Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-07-26
From Chambers Edinburth Journal
THE SERF MARRIAGE.N

A group OF girls were c0llecteu rouid 10 uooi
of an isba, or log-hut, in the village II Groky
belonging to General Petrovioff. They were all
dressed in the national costume Of the govern
ment of Touia, consisting of a long while gown,
over which they wore plaid worsted tunic
short and narrow, while low bodice, with mar
now shoulder straps, confined loose pnffsd
white muslin chemise. Their hair was combed
off the face in one Icing plait, from which hung
prol,lsion of ribbons Of all colors down their
backs; quantity of bright.colored glass-bead'
hung on each sido Of their faces, and round then
necks these formed the more ornamentcd items
of their dress, which was otherwise only COM
pleted by q very thick and serviceable pair Of
shoes.
BY the carnestncss of their gestures, and the
apparent interest of their conversation, it was
easy to see something unpleasant had lately oc-
Cured. After little while they all dispersed
except two, who remained at the door of the
hut spinning, between whom the following con-
versation took place:
'Nadegda, dost thou really believe the mas
ter will oblige one of us girls to marry that
ugly, ill-tempered fellow, Xiii What possible
Inducements is thero' He possesses neither horse
nor COW his isba is the worst in the village /;
and besides his own develish propensitics-that
are only safely to be encountered when one
makes the holy sign and prayers to St. sergius
he has an old witch for grandmother, and
his bed-ridden mother, for his wife to work for
and care for. No; most certainly not one Of
US girls will consent to have him.
.As to that, Katinka, thou sayest but
from what heard my father say yesterday, the
master is determined none Of the strong hard
working hands are to be sent as soldiers; and,
as thou well knowest, while single they are al'
liable to be taken us recruits,
Tell me again., said the first speaker, what
said thy father. Unfortunately this news comes
from good authority; who should know better
than the sarostas what is doihg in the village!
IN gladly tell thee all know replied the
sarosta 8 daughter. Last night, when my f"-
ther came no ne, no told VI that BorisoG, the
land steward, had received letters from our mas
ter, telling us that all the family are coming
here to spend year. Owing to some severe
losses sustained at cards. his excellency comes
down to live in quiet and economise. Several
of the free servants have Been discharged; and
for fear any of the good hands should be taken
by the recruiting party, he has sen. orders that
they shall all marry. Nov, Peter the black
smith is lw.rus,,vd to Hauine, and they VIII
be glad enough to get thswedding over. Paul
has received the same orders; and know more
than one girl who would not refuse him. Eh,
Katinka, why blushest thou
Hold thy nonsense, Nadsgda, and finish thy
story; this is no joking matlsf.
well, the end is this, dashs mia (my soul J
As to the other lads, they are we'll enough Of
to buy themselves wives from he crown villages;
but who Kit will find know not, for his repu.
tation of casting the Evil Eye is well known
hereobouts, and, besides, dreadful things are
told Of his family
| For Heaven sake, do not talk more ahoui
him, said Katinka, turning towards the church
and signing herself devoutly; shall dread
going to sleep tonight for fear Of bad dreams
But thou, happy Nadegda, thoa hast no fear o.
being forced to marry against thy will ; thy ia
ther. being sarosta, viii be able to reer
thee but say Perhaps thou also lowest on,
Of the lads now about to marry. Confess--ar
thou also be,rothed.
'Oh, Katinka, think not Of IL: it would b,
no worse for me to marry Kit than any Other
lad in the village. l loye--yes; but not one il
my own station--a free man. Dost thou re
member Vladimir, the masters handsome Mos
cow ooachman' Well, he, God bless him. ha
promised to buy my freedom, and marry me.
THE sarosta Is old peasant, of somewhat supero
station, put the others 10 drive them their work. an
see the orders Of the andseward punepay carried out