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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 17

so-called charity and education, and especially in this land of the Czar, they are the victims of harsh laws, aliens alike from freedom and justice, and compelled to kiss the rod that stripes them. No, my father, blame them not that they take their revenge." >A

" But I do blame them, my son," said Klosstock, " and I present to them and to you the example of Czarovna as proof of the good that comes out of toleration."

" Toleration ! " exclaimed the Italian, but in a hoarse whisper. " The merchant Chane is a tolerant man. Hush ! But we alarm our good young hostess."

" I have spoken something of this to Anna already," said the rabbi, "and we are accustomed to discuss many things outside the ordinary lines of education."

Anna crept closer to her father's side, and looked up wistfully at the handsome young savant who was to be her husband within the next few days, and whom she loved with the devotion of her fervent and affectionate nature.

CHAPTER III.

"A BOLT FROM THE BLUE."

A WARM ruddy glow from the great stove fell lovingly upon the group, which had an Oriental picturesqueness of detail that might to an artist have recalled the lights and shadows of the master painters of old, with the exception that there was something modern in the beauty of Anna, with her violet eyes, her rich red-gold hair, and her fresh complexion : a beauty more akin to pure Venetian than to that of the Semitic race.

" Anna, it were well thou went to rest," said Klosstock ; " our guest and friend Andrea is over anxious about this new governor. He will alarm thee ; and even our dear Losinski is inclined to exaggerate the possibilities of the

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