Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-07-17
BY PAUL MURlANIER

were the only persons present except
the representatives of the French re-
public who we're not noble. / was TAX
en- in to dinner by the secretary of the
German legation, and my husband took
in the wife of the British ambassador.
There was large company assembled,
and of course all were either mobiles or
high government officials or members
Of the diplomatic corps.
Never did outside appearances more
belle the actual condition. The car
and czarina fulfilled their duties as
hosts as well as their imperial position
with that dignity which was required
of them, while they were living on a
mine that was liable to explode at any
moment. There were also officials pres
ent whose lives were in danger. The
only persons who had cause to feel per-
fectiy safe were we of the diplomatic
corps. and even we were liable through
sympathy or deception to become mix.
ed in some revolutionary plot involving
assassination from the consequences
Of which the government we represent
ed would not save US.
It was impossible in looking about
among the brilliantly liveried attend
ants to know who were servants and
who were spies. special guards, men,
bers Of the secret police or persons 9TH
erwise connected with the folling Of at
tempts to assassinate either the en-
peror, some of the royal family or I'M
portant officials of the empire.
Opposite me sat dignified man
whom l noticed that all who came in
spect. l asked who he was and was
told that he was the governor of Fin
land. l caught my breath, for at that
time the province Of Finland was un-
dergo1ng terrorism from the imperial
government that had excited against
it very bitter feeling. But to look
at this man conversing glibly with his
dinner companion one would not dream
that many a citizen of the province he
governed would be delighted to plunge
knife into his heart. Possibly his
composure was assumed. possibly he
had become used to danger as soldier
who continually faces death. but the
most probable solution was that the
servant who waited on him was a
trained protector. who was watching
the slightest motion Of every one near
his chief.
There was fascination for me about
the young lady who sat next to the
governor that I could not we'll account
for. Never have l seen such a face.
such eyes, such an expression She
was not beautiful. at least according
to the Anglo-Saxon's conception Of
beauty. She was rather impressive.
asked also who she was and was told
that she was the daughter of promi-
nent general In the Russian army.
The emperor and his cOnsort leave
the dining room at state dinners be-
fore their guests. Indeed. their pres
ence there is but one of the many for
malities to which they are slaves,
though masters of millions Of subjects.
All the guests rise while the imperial
couple pass out and remain standing
till they have disappeared During
this passage all eyes were turned upon
them. Mine, however. had found
something that interested me more
than they, and there was little drama
being enacted before me. saw the
girl I have mentioned turn and give
quick glance at servant who stood
behind her chair. did not note her
expression. but did note the express
sion of the servant. His eyes were
fixed upon her with look shall new
er forget At no time in my life have
! seen the human eye express so much.
The only idea can give of what 1t
expressed is the feelings of cat that
is about to pounce upon mouse
When we were reseated change
had come over the young lady. 1t was
evident that her mind was bent on ex-
Treating herself from some danger.
Furthermore. she gave me q look which
spoke as plainly as words an appeal
for help. 1t was woman's appeal to
woman. an appeal involving much to
the one who made it. knowing the
conditions existing in st. Petersburg at
that time and from what | had seen.
would have been very obtuse had l
not made one of those quick differences
that come to US in moments Of great
Importance as to the underlying cause:
I knew that the girl was in danger
from the waiter and had a vague idea
that it was from some political com
plication. More than this could form
no opinion. 5.= - ri a.. >..1
But what a position for me to &C.
cupy! Appealed to by one of my own
sex. to refuse was repugnant to me. to
mix myself up with some revolution.
airy incident would not only endanger
my being sent to Siberia. but also in
volve my husba nd, who was a repre-
sentative Of the United States bonnd
In honor to keep aioof from anything
that did not concern his government.
I made no decision as to how should
act, not knowing what would be re-
quired Of me, but 1 kept my eyes open
at whats4was going on both concerning
the waiter and the young lady.
's The latter was pale % death, but