We will make the experiment. She is doomed if
she remains here, and America seems to be our only hope. I suppose our
beloved Monarch sends a minister to that country. If so, communicate
with the Secretary of the Legation and request him to secure secluded
apartments for her and a suite. You shall accompany her."
"I?" exclaimed Popova, unable to conceal his joy.
"Yes; she must be under careful restraint all the time. What is the
capital of the United States?"
"Washington. It is a sleepy and well-behaved town. I have looked it up."
"Good! You shall take her to Washington. If one of the many civil wars
should break out, or there should be an uprising of the red men, she can
hurry to the protection of the Turkish Embassy. Let us make immediate
preparations--and remember, Popova, that my whole future happiness as a
father depends upon the success of this expedition."
When Kalora was gravely informed by her father that she and the tutor
and a half-dozen female attendants were to be bundled up and sent away
to America, and that she was to do penance, take a dieting treatment,
and come back in due time to try and atone for her unfortunate past, did
she weep and beg to be allowed to remain at her own dear home? No; she
listened in apparently meek and rather mournful submission, and, after
her father went away, she turned handsprings across the room.
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