of the Lyceum; but the real object was, that I should carry some important papers across the frontier.  I was entrusted with a packet which I carried next my heart.  The gendarmes at the station did not suspect the governess of a Jewish family, busy looking after three children.  I don’t suppose those Hebrews knew what I had on me, for I had been introduced to them in a very roundabout way by persons who did not belong to the revolutionary movement, and naturally I had been instructed to accept a very small salary.  When we reached Germany I left that family and delivered my papers to a revolutionist in Stuttgart; after this I was employed in various ways.  But you do not want to hear all that.  I have never felt that I was very useful, but I live in hopes of seeing all the Ministries destroyed, finances and all.  The greatest joy of my life has been to hear what your brother has done.”

She directed her round eyes again to the sunshine outside, while the cat reposed within her folded arms in lordly beatitude and sphinx-like meditation.

“Yes!  I rejoiced,” she began again.  “For me there is a heroic ring about the very name of Haldin.  They must have been trembling with fear in their Ministries—­all those men with fiendish hearts.  Here I stand talking to you, and when I think of all the cruelties, oppressions, and injustices that are going on at this very moment, my head begins to swim.  I have looked closely at what would seem inconceivable if one’s own eyes had not to be trusted.  I have looked at things that made me hate myself for my helplessness.  I hated my hands that had no power, my voice that could not be heard, my very mind that would not become unhinged.  Ah!  I have seen things.  And you?”

Miss Haldin was moved.  She shook her head slightly.

“No, I have seen nothing for myself as yet,” she murmured “We have always lived in the country.  It was my brother’s wish.”

“It is a curious meeting—­this—­between you and me,” continued the other.  “Do you believe in chance, Miss Haldin?  How could I have expected to see you, his sister, with my own eyes?  Do you know that when the news came the revolutionaries here were as much surprised as pleased, every bit?  No one seemed to know anything about your brother.  Peter Ivanovitch himself had not foreseen that such a blow was going to be struck.  I suppose your brother was simply inspired.  I myself think that such deeds should be done by inspiration.  It is a great privilege to have the inspiration and the opportunity.  Did he resemble you at all?  Don’t you rejoice, Miss Haldin?”

“You must not expect too much from me,” said Miss Haldin, repressing an inclination to cry which came over her suddenly.  She succeeded, then added calmly, “I am not a heroic person!”

“You think you couldn’t have done such a thing yourself perhaps?”

“I don’t know.  I must not even ask myself till I have lived a little longer, seen more....”