Page:By order of the Czar.djvu/22

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10 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.

would like to go up and down the world as he does, see- ing fresh peoples, noting the wonders of strange lands."

" Nay ; I have seen much of the great world, Anna. My only desire is to be sure that your future shall be as happy as your past ; that neither you nor your father may ever be the victims of some sudden change of policy on the part of the Government. For myself, my life is nothing to me if it brings no special good to you. Mar- tyrdom in such a cause would be happiness."

" You are sad ! " Anna said quickly. " Do not talk of martyrdom ; you make my heart stand still. What mar- tyrdom, dear love, could there possibly be for you in my behalf?"

" None that would be martyrdom," said Losinski. " But how do we come to be talking in such a doleful strain ? Forgive me, Anna, Ferrari comes to your father's house presently. I met him an hour ago at the barber's. He is particular about his toilette when he comes to see the Queen of the Ghetto.'

"He is very welcome," said Anna. " Is he net some- thing like the dove returning to the ark with news of the outer world ? There are no books of travel so interesting as the travelers themselves."

" For which sentiment," said a voice in the doorway, "I return you my best thanks ; and I believe, if I am not considered too egotistical, that I am of your opinion.

"Ah, Signor Ferrari," exclaimed Anna, rising, "wel- come ; it is true we were talking of you."

"Again good-day to you," said Losinski. "Anna find- ing me in a doleful mood began to talk of you ; I hope you will make us merry."

"That must be our duty to Andrea," remarked Nathan, the master of the house, who had entered the room with the traveler ; " our guest has journeyed far and wants rest and refreshment. He reserves for after dinner his news