The Grit-advocate., 1905-10-20
CHAPTER xII-continued

Katherine. her head erect and with
her naughty air, walked up to her
husband. Constantine. l should
have been born an empress. was
born to command. Ay." and her face
assumed even prouder look. Il
should have been the great Katherine
herself. for even she would never
have ruled Russia with rod of iron
as I would"
karsichen said nothing; he prob
ably agreed with her.
Has Olga returned YETI" he pres
emily asked.
No; she will come with the Bar
oness Won Rhineberg' Then after
moments thought. Olga is heartless
anyhow" she added. She prefers
the society Of the baroness to mine.
and was overjoyed when | gave her
permission to drive home with the
baroness last night from the Nazi-
mOfs'."
Even as she spoke the great bell
sounded outside, and moment later
the voice of the Baroness Won Rhine
berg was heard in the hall leading
TO the residence part of the mansion.
"Oh. certainly, you along must
come. l am always at home made
welcome here 1t was the baroness
who spoke, and almost Immediately
after she entered the room, accom-
panied by General Cobb.
Both karsicheff and the countess
could not conceal their annoyance.
The baroness appeared not to notice
it-Cobb could not help observing it.
''Ah. we are here-here we are"
gushingly exclaimed the baroness, ap-
preaching Katherine. Il am SO early
call, is it SO not? And my friend, re
good General Cobb. who the life save
of our dear Alexis
Katherine bowed frigidly You
are welcome" she said, with marked
emphasis on the pronoun.
The baroness interrupted her. You
see. see YOU" she said. turning
gajiy to Cobb. you see you are well
co.,e. is it not. tell General Cobb
he come with me must since he have
great good friend in re Countess
karsicheff, after he have saved Olga's
husband that to be some time soon
is"
Cobb bowed and smiled slightly.
The signal bell sounded in the of.
ficAl anteroom.
Katherine was now doubly annoyed.
Karsicheff was himself furious. He
had disliked the American from the
first. You will pardon me-" he said.
but this is my private Office, and"
he added, as the bell rang again.
pressing business demands my at
tention."
F.. Katherine caught his eye, and her
look conveyed meaning. 1t would
not do to openly insult the baroness.
Olga had reason for great expecta-
tions in that quarter, and it was well
understood that the baroness we'd
ding gift to her young friend would
be something magnificent.
Karsichen understood. Come" he
said with an effort to appear pleas
ant, "and let me show you the paint
ing l spoke Of last night. l am sure
General Cobb will enjoy it," and he
made step toward the door.
Il shall be delighted" said Cobb.
And l shall be too delighted too"
added the baroness, laying her hand
on the Americans arm.
Olga will rejoin you after she has
laid of her wraps" said the countess.
II am glad" she added with a sneer.
which for the life of her she could
not help uttering, that you had room
for her in your carriage"
The baroness was pale as she left
the room in company with Cobb. pre-.
ceded by Karsicheff. Olga" she
thought. mot at home. What did it
mean? What could it mean?' She
dared not question the countess.
whose remark indicated that she sup
posed that Olga had returned just
then with the baroness. The baro-