The Era-leader., 1919-01-16
lust Before the
Russian Revolution
Bv ALAN HlNSDALE
Copyright, 1917. Western Newspaper union.I

for sovereign LutiH the "in'eA ."
ace at what was then called st. re-
tersburg. What its condition Is now
don't know, for l have not seen 1t
since it ceased to be the cars resi-
dence.
Not long before the breaking out OF
the worlds war, was tourist in the
capital of Russia, and had letters to
the American ambassador there and to
prominent Russians. Through the en-
bassy received an invitation to ball
at this same Winter Palace. l will not
pause to describe the scene of splen-
dor, but will mention one woman,
about twenty-five, who was not only
very beautiful, but bore on her coun-
terance the stamp Of marked spirit
within. "That woman" said to q
friend interests me; I would like to
be presented to her"
Il have her acquaintance" he said,
and will introduce you with pleasure.
This he did, but l did not find much
comfort in the brief chat ! had with
her. She seemed to have matters on
her mind that prevented her making
herself agreeable to an untitled strang-
er from America.
| There is story connected with her
that l will narrate 1t was told me by
the man who introduced me to her,
Paul Kaluzsky.
Kaluzsky came from the same place
as she. In their social circle was Ste
pan Serozha, an intimate friend Of
Paul. whom Paul described to Inc as
a splendid fellow, endowed with great
patriotism. There were two girls be-
tween whom he divided his attentions.
One was Liza Arkadevna, modest
country girl, the other Sonia Mikhail-
off, the girl / met at the Winter Pal
ace. The latter spent much time in
the capital and was occasionally seen
at imperial functions.
Paul told me that Stephan favored
Liza, and that Sonia was trying to win
him from her. Stephan admitted that
Sonia was secretly in favor Of the rev.
olutionists and was endeavoring to en-
list the talented Stephan in the cause
Of the people. But this was confden-
tial ;. Sonia was supposed to be loyal
to the government.
Il Beyond the fact that Sonia was
Liza's rival, Liza distrusted her. She
warned Stephan not only against
Sonia's influence, but against giving
himself up to association with one OF
, the secret circles Of revolutiontstf
Which were to be found all over Rus
sia. Liza begged Stephan to consider
!, the horrors of Siberia, and the danger
. he would run by identifying himself
with any move disloyal to the govern
ment. Besides" said Liza, II am told
that no one can tell whom to trust
ones most intimate friend may be his
r betrayer."
One day it was announced tha
= Stephan and Liza were betrothed
4 Sonia was present at the betrotha
r ceremonies. She seemed not in th'
least to mind having lost Stephan II
i Liza and wished them both great hap
lpiness. In doing so she kissed Liza
Paul who was present told me tina
u when this salute was given, he judget
Is from the way Liza received it that sh'
Q considered 1t Judas kiss. At an.
70 rate she seemed turned to ice.
" About a week after this STEPHAN
y disappeared. It was not feared by nj
u friends that he had been made ava,
J with by the government, for he ha'
i not-so he had assured Ltza-commit
9 ted any disloyal act having promise
II her that he would not do SO. Tim
IL passed and nothing was heard Of tn
oi missing man. At last 1t was reporte
t, by one who knew him that he had see
"a Stephan In shackles on his way to s.
"a IBERIA.
"a About this time Sonia was place
o, under arrest by the government, al
70 cused of being member Of a revolt
-, tionary circle. She had strong friend
~ =. at court and it was said that they 81
~ cured her release. At any rate afte
u being held some time her friends e.
II pecting every day that she would b
H. sent to Siberia she was let out {
LII prison and restored to favor. 1t Wa
DO not long after this that I saw her
the Winter Palace. Paul and I wei
leaving the palace when she passe
out to enter her auto to be drive
away to her apartments. l went
= Pauls home with him and over q glas
+ of wine and cigar he told me I'll
story. We little thought that we wei
SO near its climax.
a. -s:,he nez+ Day Paul called at my h
- tel and with loss Of horror on h
face, told me that when Sonia's chau
feur opened the door Of her limousir
he found her dead with a dagger
her heart.
Is too was appalled, hut not as mut
Of as Paul who had known the victi
an from childhood.
My first thought was that Liza W,
vn implicated In the murder. / suggestt