Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-04-16

she had stood before her. her lips had ut
tered only cod and commonplace regrets
for her illness. Beside her had stood
the EmI or and Grand Duke; and every
shade of color faded away while she felt
what scrutinizing eyes were noting, with
merciless exac'ness, every point of differ
ence in her appearance since she stood
there last
The ordeal was soon over; and, pale,
careworn, and neglected, she sat as an
uninterested spectator, looking on a
scene in which she cnce would have
taken distinguished part. But as the
evening wore on, she seemed to rally,
and the warmth and excitement brought
a glow brighter than health to her cheek.
She had constantly refused to dance;
and it was quite late in the evening that
she consented 10 stand up and take part
in quadrille. Her partner was one of
her old admirers, who still loved her
with the same warmth he had expressed
years before.
have said already she had met face
to face the heir-apparent of the throne.
Then, not the sharpest observation could
have detected, beyond her extreme pal
lor, any sign ofemotion or embarrassment.
The Grand Duke had behaved with the
most princely courtsey, and she, on her
side, with reserve and respect. But who
shall describe her confusion when Alex.
ander took his place opposite her in the
dancel 1t was too late to retreat-all
eyes were fixed upon them-and, above
all predominant, she knew that the EN-
peror's gaze was concentrated upon them
alone.
In the figure where theix hands met
for moment, to the astonishment of
everybody, the Grand Duke retained
Natalie's hand so long in his grasp, that
she lost all seli-possession, the room SEEM
ed to swim round her, the music too be-
came an indistinct murmur; the GOODNESS
of death crept over her limbs, and she
was on the point of falling, when the
Emporer STEPPED forward, and, without
saying a word, drew her arm within his,
and carri d rather than led her out OF
the room; and while she FASTENED to or
der round her carriage, TO facilitate her
departure, lie wrapped her in her furred
mantle and after seeing her safe in her
sisters care, returned to the ballroom
without changing a muscle of his face.
What world of emotion and struggle
there may be in the heart at the very
time when we seem most placidly occu-
pied with simply external thingsl The
quadrille was not over when the emporer
returned 10 the room; but those who
knew what grave interests were concern
ed in this little scene, that took not half
the time TO enact it has taken to describe,
were not deceived by the expression of
his marble face.
Early next morning 10 the surprise of
the whole household at Naialie's home,
the emperor was announced, desiring to
speak with her alone. With beating
heart she descended to the inter, Jew, and
awaited the first word. Conceive, then,
her feelings when he addressed her as
follows:
"Natalie Polensky, you know 1 have
always taken the greatest possible inter-
est in your welfare-tell me, now, what
ale your prospects for the future?"
"Sire," she replied, "I can answer
you without moments hesitation, since
to morrow l leave St. Petersburg for
Varenege, where enter convent, never
to leave it again"-. She stopped,
exhausted. leaning for support against
the edge of table.
"Sit down, Natalie, and listen to me-"
resumed her interogator in a kindler
tone. "This must not bel Lave in
store for you pleasanter prospects. You
danced last night with Count Murenosoff;
if | mistake not, he still loves you and
is anxious to renew his proposals for your
hand. If such be the case, shall give
you away myself, and your wedding
shall be celebrated at the Winter Pal
ace.'
Natalie knew too well what this meant
the lind, calm tone, and the unmis-
taxable expression of those steadfast,
determined eyes; yet she felt at the mo-
ment that she could dare anything rath-
er than consent to union which; under
other circumstances, might have grati-
fed many womanly weakness. In her
desperation, however, she took courage,
and sank at the feet of the Gar:
"Sire," she mumered, "hear me but
once more, and you will relent. ! love
and was beloved by one to whom 1 swore
more than once never TO be another's.-
Let me-oh, let me only remain faithful
to that oath-I ask no more!" The
stern, impenetrable Nicholas seemed
touched by her appeal, but, taking her
by the hand, he said:
'My. child, listen to a father. The
oath you tell me Of was a childish one.
doubt not he also bound himself by
The like. Remember, Mediterranean
Der he is heir to my throne, and there
lore must not, and cannot follow his own