New-York tribune., 1905-05-28
I O

to fear. He could dCSp1Sc the threats OF those who
vowed vengeance him"
Il declined' said Ermyntrude firmly, "becaus
l came to hate Russia and everything connected
with the country. Had the ceremony of last nigh
proceeded to a conclusion it would have been
marriage in name only. 1t was forced on me by cir
cumstanccs. l agreed under compulson."
Yet the Prince IS devoted to you. He is
gallant lover. Now that your father and brothc
are safe will you marry him if | help you?'
you? 1t has been dinned into my ears tina
you the chief obstacle to his marriage-h
second marriage, to be exact"
"Oh, they have told you that. What ont
do when Ivan Stephanovitch is too faithful to hi
trust? Forgive me if | have seemed harsh to you
| am in despair. | will die rather than become
Boris Mclnikofs wife. He knew that. have tolc
him SO"
The beautiful Circassan threw herself into
chair and looked at Ermyntrude with expression
of fearless agony that was excessively trying
Ermvntrude was beginning dinly to see some o
the hidden of the turbulent stream of life
in Bannofka With her woman's intuition, she
OWNED part at least, of the sorrow which rackeC
the emotional creature who spoke 50 1mpulslvely.
Are you not free to give your hand to the MAJ
of your ChOicc?" she asked with ready sympathy
If you dislike Prince Mclniko and he is 50 blinC
to your attractions to prefer bit of girl hk
me, who will have of him, do not exactly
WHY YOU should be miserable, yet why yOt
desire to make me miserable also by getting m'
married to him."
Ermyntrude with her downright English
sense apparently had divested the problem of
its fanciful trappings and stated plain facts
in plain words. The other, upon whose soul
lay the weight of unutterabc broodings, could
only clasp her hands across the gold circlet which
bound her wonderful hair and say brOkenly:
Il knew Ivan would not fail. He never
fails in aught he undertakes May the Madonna
of Kazan help me- | am to be piticd."
Mayhap Ermyntrude's kindly words would
have milo cd her Inns md heart
might have found solace in telling her grief to
another, but a knock at the door announced
Armstrong. He was followed by huge fur
wrapped figure and Natushka instantly sprang
to her feet with wild cry of delight.
"Ivanl You safe! Thank Heaven!"
She spoke in Russian but there
misunderstanding her attitude and gestures.
She loved this bury unCouth fellow who was
plotting desperately to make her princess
against her will.
He alone was blind and deaf Both Ermvn
trude and Frank, though the latter was not
aware of the girls passionate outbreak during
the few minutes he had left Ermyntrude in
her company, arrived at the same conclusion
And with the thought came the knowledge of
danger created by this awkward dilemma.
1t was clear that Natushka had hoped
secretly and earnestly that the Prince would
marry and thus relieve her from the fulhlmcnt
of a hateful compact. Now she might come
to regard Ermyntrude as the source of her own
troubles. But Ivan troubled by of
these doubts.
why so serious little dove?" he said pleas
antly Il told thee there was no danger |
would have come hither with these two had
l not wished to ascertain if all going well
with friends at Dukhof."
What has taken place there?"
"A mishap, lily face. The monks received
timely warning and some troops were close at
hand. Everything has gone wrong. The English
1aiIOrds well on their way to Bannofka.
Worst of all, they Will believe that Boris Melnikof
saved them from the bad and wicked revou-