Year: 1866

rapidly, and telt that there was no eX
travagance in having luxuries, nor in al
lowing my family to enjoy them. We en-
tered freely into society, and the Russians
always treated us with the greatest kind
ness. Our children were growing up
the eldest had been educated in London
and had spent her holidays at her grand
fathers in Kent A short time before We
had been surprised by learning that she
had formed on attachment with young
neighbor of theirs of good character


As the season was almost too far ad
vanced for travelling, the young people pc
titioned that they might be married in Eng
land and we at last consented, with the
proviso that they were to pay us visit
the following spring. l need not, however
dwell upon our family The night I am
about to speak of was in the depth of win.
ter. Everything was freezing, and only
Russians would dream Of parties in such
weather f; but it was the height of the sea
son in ST. Petersburg, and the party we
gave that evening was expected to go of
brilliantly. Our friends were invited to
come in masquerade, aud we begged our
intimates to disguise themselves effectual-
ly. Our rooms were already Gro wded, when
|
dressed me, saying he was obliged to leave
early, and he trusted | would follow his ex-
ample in returning home he hoped he
should not see me again.


was astonished by the odd address. At
first | thought he must have imbibed too
freely of the sparkling wines III the refresh
ment saloon, but then | remembered that
they would hardly have been opened. just
then Count Vladimer came up and put his
hand upon my shoulder, saying


az should scarcely trouble to carry a
mask in my hand, if were you for every
one has seen your face, SO that you cannot
disguise yourself, even if you put it on.-
Pray why are you looking 50 mystifed ?'


repeated the words of my visitor, and
said l could not forget them, although l
knew they were of no consequence.


81 disagree with you," remarked my
friend Those words must have been in-
tended a: warning. l know that you
have done many kindnesses to our people,
and one of them wishes t. put you upon
your guard"


ooh nonsense |" | answered but the
Count persisted He reminded me that he
had known and liked me for years, and he
earnestly begged me to act upon the warn
ing. At any rate, if he found there were
grounds for his suspicious, that | would
promise to act upon his advice


| Very WE'LL" | said, and turned away


In half an hours time ] met my friend,
who whispered that he wished me JOIN him
in the library, which we found deserted


any fears have been corroborated," said
the Count you are suspected and will
be seized tomorrow, or at any moment, if
you show any signs Of departure. You
must quit ST. Petersburg tonight"


Nonsense p / again repeated "you do
not suppose that I will leave my wife and
children on the whispered joke of some
scoundrel, perhaps"


al do not wish you to leave your wife
and children" answered my triend take
them with you, or possibly you may be on
the road to Siberia before you are aware,
and it will be small comfort to you to know
that you have done nothing wrong, and
that perhaps, in twenty years time you
may be acquitted. Be warned in time by a
sincere well-wisher"


The Counts argument had some effect,
and inquired what had best be done


Exchange dresses with me-" was the
answer; "but first order your people to
pack hamper full of eatables, on the plea
of a surprise for my children, and manage
to have both wine and the brandy includ-
ed then quietly tell your wife to collect
her valuables, and conceal them upon her
person-she fortunately is wearing her di-
Almonds then return, and we'll exchange
dresses"


This was soon done, My poor wife was
| Al. i ]
take hint without stunning one with
questions. Meanwhile | personated Count
Vladimer as we'll was able, wearing the
mask tightly fastened, as you may sup
pose.


The next time we met my kind friend
told me that his carriage was both warm
and large, and well supplied with furs, as
they had long drive from their country
seat. He thought our best plan would be
to enter it as if we were leaving the party,
get fresh horses at Iverskoy, and reach the
frontiers with speed while he and his wife
would personate us as long as they could


"But if there is any risk, you will be
more likely to suffer than fOreigner"


pardon me-" he answered "the Count
ess is nearly connected with the Empress,
anu u ldfOllGC SOull iIiu COuIu
not allege that we had done anything wor.
thy Of blame, for surely you might pay me
a visit in the country without committing
treason; and could say, on oath, that
had no suspicion that you had been guilty
of any crime to drive you from the country
On second thoughts, l think you had better
leave your youngest child behind he is
too young to bear the journey, and l will
promise that my wife will take the greatest
care of him; !; and now prepare your family
with all haste"


need scarcely say that Vladimer spoke
English fuently, as compared with most o.
the Russians, and he acted the part OF hos
capitally; whilst persuaded the girls thai
we intended to carry on the joke Of our dis
guise, and would try and take the servants
in when we arrived at Iverskoy, the coun
try seat of Count VIadimer My daughters
were Fortunately dressed as Poles, and thei
sable pelisses, which early in the evening
they had deemed as nuisances were vel
qualified for a journey and large domi
no concealed efectually the thick shawl
which scarcely suited the embroidered vel
vet dress of my wife =
| lost no time in explaining matters tt
my family. My daughters could not be