The Mission of Poubalov — page 56: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

o2 LITIZKI AT WORK. “T suppose it would be vain to ask you what you are going to do?’’ ‘¢Ag vain as for me to ask you to tell me all [ would like to know about Mr. Strobel.’’ ‘‘Mr. Poubalov,’’ exclaimed Clara, earnestly, ‘‘there can be no reason why I should withhold anything from you. Your own argument proves that; and, besides, you know more about Ivan’s connection with the nihilistic movye- ment than I ever dreamed of. You perceive the distrust that I cannot conquer, but you believe me, do you not?” ‘‘Implicitly, Miss Hilman.’’ ‘Then I assure you that, to my knowledge, Mr. Strobel has not had anything to do with nihilistic propaganda in this country for three years at least. He used to write some on Russian topics, but he abandoned that when he went into business, and—I may say, when he became acquainted with me. I think I know all his friends, all his associates, and among them all there is but one Rus- sian, a gentleman like himself.”’ ‘‘T am very glad to hear this,’’ sad Poubalov; ‘‘and now I will see what I can do. I cannot act as I would in Russia, but I can still accomplish something, I think. I hope to have the honor of calling upon you soon. I leave it entirely to you to speak of our conversation as you please, but I will go out without disturbing Madame White and your friend. Au revoir, Miss Hilman.”’ The distinguished-looking Russian bowed and left the room and immediately afterward Clara hear the outside door close upon him. When Litizki, the forlorn-looking tailor, mentioned Poubalov’s name, both Mrs. White and Louise Pembroke exclaimed ‘‘That’s it!’’ and both came forward as if their anxiety were about to be dissipated at one stroke. ‘Who is he?”’ asked Mrs. White, eagerly. ‘‘He is—’’ began Litizki fiercely; ‘‘no! I must not speak. Let me go out, that I may watch him. He ghall lead me to Ivan Strobel. Do not tell him that I have been here, do not mention my name.’’ Eomicbooks.com