The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-08-10
From Codey's Reprint Of ofiBackwoods Ladys Magazine
II HE SERF.
AN EPIsoDs IN RUSSIAN LIFE

II was in Moscow, that queen Of cities
who all but rivals her sister, 81 Petersburg,
in the splendor and magnfcence of her no.
bles and her buildings; yet not quite rivals
her, for ST. Petersburgh is the abiding place
of an emperor, SO that she beareih away the
PALM She has one jewel the more in her
coronal of triumphs-she outvies Moscow;
and yet both are noble and magnificent cities,
unmatched and unmatchabe. II was in
Moscow, when on bright morning, an ele-
giant equipage, drawn by four blood horses,
stopped before the door of an hotel near the
Pont des Marachaux, Inhabited by an Eng
lishman, named Bally, famous for his gen.
ilomanly vice of gambling and his generous
disposition. The bearded coachnan on the
box was clothed in cafian, broidered with
gold, and fastened round his waist by rich
cazln belt. A young postillion, of some
twelve or thirteen years, was on one of the
leaders, dressed as an English jockey; he
uttered from time 10 time those shril, pro-
longed cries with which the Russians speak
TO their horses. The outrders were in dress
lveries, with three-cornered hats bound with
silver lace; in fact, it was an irreproachable
Russian turnout, and betokoned the presence
ofwealth and station in its owner A man
of about thirty, in the Russian dress, which
gentlemen of the remote provinces still
wear, descended from the carriage, and en-
tered The hotel. His countenance was open
and pleasing, his blond hair mingled in wavy
length with his fair beard; his whole appear
ance was that of man belonging to the
higher classes of society He was announ-
ced TO Mr.. Bailly, and presented himselfwi,h
those easy manners ofgood breeding which
serve as an excellent passport to the man
who has no other recommendation TO push
him on in the world.
81 trust you will excuse my VISIT" said
he, in very good French. 81 have often met
you in public; and have taken advantage
Of the circumstance to introduce myselfto
you. | trust that my errand will plead my
excuse"
Mr. Bailly FASTENED to offer him seat,
and 10 request he would not hesitate TO say
in what way he might be useful TO him.
"My business is ofthe greatest Importance
to myself, sir; but before enter into it,
must exact promise on your part to keep
my secret, whether you refuse or grant me
the service am come to request. And
indiscretion on this point will render what |
wish impossible; but you may feel sure that
nothing | have TO tell you will in any way
compromise you"
Mr.. Bailly gave the required promise; he
already felt sympathy for the young man.
"My name is Swerkof Feodoroweth. II
am one f the first merchants here; and you
no doubt, know what rank we hold amongst
the bourgeoisie. live near you, but my
house of business, and my usual residence is
at Toula. | have heard, sir, that you are an
English gentleman on Ia business TO this city,
and that you play high in games of chance,
and honorably. But more, sir, they say you
are fortunate in your play; and l congratu-
late you on it, for it is as means of escaping
being made dupe! Excuse me il add,
that It is owing to yourreputation as fertu-
nate player that | have taken the liberty of
presenting myself to you"
"What can my habits, and their favourable
results, have 10 do with your visit?" replied
BailIy, somewhat surprised at tEis opening.
"Is it to compare notes Of our luck at cards
and hazard that you are come here? Pray
explain YOURSELF"
i'Not for that sir; never play. do not
know any game"
"What is it, thenG"
81 come" said the young Russian, sol.
emnly and sadly-"l come to make COM
inunication of the greatest Importance to my
self; come TO beg favour: the success of
my future life depends on you and your
good play"
81 am all attention, sir"
"I have heard you praised for your noble
and generous character, and | have faith in
il. am come to place my life and fate in