Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-04-10
How are you, my child'' said the father

That evening, Marie fell seriously i'll. The ply
stefan, who called in haste declared that she had
dangerous fever; and for fifteen days, she lay at
the door of the tomb.
No person in the house knew of the resolution she
had taken to elope with her lover. The letters she
had burned. The chamber-maid had been discreet,
and also the priest and witnesses of Vladimir and
these for very good reasons This secret was thus
faithfully kept by more than half dozen accompli
ces. But Marie betrayed herself in her delirium.
She said things strange, that her mother believed
her to be profoundly in love with Wladimir and at
trbued to this unfortunate attachment, the illness OF
her beloved daughter She spoke of it to her hus
band and they decided to allow Marie to have her
WISH and thought after all, the poverty of her lover
was not condemnable vice, serious obstacle to
their union. Full of this thought they wrote to
vladimir, to inform him that they had consented to
his marriage with their daughter But what was
their surprise, on receiving from him incompre
henSibe letter, wherein he said, that he would never
again enter their house, and that his only hope was
to die; Some days AFTER they learned that he had de-
parted for the army. This was in 1912. For long
time they did not dare to reveal this news TO their
daughter. She herself never mentioned his name,
but day she it among the names OF those who
had distinguished themselves at the battle of BorO
dino, and who had been severely wounded. On read
ing these details she tainted.
Some time after Der father died, leaving her large
fortune, which, however, could not console her for
her loss. With her mother, she abandoned the home
which recalled to them the remembrance so painful
and Withdrew into another province. There, her
youth and fortune attracted sutors but she gave
them no hope. Vladimir was dead, but his memory
was sacred to Marie.
Wehaye said that Marie notwithstanding her cold
ness, surrounded with suitors; but these were
soon eciipSed by new one-a colonel of Hussars,
named Burmin, who bore the cross of ST. George in
his button hole, and was about twenty-siX years of
age. Marie treated him with particular distinction.
Near him she was neither silent or reserved, with
all Others would be unjust to say that with him she
lnduged in coquetries; but the poet remarked her
conduct, might well have demanded, Sc amor C, che
dunqus equsn
Burmin was really an amiabe man, endowed with
precisely those qualities which are the most pleasing
TO women His conduct towards Marie was simple
and without constraint but his eyes and soul seemed
to follow all her movements and 10 dwell upon all her
words. What interested Marie.was not only the at
tracing conversation Of the young officer, his pale
ness his wounds: il was especially his silence. She
could not conceal from herself that this pleased
her much and with his experience, he could not but
see the impression he had made upon her neart.
Why, therefore, did he not throw himself at her feet
and confess his lover What motive restrained him?
Was this that timidity inseparable from love-
the coquetry of skiiul galIantry? After long re-
Election, she said that such could only be at
ribued TO nidity, and resolved TO encourage him by
her advances.
She was successful. Burmin became more and
more serious and his dark eyes fixed upon Ma
ment could not be far off One day when her mother
was sitting alone in her chamber, Burmin entered
and inquired for Marie. 'She is in the garden, re-
/ Sponded the mother
Burmin found her seated by little stream read
ing, like true heroine of romance After few
words exchanged between them, the young girl sus-
pended the conversation, in order TO embarrass the
officer and force him TO explanation. Not know
ing how TO resume his ordinary attitude, Burnin de-
clared to Marie that he had for long time sought
L.
her book and cast down her eyes. q love you, said
Burmin, {. love you with passion. have committed
great imprudence in allowing myself to acquire the
sweet habit of seeing and hearing you every day
Now, can no longer resist my destiny. Your re-
membrance, your adored image, viii be the Joy OF
my life. There remains for me a great duty 10
fulfil. must reveal TO you fatal secret, which es-
tabShes between US impossible barrier
Marie looked at him with a stupofed air.
Il am married, resumed Burmin-'have been mar
ried three years, but do not know who my wife is
whether shall ever see her again.
what do you say?' cried Marie. How mysteri-
Gus! Continue, beseech you
AT The beginning Of the year 1872 said Burmn
i was on my way TO join the army at Wilma Arri-
wing, one evening" very late, at the relay, command
ed the horses to be changed Immediately. At the
same time, commenced dreadful snow storm. The
postmaster and his people advised me TO wait but
impatient to continue my journey, braved ALL and
departed The snow had hidden the track, and soon
we found ourselves In vast plaIn which was entire
ly unknown to saw, at last, light shining al
distance, and directed the postilIion 10 proceed
toward it. We arrived in a village, where | saw a
church open and lighted, and some sIedgeS, around
which were many persons. Here, here! they cried
advanced,
'ln the name of heaven said a stranger, why are
you so late" 'The bride has tainted the priest
knows not what TO do, and we about departing
& descended from my kabitka, wrapt in my cloak
and entered the church. A young girl was sitting
upon bench, another, standing before, was rubbing
her temples.
God be praised said he you are here at last my
poor mistress is almost dead
The priest approached me, and said, shall COM
mence:' ! answered, yes They assisted the maid
to rise; she was beautiful. An unaccountable and
objectionable levity took possession of me- advan-
ced toward the altar and married EN-
BRACE said they My wife turned her pale face TO-
ward me. ] wished to embrace her. Great God =
she exclaimed, iii is not her The witnesses looked
at me with establishment fastened from the church
and was soon far from that place.
God Of heaven.' exclaimed Marie 'and YOU know
not what has become of your wife,
! Il know not even the name of the village where
the ceremony performed There remains no
hope of ever finding this poor girl wfom have so
deeply wronged, and who ayenges herself cruelty
today
Great Cod! said Marie, taking his hand sit was
you then: And did you not recognize me!
Burmin turned pale and cast himself the feet OF
his wife.
A Singular Coinciderce---A Sketch.
BY THE OLD 'UN.