Plymouth advertiser. [volume] (Plymouth, Ohio) 1853-1988, 1855-06-30
gelete 4 Misrellang,
THE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA,
A BEAUTIFUL STORY.

In the little town of Marienberg lived
theran minister by the name OF Skov-
lski, who was denoted for his picty, be-
violence, and unwearied efforts in doing
good. On returning to his humble dwell
ing one evening, his attention was attract
cd by the cries of child. His horse
showed an unwillingness to proceed he
dlsmounted, and. at short distance on
the snow, he discovered the object of his
distress. There lay halffrozen child
Wrapping it in his cloak, lie re-mounted
his horse, and in short time was at the
parsonage.
That child was beautiful little girl
not year old. 1t 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
Catharinc, from the circumstance that she
was found on St. Catharines Day, the 25th
of November. She was nurscd 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 hardly be i'm
agined.
AS she grew up, she interested herself
in the management ofthe household affairs,
and was always ready to assist as occasion
required. The venerable Skovronski was
growing old, and, under his excessive la
bors for the good of his flock, his naturally
robust constitution was evidently giving
way. This deeply affected Catharine, for
she loved the good old man as her best
earthly friend. She respected him as
parent; and she could never forget that it
was he who saved her life. When he
became i'll, she would do all eor him in
her power. and often cheered his lonely
hours by singing some beautiful hymns
She would often say:
MY dear father, what can do for you?
Can not render you some assistance p
Can do to much for one who saved my
life @
On the Goth ofAugust, 1902, Marien-
berg was taken by the Russians, and many
ofthe 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
she did not understand the cause. This
part Of our story must be described by an
other. Though slight thread of fctiou
may be seen in the description, it will give
life-like air to the facts presented.
A horse suddenly stopped at the door of
the cottage and young man hastily dis
mounted.
The Russians are at Marienberg = ex-
claimed he, rushing into the apartment
1 have escaped 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 at Marien-
berg 2 said Catharine.
why, do you not hear the cannon Z?
General Scheremetief, with the army, is
bombarding Marienberg. 0, it is cruel
sight to behold r
MY father, my benefactor cried Cath
arine. sobbing.
Such was her anxiety to see her best
earthly friend, that she Immediately started
for Marienberg but on reaching the
town she was met by one of the guards,
with
Where are you going 2
What is that to you 2 replied the
young girl. Il am in haste, and l pray let
me pass.
You of course are not aware, then, that
the town is in the hands of Russians said
the man.
'Well-what then p interrupted Catha-
rine..
That all the inhabitants are prisoners ;
and il you pursue your route, you will also
be taken prisoner yourself.
Thank you, for your advice; but my
father and bcnefactor is in town, and am
determined to share his fate, whatever it
may be-
go, then and God preserve you an
swered the man.
She had not proceeded far before an Off
Ger demanded her name.
'Catharine,' she quickly replied. 4 am
the adopted child Of the pastor, Skovron-
ski
Thou art Livorian, replied the off
Ger. tLiyonia now belongs to our Gar,
Peter l. Of Rnssia; you are, therefore, pris-
oner.'
Touch me not r said Catharine, her
beautiful dark eyes flashing; j have return
cd to Marienberg to find my adopted father