elty to me at our last interview has but served to fan the flame
of my passion. I have since thought only of you. I know your heart
is set against me on account of the arrest of your betrothed. Do
not blame me for having a hand in his incarceration. The law of the
land is severe, and although I exerted my influence, I was
powerless to stay its hand in the matter. Your friend is condemned
to a life-long exile in Siberia. It is a terrible fate, worse than
death itself. You alone can save him from it. Consent to come to
me, to share my heart, to make me the happiest of men, and I myself
will plead with the Governor and obtain his pardon. The day that
sees you at my side will restore your friend to liberty. Do not
deem me cruel. I would serve you if you but gave me the right to do
so. I await your reply. LORIS.

When Kathinka had ceased reading, she dropped the letter and hid her
burning head in her hands, while her body rocked with grief and despair.

Her father gazed at her in silence, with a look of intense commiseration
on his face.

"What can I do?" she moaned, at length. "What would Joseph have me do?
He would rather die a thousand deaths than owe his liberty to my
degradation. Father, my duty is clear! Joseph is innocent of any crime
and the God of Israel will protect him."

"God bless you, my daughter," replied the Rabbi. "You have spoken well.
Will you answer this letter?"

"No, father; I shall treat it with contempt. The writer can draw his own
conclusions from my silence."

It was a sad day for both the Rabbi's and Kierson's families. The
latter, much as they loved their only son, sincerely approved of
Kathinka's decision.

"If he must go to Siberia," they sobbed; "he will go without a sin upon
his soul. We are all in the hands of the Almighty."

Old Kierson thenceforth went daily to the police headquarters,
endeavoring in vain to obtain information about his son. He found no
one that could enlighten him as to his present condition or future fate,
and he trudged homeward, feeling daily more sick at heart, more
depressed in spirit.

At the end of a week, Kathinka received a second letter from her
persecutor. It was more offensive than the first. It stated that Joseph
was still a prisoner; that owing to his (Loris') influence the sentence
had not yet been carried out. There was still time to save him from
ignominious exile. He hinted, moreover