Page:Watts Mumford--Whitewash.djvu/86

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WHITEWASH

plan to raise your fellow countrymen by education, even if it has to be given in secret, is wholly good and wise and noble. It is the first really sensible effort I have heard of."

Taking her hand, he kissed it with respectful adoration. You give me courage, my lady."

Carried away by the situation, she went on with exaltation. "And if ever I can help you, let me know; you will always have a friend in me."

"What you have just promised I beg you to remember. Some day I may have to ask your favor," he said, slowly. Then, rising nervously, he peered into the empty hall.

"We are alone," she murmured, reassuringly; "you are quite safe."

He seated himself, relaxing to the luxurious fulness of the divan. "I forget I am in the land of the free, I have lived so long under the espionage of the police. And to think," he said, hotly, "that my only crime is the desire to help and educate my unfortunate people. The Russians, having taken away our lands and privileges, are now robbing us of our brains. Soon

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