nce.

Because of this the Empress sent to Rasputin, at Pokrovsky, a number of
telegrams, which eventually the monk gave over to me to docket and put
away with the incriminating letters of his foolish and fascinated
admirers. The women of Russia, from the Empress to the lowly
superstitious peasant, were now at the charlatan's feet.

One telegram from Alexandra Feodorovna read as follows:

"Father and Protector of our House, why do you refuse to come and
give us comfort? God has given the Romanoffs an heir, and we
desire your counsel and your prayers. Do, I beg of you, return to
sustain us with your presence. When we met our conversation
remained unfinished. I confess that I doubted then, but I now
believe. Make haste and come at once to us. From your
sister--ALEXANDRA."

Of this appeal the Starets took no notice. He preferred the society of
his sister-disciples at Pokrovsky to that of the Tsaritza. Besides, was
it not part of his clever plan to place the Empress beneath his influence
by bringing her to the brink of despair? He had not yet met Nicholas II.,
and it was his intention to place his amazing and mysterious grip upon
him also at the crucial moment. So again the Empress sent him a
communication--a letter written in her own hand, and delivered by one of
the Imperial couriers.

"Why do you still hesitate?" she asked. "I sent you word by Anna
[Madame Vyrubova] that I desired eagerly to see you again. Your
good works are to-day in everyone's mouth. All at Court are
speaking of you and your beautiful soul-inspiring religion, of
which I am anxious to know more details from your own lips. It
is too cruel of you to sever yourself from Petrograd when all are
longing for your presence. What can I do in order to induce you
to come? Ask of me anything, and your wish shall be granted. Do
reply.--ALEXANDRA."

Again he treated her invitation with contempt, for following this, ten
days later, she sent him another telegram:

"If you still refuse to come I will send Anna to you to try and
induce you to reconsider the situation. Nicholas is extremely
anxious to consult you. Father, I again implore you to come to
us.--A."

Rasputin, who had created such a favourable impression upon the
lady-in-waiting Vyrubova, certainly had no intention of allowing her to
go to Pokrovsky and see the sordid home which Russia believed to be a