Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-07-14

permit you to have your own way. I
want you to meet the prince at the
ball. 1t may be necessary for you to
make purchases. You are at liberty to
Use the carriage any day between 2
and l."
Thank you" said Alma. She bowed
and went to her room.
Some plot" she murmured as she
shut her door. "What deviltry is afoot
now? So am asked 70 read letter
from my father. the first Of his letters
that have been even spoken Of to me-"
She sat down and read:
My Dear Brother-You will doubtless be
surprised TO hear OF the appointment Of
Prince Dellnikoff TO the important post Of
inspector general OF prisons. II was a
happy thought Of mine TO have him ap-
pointed to n position of power and impor-
lance. sufficiently so to please him and
make his sojourn in your portion OF Rus
STA not unwelcome. 1t will bring him
often to THIS and give you an opportunity
to bring the prince and my obstinate
daughter together. 1t is probable that the
governor will entertain the prince. II so.
that will be a good opportunity. We must
compel the girl to obey some way or 9TH
or. 1t In q cherished iden Of mine to SEQ
the families of Delnikoff and Jurnlefr
united. The father OF Prince Alexis was
q good friend OF mine. and we spoke FREE
quently in other days OF the plea sure II
would give us to see our only children
united Therefore do your utmost to bring
about this most desirable marriage.
shall not receive my daughter again until
she comes to me as the Princess Dell
nikoff.
what kind and loaing fatherw ex-
claimed Alma as she csunched the let
ter In her hand. "1mAAs n threat-a
threat that my uncleQss4erred to have
me read rather than tdSeil me himself
Let them threaten! But l will attend
the ball and will assist in entertaining
Prince Dcllnikoff, the most dissolute
prince in st. Petersburg"
Have you received letter at last.
mademoisellci asked Marie as she en-
tered the room.
AT last. Marie, have been permit
ted to read letter. 1t Is not, however,
addressed to me. 1t is one that was
sent by my father to my uncle with
some very interesting news Prince
Dclnikoff is coming TO Tifis."
Heavens. To be married"
II presume that Is the real object
Openly he comes as the inspector gen
eral Of prisons"
inspector general! lie Will be a
proud one in that uniform"
why so, Marie? What distinguish.
ing uniform does the inspector general
Of prisons wear?"
"All gold lace. mademoselle 1t is
fine. once knew the inspector gen.
eral of prisons for Perm. He was Il
grand looking man in his uniform
II should like to see it," said Alma
with smile II suppose I will have
the opportunity soon"
81 have book with all the uniforms
of Russia. Shall get IT."
"No. never mind. Well, get It, It
will serve to pass away a few miser-
able moments
Marie brought little leather cover.
ed book.
ut ia Alexander's, mademoiselle.
He hopes for promotion and Is study
ing the fine uniform he will wear"
Alexander Is noble and faithful.
hope he will wi, his promotion and not
disgrace himself by assisting me-"
"He would die for you mademoi
seile"
Alma turned the pages OF the book.
Many of the brilliant uniforms she
saw pictured We're familiar to her.
The uniform prescribed for the in
spector general of prisons was Il gor-
eeous 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 book
Alma rose from her chair and placed it
In drawer.
Il 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. A
governors ball was always a grand
affair. but this one, coming al the close
of the fair, with so many nOtables from
all parts Of the east in TitiS. 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 grandces. Chinese princes.
Turkish poshas, We'd with one another
in their efforts to do credit to this great
OCCASION Alma seemed imbued with
the same spirit OF rivalry. One day as
she and Marie were going out Jurnieff
stopped Marie.
Marie" he said, "what has brought
the great change over your mistress
Heretofore she has been morose and
sad; now she is smiling and cheerful.
What has caused 1t? She acts like one
who knew that her lover had come to
see her"
Marie started. Did he know that AL
ma was aware OF the presence Of Irons
in the prison?
at is not that, think. Colonel Jur'
nieff, but that perhaps one is coming"
"Do you mean-you cannot mean the
prince?"
at may be. though Mile. Alma says
little to me. Is he not great oiticer?"
"He has high and honorable posi-.
ton. lie ia inspector general OF prls-
ons."
"Ah! That enlightens me, YOUR eX-