Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10

"
winter. Within-the heavy
scent of hothouse flowers, a soft
rustic of silk as Natascha Alexan-
drovna waited breathlessly for the
words that would decide her broth
er's fate.
They brought little comfort.
Il am distressed TO be obliged to
refuse your request" the general re-
piled coldly, but if your brother
| chooses to consort with revolu-
! tionaries he must take the conse-
quences."
He is only a boy, and the woman
| bewitChed him" she urged, her heart
sinking as he rose, saying cOldly, 1T
! is useless to press the matter further.
l am powerless"
'Powerless!" she exclaimed, spring
ing to her feet You, the all-pow-
erful chief of police! You, who have
so often assured me Of your friend
ship A word from you would set
Boris free, and you refuse to speak
It"
Orders have been given that even
can not disobey," unmoved by her
wrath as he had been by her dis
tress.
Then can nothing be done to save
him?"
Vladimir Mirskoff looked at her for
a moment, then There is a way, but
you may not care to take it."
Not care, when ii is a question of
saving my brother! Tell me quick
/ ly."
"A plot is being laid for the whole
sale assassination of government Of
/ f1cials and a new form of deadly ex-
| plosive has been struggled across the
/ frontier by a woman who, try as we
may, we can not identify. If you
could give us the name of one of the
leaders Boris is free"
You surely do not imagine that
could tell you" she exclaimed indig-
/ nantly.
No; but your admirer. Paul Co
veski, can. He has friends among the
/ Liberals"
And you dare suggest that should
make him betray his friends? ?"
1T is the only way to save Boris
from Siberia. / am powerless unless
have the name Of one of these revo-
lutionaries to give in exchange. After
all, why should you have any scruples
concerning men who preach murder
as a trader"
She wrung her hands in an agony
of doubt, but before she could reply
a servant entered to announce that
his exCellency Count Paul Govesli de-
sired to know If madame would re-
ceive him.
No, no Say I am engaged; caR
not see him"
"On the contrary" interposed Vlad-
imir, you must see him. Fate has
sent him here to save your brother"
Natascha looked at him imploringly,
I mill ,
and as the man left the room, Prom
Use me Paul Goveski shall not suffer
for his friendship with these men"
Certainly" he replied. Where may
l walt for your answer"
In my boudoir," holding aside a
curtain before a door.
Remember, your brothers liberty,
perhaps his life. rests in your hands"
he whispered, and vanished almost as
she turned to greet the Count
Il trust l am not too early" he
said, bending to kiss her hand. You
/ had my letter? l am all impatient
/ for the answer"
You do me honor" she replied,
/ sinking into a chair. Believe me, !
am indeed grateful"
A Protestation.
1T is your love, not gratitude.
want" he pleaded. Surely you have
seen how I adore you, I would die
to serve you"
80 others have said. I wonder
worth from you"
only try me and see"
You tell me you love me-" she said
slowly. There is no love without
/ trust. What If I ask for a proof OF
! that?"
ASK what you will. I can deny
TT win place your life in my
/ hands"
1T is there already" Paul replied
softly, bending over her. II can not
/ live without you"
"Rumor calls you Nihilist, conspir-
ator" she said lightly, with a be-
witching smile "A woman's curios-
/ ity is proverbial. Is 1t true, and who
are your confederates?"
He stepped back and gazed at her
/ In establishment too great for words.
Then, Madame, do you know what it
Is you are asking?"
! why, certainly; a proof that you
trust me"
But this concerns others than my
self. 1t is impossible"
Il thought so" scornfully; strange
/ how all men are alike, ready enough
with words-unfOrtunatel | prefer
! deeds rising as II to bring the in
/ terview to an end.
! But not such as this?" he pleaded.
ITO betray those who have trusted
| their lives in my keeping would be a
/ poor way Of showing my love"
| But she stood silent, her fingers
nervously twisting the lace of her
! dress
| Paul Govesli watched her keenly,
then going to an eScritoire wrote a
/ few words on a sheet Of pa per, folded
Il, and came slowly back, saying
gravely. Here is the name of our
leader. The proof you have asked Of
my love-"
Then. as she took It, he continued,
coldly: And now, madame. l bid you
/ farewell. You have said love can not
exist without trust and so have given
me the answer l came to seek"
You are going?" she exclaimed, in
J credulouSly.