The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-13

nearly an hour DeioFo 1Aey reAohAd the imperial
proper officer, sent N his request to be admitted to
private audience; and after less delay than might
have been expected, be was informed that the EN-
peror was ready to receive him; and leaving Mr..
Of all descriptions, was usherei through several
splendid apartments to small private room, where
the great potentate was alone, seated at writing
table. He received Percival most graciously, ex-
pressed great pleasure at seeing him out again so
soon, then observing tina. he looked fatigued and
in desired that Re should waive ceremony and re-
cline cOu b, the cushions II woich his imperial
Per ival vas really very much exhausted with the
ride, and svaik himself without scruple Of con-
descensi0n that he gratefully acknowledged; but
the very circumstance Of such extraordinary favor
being shown him, added TO the difficulty Of his
position, and increased ire painful embarrassment
lie could not but feel q; knowing that he the
point Of asking that which might cause him TO be
| dismissed in disgrace. The Emperor inquired mi
| been made upon him, which was related as briefly
ar possible; and as the monarch listened his brow
was coDtracted bis face flushed with wrath and in
dignstioD, whilst q few interiections Of rather .
threatening character, a. regarded the officers Of
ais there any one o he asked, whom You have
reason 70 suspect Of design against your hfs2 A
men can hal oily have 30 inveterate an enemy with
| out being conscious Of it."
| Psreival replied thas, 50 far from being aware
| that he had al enemy eeE him, he did MOI even
| know there was single person at st. Petersburg
he had ever seen bstare, except the gentleman who
| came so providentially to his rescue. But" he
added, "it was not TO complain Of the injury done
70 myself that sought this indulgence. IL was to
sneak 70 y,ar Majesty on ,. much more wegh'y
Livery mans life il of Importance" said the
| Gar, "uhd h We been much msinformed if there
are not certain bright eyes among the ladies' Of ST.
Petersburg tba. would be dimned were any fatal
accident to b.fsll you"
Per iysl colored deeply as he replied, whoever
your Majesty conde.cends to honor with your mott
becomes Of importance in all eyes; and nov may
be permitted 10 prefer my suit!''
The Emperor seated himself in an attitude OF
attention. and minated that he was ready to listen.
1t was q trying moment: Percival made two or
three unsuccessful attempts to begin and his august
auditor appeared to enjoy his perpexity for instead
Of betraying, was usual with him, any signs Of
impatience, he assumed posture which always
seems to say, ~ am in no hurry sentiment
that is ordinarily espresso by placing the elbow
anything that hap TO be enough to furnish
resting place for it, and leaning the head against
the hand with an air of perfect composure Having
thus disposed himself to give patient hearing to
dark penetrating eyes full on the face of the. petit
tioner, who saw the necessity of making bold
stroke while he yet had the courage to do SO. He
drew long breath, then began
II know not why should hesitate to speak In be.
half of the injured to Sd just and merciful prince;
yet would crave your Majesty's promise to hear
me to the END before you give your Judgment
ut does not argue much faith in the Justice you
speak Of" replied the Emperor, with slight smile,
Ito require such promise; nevertheless you may
consider it as given"
With this encouragement Pe,cival went on
"There is an unfortunate individual who has I'M
happily fallen under the displeasure of his sove-
reign for an imputed crime of which he is wholly
gniltless speak thus boldly because I know your
Majesty has been yourself deceived by miEepre-
ss Rs5s sf e m' s zeal Of
By not having folly investigated all the crcum
81 am always ready to atone for any wrong that
mercy is due; but if were to pardon every offence
my reign might be but brief one. Say on"
"Your Majesty speaks wisely; but am not ask.
ing psrdon TOR criminal am asking justice for
On innocent man condemned, by an unfortunate
mistake, to suffer the punishment Of q guilty one.
/ am pleading the cause Of the Baron Litofskyj'
The smile instantly vanished from the face Of the
Gar and moet portentous frown usurped its place
as be started from his seat with violent gesture,
expressive both Of surprise and anger.
"Hab!" he exclaimed, "the traitor who was ban
ished for c0nspiring against me- and has dared to
rstum; but he shall not escape q second time.
And so you, sir XII ew that he was here. / would
have yon look to yourself If you cannot keep from
meddling with such affairs. What have You to do
with this Inan!'
"OnIy so much as am now doing" replied Per
cival; II never heard bis name till within the last
three days, or should not have waited till to
lay his case before your imperial Majesty, and
me- to the end"
-ATte angry sovereign bit his lip with vexation for
he lad not at all anticipated the nature OF Percvas
appeal or he probably would never have given such
not help feeling some curiosity to know how .
stranger like Percivsl Manley should have become
acquainted with the history Of the ilustrous exile;
therefore he reseated himself with deep gloom on
his countenance and said" You may proceed"
PercivaI arose from the COUCH feeling that in the
present state Of the imperial temper, it would not
be becoming to remain in the enjoyment of an in
diligence granted per favor; but the Emperor, ruff
abruptly telling him to 81. down again, q command
he was very glad to OBEY although 1t was not issued
| in the most amiable OF tones.
This point settled, the generous advocate related
all the particulars Of Litofsky's conduct the day
of the resurrection, he had heard them from Gle
meniina. With eloquence that might have done honor
to well practised orator, he represented the dic II
situation in which the accused was placed, tue
conflict Of his mind divided between loyalty and
natural affection: the death of his uncle, and the
unfortunate circumstance Of his being arrested as
traitor to his sovereign when be was IN the very act
Of fyi to his aid. Finally, he gave into the EN-
peror's hand the two notes written by Litofsky
during the tumult, and anxi0usly watched his
couhtenance as he peIused tdem but he watched In
vain; nothing visible thereon but deep thought,
ard the babtna sterLness that generally character
izsd his very handsome features He read the papers
twice with great attention; walked several times
| and down the room with quick, Irregular steps,
stopped and pressed his hand to his forehead, as
uncertain what to do; and, at last he went to the
door, summoned Of the officers in attendance, to
| whom he gave some orders in low tone, then re-
sumed bis walk, still keeping profound silence,
! which the petitioner was too wise to interrupt.
About quarter Of On hour passed in this manner,
interval which, to Percivals Imagination, seemed
Of intcrminable length. How this strange scene
| to ED? What would he have given to have read
the thoughts that were passing through the mind Of
the Car rs he walked silently to and fro, now with
| slow and measured steps, his eyes ben; on the
ground, and his lips compressed, if lie deter
mined that no sound should escape tnem that might
give the slightest di,ation Of his intentions At
| was thrown open, and the noble exile, with proud
step and stately demeapor, walked deliberately into
the presence of his sovereign and Judge.
One hasty glance around the apartment was sniff
ciens to tell him what had been passing, but he
would no. Condescend to epde ayor to learn from the