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I felt as if my: kind employers and Mr. Scott were quite old friends by the time we reached Petersburg'. To a girl who has {fever-been fur- ther than Cornwall for a. summer holi- day. a journey of three or four days seem an etgrnity.’ r , ,7 - “-5..- v”... Mr. Scott was a. man of about thirty, with a short pointed beard, and well moulded features. I liked his kind, low voice, as be convened in the train. He told me stories of Russia. and kept Archie quiet when I grew sleepy and tired with tfllking. wall boy. an indefiexfieHEâ€"Ilittle fel- low, with his mother's Prl‘ght‘ eygs. Inf- a__LL It certainly seemed a delightful situâ€" ation. and as the bustle and excitement of foreign travel was entirely new to me, I appreciated my good fortune ac- cordingly. \Ve ‘ourneyed in most luxurious fash' ion, L 1'. and Mrs. Michael, a cousin of his, 'ngcourt S_cott, myself. and the Suffice it to add, that when I left the hotel I Was no longer a free agent. but engaged as Archie's governess, and partial companion to his foreign moth- or. "‘To a certain extentâ€"because ‘the people are continually bullied by the police and crushed by officials. They can hardly bear the treatment. so rigorous has ij; become. Searcer a. mouse c8.n move in a Russian town to- day without a written permit. But I must not drift on to the subject, or I shall get carried away; and we Rus- sians have to be very careful of our tongues." So saying. she talked about terms and various duties in regard to Archie, whicbflshau not be chronicled here. “Oh, yes, I know of that," I said, eager to disowu my supposed ignorance. “But surely things have quieted down by now." "It's these secret societies,” she ex- claimed. "that are a perfect terror to the country! They have agents who murder everyone desirable to remove. What with the assassinations of state g'tficers. and whole towns being set on 1reâ€"-â€"” I confessed I could trunk of nothing but plans for my own future. when the necgssity for action arose. "Perhaps you have not read the papers lately since your trouble. It is sometimes like that; people lose in- terest in outside things." I fancied I detected a. half smile [lit over her face. I remember, though it is many, many years ago. the strange thrill of excitement I felt at her words. I had inwardly rebelled against the deadly monotony and routine of my fate. Here was a chance in a thousand. an Opportunity of seeing the world. and escaping from the old country, that held only and associations for me. “I am not in the least frightened." I said. "I was afraid I might have some dif- ficulty in getting an English girl to accompany us just now. There has been so much talk lately about the dis- turbed state of Russia. For myself, I never pay any heed to these commoâ€" lions." “\Vould you mind going abroad with us? You see, though my husband is English. I am a. Russian. and. we spend a good deal of our time at Petersburg.” The idea. charmed me. I told her I had always longed to travel. A sigh of relief escaped me. I had no dreaded being questioned as to my capabilities. Never having contemplated the role of governess. and with a natural antL pathy to lesson books, I felt like a masquerader as the interview opened‘ Now I breathed more freely. while hope rose in my heart. "You don't look much of a. blue stock- ing. but that does not matter to me. You only wanted very youthful pupils, I understood, or I should not have placâ€" -cd myself in communication with you. I have one small boy, and he is very good. I can do anything with him; I have been trying to find a nice, pleas- ant young person who Would be more of a. companion for Archie. I don‘t think children ought to be crammed with learning." through Mrs. Michael took up a black-edged sheet as she spoke. and glanced at the Writing. "Yea." “Have you been_out as a governess before 2" "No. My mother only died a. month ago. and now I have to earn my own living." 7 "You are Miss EdgeII, I suppose f" the said, motioning me to a chair, "I have your letter here." I was shown into a. private sitting- room. where a strange lady greeted me. She was dark, and small. with very bright eyes and almost unnaturally red lips. Her fingers were heavily Jewelled and felt cold to the touch. I felt decidedly nervous as I follow- ed him into the lift. Being only twenâ€" ty at the time and left recently an orphan. I must have looked rather pitiâ€" ful, dressed in deep mourning, with pale cheeks and an anxious expres- sion. "Will you come up, please?" The words were spoken by a. small pageboy in the hall of the Hotel Me- tropole. London. "Poor girl!" She fixed her keen. dark eyes upon .e as if reading me through and ‘I I was upon him. when a. tall figure in the ordinary dress of a. Russian peas, ant came between us. The costume is very simpleâ€"a. hat without a. brim, a4 sheepskin coat, and coarse, baggy} trousers tucked into large boots. But. r even in that moment I guessed he was ‘ not. a moujik. He was hardly dirty ‘ enough, and his beard was not quite uncombed as the beards of these peas~ ants. He caught hold of Archie, lay. ing one hand on his shoulder and. thrusting. the other into his satchel; "WWII you stop. Archielr’ I panted pegemptonly. H Archie was stubborn. and, regardless of the remark, stumped on. I grew angry, turning sharply round; "How dare you disobey meâ€"didn’t‘ you hear what I said? Rgally. Archie‘ if you can’t do what you are toldâ€"â€"" But before I could finish the sent- ence, he had slipped his hand out of! mine. and hurried ahead, running at: a. slow trot. I followed hastily. unaccountably: frigh‘qened; I knew llot_}\vhy. I allowed myself to be guided, in consequence of 1311's. Michael’s advice; but when eventually Archie turned inâ€" to a lovely "prospekt," street. with a deadly dull outlook, I grew uneasy and protested. “I don't want to walk here," I said; "it isn't pleasant. We may lose oura selves." "This way," he said. :Yhis way; suéh a. pretty walk." ‘ Hand in hand we walked down the Nevskoi Prospekt. the finest street in the city, planted with great trees, and 130 feet broadâ€"a street of enormous. palaces, churches. government buildâ€" lugs, and shops. M‘y pupil led me along at a sharp pace. I wanted to pause and look at: the queer lights and shadows on the Nikoluyevski Bridge, which joins the English quay Lo the other shore. This great bridge is unique. being built of granite, while the rest are only boats. Archie seemed to fear I was going in that direction. and tugged my arm. "In case you should get hungry be- fore lunch, I‘ve put up some biscuits for you. darling," she said, kissing him. "But don't eat them till you turn to come back, for it isn’t very long since. breakfast." Then she added to me in a. whisper; “Don’t let him open it too soon, as I've put some sweets in for. a. surprise. You can't know your way. about yet, Miss Edgell, but Archie is as good as a guide. He has so many! favorite walks." Before we started, Mrs. Michael joinâ€" ed us, carrying a little knapsack of Archie’s in her hand. which she strapa pzd over the boy's shoulder. I felt snubbed, and resorted to ail- ence; but I noticed my pupil seemed singularly dazed and stupid as I dress- ed him for our walk. "Unnatural!" she said. fretfully. “Really Miss Edgell, I wish you would not suggest that Archie is different to other children." I could see, as she talked, that her thoughts were far away from the scenes she was describing. “Is Archie in your room ?" I queried; "it is time we went out [or a walk." “Yes; I will fetch him. Poor little fellow. he fell asleep on my sofa; he is such_ a sleepy child.“ “It is ratifer unnatural," I said; "boys of his age don't, as a. rule, get the}; in the daytime." "Perhaps I am bored. it is the wrong time of year for this place. You cannot imagine What agay sight the river will be in a, few months‘ Lime. with people skating and the sleighs. There are no many ways of amusing oneself then. The ioeboats are grand, glori- ous fitted up with sails just; like yachts and the ice-hills or flying moun- tains make splendid going. We glide down them on sleighs at a. tre- mendouspaoe, and theforce carries us up another." Mn Michael and his cousin were not often at home, so she consequently spent the greater part of her time in solitude. "Are you unwell?" I said one day. "No." she replied quickly. "Why do you ask ?" “I thought you were not quite your- self. Forgive me; but you look pale, and very thin." There has so much to amaze and inâ€" terest me in this magnificent city on the banks of the Neva, the splendor of which all but took my breath away at times. I noticed that Mrs. Michael hardly ever left the house, and wondered at such apathy in so young awoman. She talked seldom. and her brow was perâ€" petually furrowod as if from thought. or some hidden anxiety. Mr. Michael and his cousin were not often at home, so she consequently spent the greater part of her time in solitude. "Are you unwell?" I said one day. "No," she replied quickly. “Why .1- _..... _, _L m. L W A.” -. -. u. uncul somewhat calmed my Feelin s, but, still too frightened to walk. hailed: a. “drojki.” Russian cab, and drove back: to the house. The driver, or "iss ’vosch," as he is caLled. was a, mere bundle of rags. "Why wouldn’t you obey me, Archw let" I said, as we rattled along. "I can’t bring you out again if you be- have like that." The boy looked up at me with quivq ering lips. "1 don't know! [don't know I" he said. and burst into tears. I put my arm round my refractory charge, and drew him nearer. Some< how I felt sorry for the child. ‘1'-- As soon as we were settled in Petersâ€" fare. burg I bygan my daily task of instilling wris knowledge into my young charge. The A lesson hours were short. and We spent pass the best part of our day out walking. Chg] was born in it. All my people are dead. killed. frozen. by their country‘s cold heart. [But it is along Story. My father did much for the state, yet reâ€" oeived no gratitude or recompense. It is often the case with great public benefactors. I despise and hate in- gratltude, the crying sin of the age." Her words came sharply. She look- ed a woman capable of revenge. "How sad for you!" I murmured. She smiledâ€"a hit ter flickering smile. I had always heard her speak light- ly. and the sudden change of tone sur- prised me. I felt there were depths in her character that a. mere outsid- er like myself could never probe. From the first I had a. vague suspicion of something queer. inexplicable, un- canny. about this woman. I often could not look her in the eyes withâ€" out feeling dizzy. Their brightness dazzled me. Archie simply worshipped his mother. and would crawl into her arms, falling asleep while she crooned a. little song. I had never seen him disobey her, through all the fatigues of the journey, though he contradicted With these words she watched me flétly 021 seve'ral occasions, for which inciiscretiou Mr. Scott severely reprimanded him. was born killed. f1 heart. I father di oeived m is often A queer 1 "My hush replied. "I no love for was born in "You must be glad we land again." I sa look came in her dark mud has business here [ needs must come. I 1' this great city. tho: 1 it. All my people are :eu. by their country's to see your net- d to Mrs. Mich- 30$ yes. she 7h? A number of grey-coated soldiers int passed us, going for exercise in the; ' Champ de Mars. The sight of them in- somewhat palmed my feelings, but. Some days after this event. tow (warring. I was seated alone with Michael. Archie had gone to tea some small friends. accompanied 1 maid. We were quite by ourselves in the house. except for the servants. Ima- gine than. our astonishment when a. perfect stranger was ushered into our presenceâ€":not u. gentleman ! "\Vhabever happens. I shall remain." I replied. "But 1 thank you for your warning. and only hope it may prove groundless." I' shook my head. I“ thinlli VI 7 Vneuvve'r felt more brave more determined. than at this moment. "Don't trust her an inch," added. fha man; "believe her to be thoroughly un- scrupulousâ€"a woman who ‘would not spare a. young girl like you. That, is why I adviseâ€"nu, I beg (3f you to go.” “But surely/’1 gasped. "Mrs. Mic ael wouldn't-W The very word chilled my blood. I "My suspicions nave been aroused‘ seriously of late,” he'continued; "but , I have swirl nothing. What happened] to-day alconfiirms my suspicions. In; this country any letters are liable to“ be opened by officials; nothing secret ’ can go safely through the post. The( passing of papers of importance be- comes ascience.and it looks as if Vera. were carrying it to an unheard~of ex- . tent. She confessed to me once that;{ she frequently mesmerlses her child in order to have him entirely under her; influence. Her will power doubtlessly J guided him toâ€"day, and Heaven knowsi what the supposed packet of biscuits: contained. "Vera must have been in: league with the man or she would have been furious at a stranger lluyliu: hands on her boy." i‘ The Trappings of Life "I will speak plainly. and Heaven forgive me: if I am wronging my cou- Sin’s wife. He, poor fellow. is taken up with his own affairs; he does not know what these Russians areâ€"the women especiallyâ€"when they ch'ife un- der a. grievance. New. considers her family have been wronged by the state; even to speak of this skeleton in her cupboard turns her livid with passion. Spirits such as hers make for anarch- "Child." he said. addressing me for the first time in this familiar tone, "don't believe that; it was only Vera/s story. The thing is not easy to ex- plain, bub I feel as if something were brewing in the air. I think it would be. as well if you went. back to Eng- land.“ I stared at him amazed. "Iâ€"can’tâ€"go l” I stammered. "If it is only a matter of money." he urged, "let me help you.” I felt the color rise to my face. “Oh, no, no! \Vhy should I go ?" He paused before replying. “I'm very glad you told me." said, "vqr‘yA glad." “\Vhy T’I‘queried. "There was no- thing in it. after allâ€"a hungry moujik after biscuits." As usual, he drew me into conversaâ€" tion. asking me what I had done dur-V ing the day. and whether I was tiring 0E Petersburg. I told him the incident of the morning. watching his face rath- er more shrewdly than usual. It grew: strangely anxious as I detailed the ad- venture. ' W'hsn the doc; c’xosed'béh’ind him. he from which be seized a. packet. I tried to interfere, but a agcond later the man had vanished. "He has stolen my biscuits. he must have been awfully hungry," said Archie. self left aloneuin thefldriawingvrooim with Mr. Scott. After dinner. Mrs. Michael went to her room to write lettersâ€"her hus-, band was dining_oufi_â€"-so_l fopnd my- ..A‘: n n She did not scold Archie for his dis- obedience to me, but petted him more thppgsual. She put him to bed her. self that eveningfkissing' h’inilmhnany times. wrist "How d1 home at 01: into the holding kin adfull III‘ g‘ with fear. and hurried ‘ frequented thorough the boy tightly by the cried rards Mrs. with by a VIEW FROM CASA BI 'Coma said Iwa.a too taken back to utter a. word 56- for I saw through her trick plainly. “1 To save herself she had passed the dunâ€" DB‘] get on to me. I knew now why she ’nt clung about my dress before speaking th- to Lhe detective In Russian. 9W? "‘It you will come with me quietly,” “1" said the man, showing a pain of hand- cuffs. “I‘ll not use these." he I shudderinghy assented by a. gesture ‘01? my head. already picturing the hor- 30‘i tor of Siberia. My cloak and hat, lay 11{won the sofa, just where I had thrown 1 them when coming in an hour since. I 01‘ put them on mechanically, and followed h_..v. . ~«v a...» uvuo HQLLIA ouuusu ;J;eady',i Dogs belongmg to some fashlonablo ‘ What 1 swim how I thanked him for women are now made to wear shoes. ‘my deliverance, had better be left to These shoes are made of sham» is,a.nd the reader’s imagination, for I cannot have light leather soles. Th.- .‘iw. of remember now what words I used. It the inventor was to protect polished is more than twenty years ago. floors, but the women who have adopt- “You must own at last," he said,!ed the shoes for their pets say they smiling, "that I know best. and let me ‘ have done so to protect, not their take you back to England," floors. but the tender feet of the dogs what (,0de 1 dog 1 “was stranded from cold, heat and rough weather done in Russia. without money, ignon-J genera-“l- "I wanted the danger," he said.“and' determined to step in before the anth- oriLies. I happened to know that the ipol'vice have the Michael's house under their swperviuiun. and propose to raid ;it to-night. mnszmking every corner I from root to basement. I guessed Vera {would make you her victimâ€"that the linapera would probably be discovered in : your boxes. She is bad enough even for that! I have risked. my life to ascer- tain her secret; made myself a. partial confederate with her allies. This plan liy red was all the polioe hud‘to find. "He is my old and taithful servant, bless him! A fellow of strong courage, tact, and a. consummate actor. I was forced to leave that: party of the matter entirely in his hands. He has gone twink now, Lo take a. written explanation from me to my cousin, who. I fancy, will bring his wife out of Russia. im- mediately. She has done harm enough alggady." “You must own 'at' iaét;;?'lie said, smiling, "that I know best. ard let. me take you back to England," ' Presently the door opened againâ€"a. [cry of joyful wonder escaped my lips land rushed forward to greet my friend :and counsellor. Harcourt Scott. He Ewes holding the fatal plan in his hand }and smiling reassuringly. “You've had a narrow escape," he wold, "and I've caught my lady with her own weapons! POur child, don’t look so frightened. I think I have ’saved both you and her." “What does it all mean 7" I asked ' bewildered. J He drew a, chair forward, into which 31 gladly sank. I In a. few brief words he explained the jmystery. What I said, how I thanked him for my deliverance, had better be left to the reader’s imagination, for I cannot remember now what words I used. It is more than twenty years ago. Isay all! but i’tis enough to send her to Siberia." As he spoke he dropped the thing into the heart of the great fire, watchiugfit burn. I stood petrified, staring at the danc- ing flames, with the terror of thisgreat calamity fiuruing me faint and sick. A moment Iatar I found myself alone Locked into a, cheerful room where a. fire blazed, for it was already getting cold. IV. My escort remained silent till the driver pulled up outside a large buildâ€" ing which looked like. a hotel. Then he bade me follow him through a side .door up a. staircase. A cab was waiting outside, into which he hustled me, and we drove away in the dark together. Mrs. Michael The house, he told us. had fallen un- | der suspicion, and he was in authority to search the premises and its inmates. : At first she indignanl‘ly denied any [ such authority, but our alarming visit- ‘ or politely informed us he came from 1‘ the head of the police. quietly. in order ’ to cause no scandal should their sus- l piciom prove unfounded. He then pro- duced official papers, before which the l unfortunate woman blanched '[to a. [death] ' hue. I shall never forget the ‘ look 0 desperation in her face, nor the ‘sudden cunning. born of [distraction ; which crept into her eyes. She sidled nearer to me. as if seeking protection. I felt her clinging to my dress. while I watched the man rum- maging in her desk. turning out draw- ers and private boxes. } His statement seemed to paralyze l J “So you are the traitorâ€"the spy!" she; exclaimed. turning to me with a. look of withering scorn. It is through you that an honest house has fallen into disrepute." The man seized it eagerly, while a cry of righteous horror escaped Mrs. Michael. I thought as I felt my gown that 1 must have placed a copy-book of Archâ€" ie's there. Pulling out the contents- something new to meâ€"a. plan drawn in red ink with queer signs at the cor- ners. fell on the floor. With the'histe of cegdqd bopbey. _ A A Suddehly she advanced a. step for- ward. sayiug something to him in Rus- sian. He turned quickly, addressing me In English harshly. His demand seemed ‘ reasonable enough. merely a. request. that I would turn_ out my_ pockets. stated his business shortly in broken English. And‘ the man." I asked, "wa arrest- \NCA, SAN JUAN, PORTO RICO. innocence I pro- SIBH DAR FADS. During the reign of George III. his jRoyal Highness Ihe Duke of York had 3a duel with Colonel Lennox, and the ‘worlhy colonel succeeded in shooting Emmy one of the Duke's curls. Hence {it became the correct thing to wear: l’curl on one side of the temple only. ; \Vhen Fox. the first of Quakers, was gsilting in church and the preacher said :anything “hich ha didn‘t like he moved ,solemnly, put on his hat and kept it ;on until the disagreeable remarks ,‘concluded. Hence arms the Quaker {custom of wearing hats in church. I I ~ I At the battle of Steinkirk, which took place on the. morning of August 3.1892, the French nobles were surprised in their sleep, and hastily rushing- out of their tents arranged their lace cravats in the must careleSS manner. The French were victorious and to com,- memorate their victory it became the fashion after this to wear the neck cloth in a. urgligee manner. Hence the origin of the Steinkirk oravat. carry his neck awry. One day Francis 1. of France was struck on the‘ chin with a. piece of tile, To hide the re- sulLanL scar he allowed his beard to grow. His couniers all followed his example. Thus beards came back into fashion, afLer having been out. for nearly acentury. Charles VlI. of France had a. pair 0! in mode legs. He wore along 008.1: to conceal them. Result, everybody also wore long coats. 'l‘he peruke i4 said to be due to the mis- fortune 01" Phi-lip, Duke of Bergundy. His hair fell out, and his physicians advised him to cover his head withnrti- ficial hair, which he did, and thus rset the fitmhion. , a -. ‘ 1. . = History is full of similu anecdotes. Alexqucr the Grgat hadatwist in his neck. it was therefore [ashiouable for every one in that monarch's court to carry his neck awry. One day Francis Will an Albert Edward limp be the fin de sieole follower of the Alexandra. limp? r V, - “1:11 "J- _-._....._. -..u.vu .u ADI!“ nun wad known as the Alexandra. limp. In that: year the Princess of Wales was affligzted with a. lamcness in one at her knees. Only a. slighc limp was the result, but this limp was caught up and imitated by the ladies of the court and Lhen by all the fool women 9 England. I ’1'th ALEXANDRA LIMP. Bu: thu exact anaiogy is furnished by the fad or fashion \VhiLh sprang up in aristpcratic female circles in 1874“ and Analogous cases to this suggested possibility may he found in the Prlnce’s own family history. The long trains which were so popu- lar and so offensive a. feature of the fashions of the early seventies grew out of the fact that Queen Victoria. owing to a. painful swelling, had been obliged to wear bandages on her foot. chon- seal the bandages she lengthened her skirts. Her dutilul subjects straight- way lengthened their skirts also, and 'm a. literal sense they went through the streets, carrying dust and garbag and potential disease into parlors an drawing rooms. These questions are not put in jest. They are asked in 21.11 seriousness. Hit tory shows by an infinitude of examples that fashions of the absurdest sort have sprung from the physical impel- teotions ot the great, whether they, were the result of birth or of Mcident. We May Look For It as 3 Logical Successor or the Alexandra Limp. If fate should decide against. the reâ€" covery of the Prince of Walesâ€"i! he remains to the end of his lifen. cripple. lame in one legâ€"ls u; at all {possile that acomplimentary but counterfeit limp will become the fashionable fad among his ussodates and thence spread to the snobs and anglomaniacs every: where? I sometimes meet my chusixixi Michael in London, hut we don't bow. This is Harcourt's wish. ant of the language, and with my only woman friend turned to an enemyâ€"Io I gladly accepted his kindly escort,tho “faithful servant" fetched my luggago. and together we journeyed back to sal- er shores. If propriety is shocked at the conclu- sion of my story, 1am very Isotrry. Per- haps my readers will be interested to hear I am now Mrs. Harcourt Scott. LIMPING MAY BE THE FAD. FOR CANINE PETS neck awry. Que day Francis