Page:Ossendowski - The Shadow of the Gloomy East.djvu/155

Rh lated In great numbers in the Christian Byzantine Empire, to which Russia was always linked by close moral and religious ties.

The sect of the "floggers" spread particularly during the reign of Tsar Paul I, when it penetrated not only into the houses of the rich merchants, but also of the aristocracy and into the Court. The Commander of Paul's palace, where the Tsar was afterwards strangled by his courtiers, was with all his family a confessor of this sect. The story of his conversion still exists.

He had a very beautiful daughter, who had strong religious inclinations. The "floggers" resolved to take advantage of this side of her character to gain her adherence to their sect. Through her they expected to win for themselves as many influential people at the Imperial Court as possible, as the rumour had spread of measures about to be taken which pointed to approaching persecutions.

The son of a rich merchant, a member of the sect, was sent to the young girl. The young man was good-looking, and having been introduced, he made himself much liked, and became a standing visitor in the Commander's house. One evening, speaking of the floggers, he allured her imagination, and invited her to come and see the Sectarian mysteries. The young merchant was himself the "priest." His religious ecstasy, his inspired voice, and handsome appearance evidently impressed the young lady all the stronger, as the circumstances were extraordinary and mysterious.