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"I was at the ball precisely because I remembered my oath," said

Lestocq, "because I was intent upon redee

over to you this Countess Lapuschkin as a criuise of a lackey of the Countess

Eleonore Lapuschkin"

Elizabeth springing up from her seat, stared with breathless curiosity

into Lestocq's face

"Well?" she anxiously asked, as Lestocq remained silent "Speak on; then

what further?"

"Illustrious empress," said Lestocq, "I am now here to redeem my word

This Countess Eleonore Lapuschkin is a cri ems, by bribery of her servants, I have

finally succeeded in spying out her secrets, and last evening, when as

her lackey I conducted her from the ball and afteraited at table

at an entertainiven by her husband to so her whole plan was reat and

very important conspiracy that I have detected! This Countess Eleonore

Lapuschkin is guilty of high-treason; she conspires against her

legitimate empress!"

"Ah, she conspires!" exclaih "For

whom, then, does she conspire?"

"For one whose name I dare not utter without the express permission of

my empress!"

"Speak, speak quickly!"

Lestocq bent down close to the ear of the e prisoner Ivan!" said he

"I shall therefore be able to punish her," said Elizabeth, sed to suffer this hated woman within the walls