Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-10-19
TBe STORY TelItr,
THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.

In the little town of Marienburg lived Lu-
theran minister by the name of Skovronski,
who was remarkable for his piety, benevo-
lence, and unwearied efforts in doing good
On returning TO his humble dwelling one even
ing, his attention was attracted by the cries of
child His horse showing an unwillingness
to proceed, he dismounted, and at short dis
tance on the snow, he discovered the object of
distress There lay a half-frozen child
Wrapping it in his cloak, he remounted his
horse, and in a short time was at his parson-
age.
That child was beautiful little girl, not
year old. Ii was at once adopted by the pas
tor, and placed in the care of his faithful ser
want, and an old lady, who had long resided in
the family. She was named Catharine, from
the circumstance that she was found on ST.
Catharines day, the twenty-ffth of Novem-
ber She was nursed with great care and
tenderness, 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 little creature could hard
ly be imagined.
AS she grew up, she interested herself in
the management of the household affairs, and
was always ready to assist as occasion re-
quired The venerable Skovronski was grow
ing old, and, under excessive labors for the
good of his flock, his naturally robust consti-
tuition was evidently giving way. This deep
ly affected Catharine, for she loved the good
old man as her best earthly friend. She re-
spected him as parent; but she could never
forgot that it was he who had saved her life
When he became ill, 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, what can l
do for you! Can l render you some assist
ance1 Can do too much for one who saved
my life!'
On the twentieth day of August, 1902, Ma
rienberg was taken by the Russians, and many
of its inhabitants slain. 1t was sad day.
Many heart-rending scenes were witnessed.
Catharine at this time was thirteen years of
age, and at the time Of the battle was visiting
the sister of Skovronski, few miles distant.
She heard the cannon, but did not understand
the cause. This part of our story must be de-
seribed by another. Though slight thread
of fiction may be seen in the description, it
will give llfe-like air to the facts presented.
A horse suddenly stopped at the door of the
cottage, and young man hastily dismounted.
The Russians are at Marienberg = exclaimed
he, rushing into the apartment. q have es-
capped with difficulty to bring this letter from
your brother, addressing the PASTORS sister, }
who has given his horse for my use.'
do tell me what has occurred a Marien-
berg said Catharine.
Why, do you not hear the cannon! Cen
eral Scheremtief, with the army is lombard
ing Marienber. 0, it is a cruel sight to be-
hold =
My father, my benefactor = cried Catha.
rine, sobbing.
ouch was her anxiety to see her best earth
y friend, that she Immediately started for
Marlenoerg; but on reaching the town she
was met oy one Of the guard, with, where
are you goingp
nat is mat to youl' replied the young
girl. 4 am In haste, and pray let me pass.
You, Of course, are not aware, then, thai
the town is in the hands of the Russians !,
said the man.
Well, what then = interrupted Catbarine
That all the inhabitants are prisoners