovers, Boris Dubrowsk and his maid of
honor. Was there ever such luck as for
them both 10 be OF the suite? No parting.
no tears, no possible cause OF jealousy"
garded her with a significant smile. No So
cial rumor escaped him, and well he knew
that the fair lima Vassih had found her
cause OF jealousy already-in the beautiful
woman who spoke thus lightly OF her be-
trothal to the Tsar's handsome aid de camp
The imminent breach between the two ami
anced members Of the royal household.
owing to Dubrowskis sudden infatuation
for Olga Palitzin. on every liz. Vol
berth had already taken steps 10 test the
depth of that infatuation by ascertaining
that the captain was TO spend his last even
ing in Petersburg under that roof.
ITO some natures the idyllic state Is not
Possibly our friend. the junior aid de
camp, having the moon with him on his
travels, may. cry for the absent sun"
An; you have heard They tax az the
with the hint at her conquest. HE Is a
foolish fellow, our dear Boris. to come
dangling here so often. Were he not leaving
with their Majesties tomorrow | should
have had to drive him away. Ii would never
do for ii to be said at court that was lur-
ing the betrothed of the Tsarina's favorite
maid of honor TO break faith. Boris is such
an impetuous boy"
Captain Dubrowski, of the Imperial
Guard" announced a lackey, throwing open
the door.
With jingle of spurs and clank of sword
the subject OF their small talk entered,
gorgeous in the glittering uniform OF the
Household troops. That the princess was
not expecting him was plain TO the cease
less vigilance of Volborth. Equally plain
was IL that she was ready for the emer-
gency, for even as she rose to greet her
latest visitor she tossed the American
side glance which distinctly said Co
and to Volborth himself accorded depre-
catory shrug suggestive OF compulsory
adieus Colonel DeIaval obediently bowed
himself out. but Volborth. nodding with
friendly familiarity TO the newcomer, held
mis- ground. He did not intend 10 be ham
pered with a companion on leaving the
room.
The young officers usually bright and
handsome face was clouded as he grasped
the hand of his hostess.
Il am desolated. my dear princess" he
began. Il have only ten minutes at your
disposal, and alas! / must use them for
saying farewell"
What! you do not dine with me to-
night?" exclaimed Olga. and for once Vol
borth thought he could catch a metallic
snap in her generally even tones.
unfortunately. no." replied Dubrowsh
ruefully. His Majesty has commanded the
attendance of an extra aid dc camp this
evening and / am next for duty. i cannot
help myself in such a case. as you know
/ can only obey-and hate my luck"
Polite usage offered only one course To
Volborth. He rose and took leave of the
browski, who was, however, far too per
turbed TO care about or understand his
meaning. Olga's adieus abundantly
civil, but they were spoken with a rapidity
that scarcely yelled the satisfaction she
felt at his departure.
II must take advantage OF this change
of plans" Nolborth said to himself as he
closed the door behind him. Whatever OBJ
ject she had in asking him 10 dinner to-
night she will endeavor TO gain now-in the
next few minutes.
He cast a quick glance I'D and down the
corridor, and after taking half a dozen
steps toward the head Of the staircase,
quietly went back on the tips OF his patent
leather shoes to the door. IL was velled
with a heavy portiere, and, gliding behind
the vely ct folds. he applied his ear TO the
panel.
Il tell you, olga. 1 am miserabIe-ab-
jectly misera Dle-at the prospect or TINS
long separation the young aid de camp
was saying impetuously. And all the more
because ] can get nothing deunlte from you
as TO your real feeling for me. You are a
perfect mystery-a sphinx. Though you
have made me care for you almost against
my will, | know no more than 1 aid a
month ago whether you care for me; L
would risk everything-my career, the En-
perOr's favor, the respect of my friends.
would break with lima IL only
1T is my urgent command that you DO
nothing Of the kind-yet," interrupted the
musical voice OF the princess. you must
not be foolish and rash. Boris-at any rat.
till / have given you definite reply There
are reasons why / cannot DO so at present.
Let US do what we can 10 make the pain
OF separation less; say. by corresponding
frequently, by letter and telegram-eVery
day. IL you like"
.;Ohi but that will be spIendidr' cried
Dubrowski, jumping at the proposal
Listen then" Olga proceeded. and her
tone was unusually impressive. You must
write me a full account OF each days do
ings during the imperial tour. remem boring
that in a matter so intimately affecting
yourself the minutest details will. interest
me No love letters. mind. Incidents are
what / want. and descriptions OF the vie
intime of the journey--whether the Count
ess Vassili is particularly silly. Restofski
particularly odious, and so on. All the scan
DIAL OF the trip, In fact. with unconsidered
trihes i'm the way Of Nihilist scares and
such-like thrown in"
How delightful, IL will add zest 20 my
fatiguing duties 10 write you thus daily"
asm.
But that is not ALL" the princess went
on with increasing earnes tnesS This Is
even more important Where practicable,
without drawing attention, you must tele-
graph 20 me here in Petersburg. or else
where IL I move, tie programme OF the
next days fetes and engagements. 80 that
drop my hand, foolish boy-I may be with
you in spirit through all Your Junketings
at the tail OF royalty
Like a pike at gudgeon. Dubrowski
snapped at the proposal, ana promising 10
keep the princess Informed OF his move
ments past and future-especially future
he drifted into the commonplace OF a
wild Irritation. NOlborth kept his station
well warned him that IL was time 10 go.
"It all fits in. he said 20 himself as he
descended the broad staircase TO the street.
IF I am right in my views. she Is using