ineffaceable traces for life.

In consequence of this discrepancy, Sophie was allowed to remain for
some time at Vitebsk under the plea of illness; which, at the request of
the vice-governor, was readily certified by an official surgeon. After
some delay, a memorial was forwarded by the unfortunate sufferer to the
late Emperor Alexander, in consequence of which a court-messenger was
sent immediately to Vilna. This gentleman brought back to St.
Petersburgh an enormous volume, containing the so-called depositions,
taken at the pseudo trial. After careful inspection of them, the
emperor decided that they proved the legality of the proceedings. So
artfully were these infamous depositions framed; that, among them,
appeared the formula of a chemical analysis of the poison which the girl
was accused of administering, and a full confession; to which the
culprit's signature was forged.

The answer, therefore, from the throne was not only unfavorable; but the
authorities of Vitebsk were reprimanded for allowing the girl to
importune his majesty without sufficient grounds.

Notwithstanding, Madame Strognof was not discouraged; and, to the great
alarm of her husband, had another petition drawn up and forwarded with a
suitable memorial to the Princess Maria Fedorowna, the emperor's mother,
who was known to all the country as a pious and charitable lady. This
petition, presented to his majesty by his own mother, had so great an
influence over him, that he ordered the girl to be brought to St.
Petersburgh. He felt convinced that some unaccountable mystery was
involved in the case.

In due time Sophie arrived at St. Petersburgh, and underwent a rigid
examination. She asseverated with the most earnest truthfulness, that
all the depositions were fictitious; that the chemical analysis was a
wicked invention; and that the signature to her fabricated confession
was a forgery. She also denied that any trial had taken place, or that
she had been examined in any court whatever. Upon this, the emperor
appointed Mr. Getzewicz, the Governor of Minsk--who was known as a most
trust-worthy man--to go personally to Vilna; to investigate the case;
and to report the result. For this purpose the papers and the girl were
forwarded back to Vilna.

The mission of Mr. Getzewicz was by no means an easy or a pleasant one:
he had to contend with a swarm of official insects; which, like Canadian
musquitoes when disturbed, attack the new comer from every si