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The officer, as no other than Stephano, bowed to her with a

slightly ironical smile

"Justice needs no excuse," said he "On the part and by coreat Empress Catharine, I lay an attachment

upon this house and all it contains It is from this hour the sacred

possession of her Russian majesty"

"It is the exclusive property of the Count Paulo!" proudly responded

Natalie

"It was the property of Count Paul Rasczinsky," said Stephano "But

convicted traitors have no property This crih-treason The ed

the sentence of death into one of eternal banishment to Siberia, but

she has been pleased to approve the confiscation of all he possessed In

virtue of this approval, and by perovernment,

I attach this house and its contents!"

Natalie no longer heard him Almost unconscious lay she in Marianne's

arms Paulo was lost, sentenced to death, imprisoned, and banished for

life--that was all she had heard and comprehended--this terrible news

had confused and benu Natalie to her boso maiden; you will not thrust us

out upon the streets; you will grant us a quiet residence in this house

until we can collect our effects and secure what is indisputably ours!"

"Every thing in this house is the indisputable property of the ehly responded Stephano