Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-03-20

general granted her request on condition OF her re-
turning to him when she had completed her march.
The night was dismal, and the undertaking a
fearful one, hut the difficulties daunted not the res
olute Katharine. She soon came upon field COW
cred with the slain of the unequal contest, while the
groans and cries of anguish told that many still sur
vived the slaughter. >.
Intent alone upon discovering her more than ia
ther, she did not discover the presence of young
Cossack officer, who, struck with her charms, and
admirinq her boldiess, had accompanied her to the
CORY field.
for women pray return, and leave Inc 10 seek your
wounded kinsman."
Astonished at the sound of human voice, she
turned and recognized in the stranger tha sentinei
sho had impeded her progress without the city
walls. Refusing his generous offer, she permitted
him to aid in her errand Of mercy and love. Long
and tedious was the search, but unavailing, and at
early dawn they returned 10 the city, having failed
to find the remains of the good old minister.
Katharine religiously kept her word, and, slirren-
dering herself prisoner of war, demanded the pro-
lection Of the noble general.
Bereft of her preserver and benefactor. she was
now alone in the world, and young, with promise
of long e there were Ties to bind her 10 earth,
and she longed join her pious and devoted guar
dian. A prisoner she was treated with marked
courtesy and respect by the genera-in-chef,wh or
dered her well furnished apartments and every
ton to her comfort and pleasure. She also received
many kindnesses from the youthful Cossack, who at
length became enamored with her charms and prov
ed the strength of his attachment by procuring her
release from confinement, upon parole of honor. and
personal security for her safety His assiduous at
ien,ion 10 her ntsand earnest efforts in her behalf
were not without reward for she soon came TO re-
gard him as her hope, her refuge, and lord Of her
affections.
The General and the young officer, who appear
ed from his dress 10 be but simple ieuienant,wer
the only occupants of the tent, and Katharine was
employed in experimenting their domestic affairs.
One day as she was engaged inserving their Gus
iomary meal, their conversation turned upon the
merits Of their fair maid. and the young officer ad-
dressing the former in tones Iauditory of her courage
and beauty, concluded with the inquiry
General, will you sell your prisoners"
"And what will you do with ber?'
"What say, you, Katharine Z" added ne, turn
ing to the blushing damsel.
Her hesitating response was, Il would rather be
the wife Of soldier than the servant ofa great gen.
eral."
"Bravely spoken from this moment you are
mine, )" he rejoned, ."but we must obtain the per-
mission of the Gear. will 90 Immediately to the
Emperor's tent and receive his sanction to our u
nion Remain here while seek an audience ofour
majesty.
In few moments young lieutenant, advancing
to the generals tent, said
"The Gar, Peter, commands the presence of
! Madame Katharine"
With quick, though trembling step, she follow
ed, and, on entering The magnificent tent discov-
cred ihrong of officers surrounding one who was
seated, and whom she recognised as her affianced
husband
"Where is the Emperor demanded Katharine
of her conductor
"Iherc!" replied he,pointing to the soldier who
was seated.
"That is my husbsnd."
"He is thy husband, and Gar, of Russia like
wlse," broke out the Emperor, (or it was he;) and
presenting her to his officers, bade them acknow-
edge the humble Katharine as the future Empress
of Russia.