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256 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.

Petronovitch, the famous Russian general who has come to attend the fetes to the King and Queen."

As he spoke there bounded out from beneath Desde- mona's balcony, a gondola, with two rowers, the one at the stern tall and broad of limb, the other lithe and neat. Beneath the awning of the boat reclined the figure of a woman, and apart, in an attitude of respectful attention, that, of a man in evening dress, the gondoliers were in crimson uniform, and red was the prevailing color of the decorations of the boat, which was lighted with one or two lamps, one near the stern falling upon a long drift of crimson brocade that swept through the water like a flag dipped to a conqueror, or the red signal of some tragic thought or deed. The boat swung past them without a cry or salute from the gondoliers of either vessel ; and the Milbankes and Dolly strained their eyes to see the face of the lovely occupant, but 'twas either veiled or in shadow.

Philip's heart beat with a quick anxiety as he asked in a tone of voice which he strove to make indifferent, " Who is the lady ? "

" She is called the Countess Stravensky," said Beppo.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

" THE Countess Stravensky ? " said Philip, repeating Beppo's information.

" Yes, sir, a Russian who looks like a Venetian."

" Your friend ? " remarked Jenny, with a curious note ot' interrogation in her tone and manner.

" I presume so," said Philip, as calmly as he could, with his heart beating at double quick time, and all his good virtuous resolves evaporating.

" An unexpected surprise," said Walter.

" You should surely say an unexpected pleasure," re-