Page 545 (1/2)

Thedawned Count Paulo rose froht He had occupied the whole fearfully anxious night in

writing; he now laid the pen aside and stood up

His face had an expression of firmness and decision; he had formed a

firm resolution, had come to an irrevocable deter into the adjoining

chamber, he called to his friend Cecil

The latter i the count's

chamber, laconically said: "All is ready"

Count Paulo smiled sadly "You are then sure there are no otherher and ourselves?" he asked

"None whatever," said Cecil "Every er The occurrence of last night is a proof of it They sought

the death of Natalie--without Carlo's help she would have been murdered,

and all our plans would have coe o and leave her

alone and unprotected?"

"Was it you who saved her froht?" asked Cecil

"Believe me, it is your presence that threatens her with the er Precisely because you are at her side, they suspect her and

watch her every step; the circumstance that she is with you creates

distrust, and in Natalie they will think they see her whosebeen known in Russia And Catharine will have her

tracked in all countries and upon all routes Therefore, save Natalie,

by seeive her up Return home and relate to them a fable of a