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

scent of dollhouse flowers, a soft
rustic of silk as Natascha Alexan-
drovna waited breatblessly 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-
ttonaries 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.
am powerless."
'Powerless!" she exclaimed, spring.
ing to her feet. You, the all pow
erful chief of policel 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
l 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
moment, then, There is a way, but
you may not care to take it."
Not care, when it is a question Of
saving my brother! Tell me quick
ly"
"A plot is being laid for the whole
sale assassination of government Of
ficials, and new form of deadly ex-
plosive has been struggled across the
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 1
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 I 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 Govesd de-
sired to know if madame would re-
ceive him.
NO, no. Say am engaged; I can
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
then said, 81 will receive the count"
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 wait for your answer"
In my boudolr." 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 ] 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, l
am indeed grateful"
A Protestation.
1T is your love, not gratitude, I
want" he pleaded. Surely you have
seen how I adore you. would die
to serve you"
80 others have said. wonder
how much such protestations are
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 proof Of
THAR
Ask what you will. I can deny
1T will 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 womans curios-
ity is proverbial. Is it 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. II is impossible"
Il thought So" scornfully; strange
how all men are alike, ready enough
with words-unfortunatel l prefer
deeds rising as if 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 Goveski watched her keenly,
then going to an escritoire wrote a
few words on sheet Of paper, folded
II, 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 1t, he continued,
colGly: And now. madame, I 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
credulously
Yes; love bought by dishonor is
valueleSs." and with a low bow he