Demoine courier., 1854-10-05
From Blackwood's Magazine for July.
THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.

a Lutheran minister by The name OF Sko.
vronski, who was remarkable for hi:
piety, b%enevolence aud unwearied effort:
in doing good. On returning to his hum
ole dwelling u evening, his attention
vas attracted by the cries of a child
His horse showed an un% Willingness tG
proceed; he ~dismounted, and at a short
distance on the STOW discovered the OBJ
ject of distress. There lay a half fro
e child. Wrapping i, in his cloak. he
remounied his horse, and in a shor, time
was at the parsonage.
The child WAS a beautiful lille girl
not a year old. II was at once adopted
by The pastor and placed in the care OF
his faithful servant, an old lady, who had
long resided in the family. She was
named Catharine, IRON the circumstance
that she was found on ST. GATHERINGS
day, the twenty. fifth OF November
She was nursed with grea. care and ten.
cerness. and treated by the family as an
only child. Her beauty, docility, and
sweet temper attracted The attention OF
all who saw her. A more lovely crea-
.ure could hardly be imagined.
As she grew up she interested hcrseli
in the management OF The household af-
fairs, and was always ready TO assist as
occasion required. The venerable Sko-
vronski was growing old, under his ex.
c~ess:se labors for the good Of his flock.
his naturally robust constitution vas es.
identity giving way. This deeply affect.
ed Catherine, for she loved the good old
man as her best earthly friend. She
respected him as a parent; bu, she could
never forget tina, il was he who saved
her life. When he became i'll, she would
do all for him in her power. and often
cheered his lonely hours by singing some
beautiful hymns. She would often say,
My dear father, wha, can | do for you?
Can ] not render you some assistance?
Can / do too mnch for one who saved
my life!"
On the twentieth of August, 1902,
M~urienberg was taken BY the Russians.
and many Of its inhabitants slain. Il
vas a sad day. Many hesrt-rending
scenes wire witnessed. Catherine a,
this time was thirteen years of age, and
at the time Of the hattie was visiting the
sister Of SkovroEski, a few miles distant.
She heard the cannon. but did not un-
ders,and the cause. This part Of our
story must be described BY another
Though a slight thread of fiction may be
seer in the description, it will give a
life-like air to the facts presented.
A horse suddenly stopped at the door
Of the cottage and a young man hastily
dismoun,ed. "The Russians are a, Ma.
rierberg!" exclaimed he, rushing into
the apartment. II have escaped with
difficulty to bring this letter from your
brother, addressing the parsons sister,
who has given his horse for my use."
'Do tell me what has occurred al
Marienberg," said Catherine.
"Why, do you not hear the cannon
General Schereme.ief, with the army. is
bombarding Marienberg. o, it is a cruel
sight TO behold!"
My father. my benefac,or!" cried
Catherine, sobbing.
Such was her anxiety to see her beat
earthly friend, tha,she Immediately start
ed for Marienberg: but On reaching the
town she was me, by n Of the guards
with, "Where are you going!"
"What is that to youl" replied The
young girl. II am in haste, and pray
you lei ne pass.
"You, Of course, are not aware, then,
Ina, The town 10 in the hands oil tbs Rus
%sians," said the man.
"We.l, wha. then!" interrupted Cath.
crime.
"Ths, all the inhabitants are prison.
ers; and If you pursue your route. you
will also be taken prisoner yourself"
"Thank you for your advice; bu, my
father and benefactor is in town. and |
am determined to share his fate, whatey.
er il may be-"
"Go, then, and God preserve you!''
answered the man.
She had o proceeded far before they
demanded her name.
"Ca.herine." she quickly replied. 81
an the adopted child of the pastor Sko'
vronski."
"Thou art a Livonian," replied the Of
icsr. "Livonia belongs o to our Gear
Peter !. OF Russia; you are, therefore Z
psisoner!"
"Touch ma nat sa;d Cathar;ne he,