Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-04-11
For the Standard.
RUSSIAN MANNERS.


Russian manners is told by late travel
Ter in the north of Europe.
An officer in the prime Of manhood, of
high rank in the Russian army, was APP
pointed by the late Emperor Nicholas to
the command of a remote province ofthe
Empire.
On his arrival at the chief town of his
government, he was visited by the nobil-
ity and great officers of the district, and
among the rest by certain Count, whom
he recognized as one of lis old classmates
at a military school, wb, 70 they had par
ted in hostilities on az of an insult
received by the count, which he had not
courage to resent. Of all the visitors
this count was the most Overwhelming in
his civilities, meeting the governor as
one whom hehad never seen before, he
endeavored to give the impression that
they had always been strangers to each
other. To his new ruler he spoke as if
he had no remembrance of his person or
name, and played his part so well that
the former was almost convinced that the
youthful general had escaped his recol-
lection. knowing, however, the dura-
ton of Russians resentment, the gov
ernor prudently resolved to be upon his
guard. Still every thing continued to
proceed smoothly, and the smiles and
civilities of the count continued TO be
lavished upon his old enemy, and moth
ing occurred to awaken suspicion or to
cloud their mutual courtesies.
AT length the count appointed a day
for giving great fets at his castle.
! This castle was situated on a rough
and difficult tract of country, protected
by mountainous defles, yet but few
miles distant from the head quarters of
the governor. To this castle his Excel
ilency was invited to attend the feast,
which was to be adorned with all the
splendor and magnifcenee of the Russian
noblesse.
He accepted the invitation, but after
he had done so was visited by certain
doubts as to the sincerity ofhis host, not
withstanding the complete oblivion to
which period Of twenty years had ap-
parently consigned the resentment of the
count.
He took the precaution therefore to
order body of dragons, twenty of whom
should be provided with leather thongs,
to follow him privately, and when the
clock should strike nine to close aronnd
the castle while the officer in command
proceeded to report to him wherever he
might be. To this officer the orders were
/, strict. No matter when, how, or about
what, the governor might be engaged, the
officer must be in his presence and ready
to receive his commands.
Z After giving these orders, the COVER
nor repaired to the fete. He was re
eeived with great politeness and greeted
with every demonstration of respect
The halls were decked with oriental mag
nifeence. Barbarie, pearl, and golc
were literally showered upon the spIen
did draperies Of the ample halls, and tht
dresses of the ladies glittered with jew
:, elry. Rich music was pouring forth it
! soul inspiring harmony. Plumes wer
nodding, bright eyes were cleaning, gen
erous wines were sparkling. everything
E was in accordance with festivity and JOY
e Still the governor observed that of al
e the guests, whether ladies or noblemer
not one was present who was not con
o nected by blood or by marriage with tn
,f lord of the castle. He gave himself u
to the destinations of the scene, however
W enjoyed the SPLENDID arrangements su
fered himself to be led from the gran
u saloon to the library; from the library I
E. the picture halls; from the pictures t
the cabinet Of genius through the variet
te of apartments which had been prepare
OF for the qualification of refined and Iuz
d. urious taste, until, at length, he observe
- that of those who had attended him tbel
were only six who remained, all the nea
vs. est blood relations Of the count. H
- ease of manner continued, and move
l. forward with them towards the cabin
of minerals, when, as he was passir
T. through smaller apartment the doc
. were suddenly shut and fastened, and hin
self seized and bound at once, without IL
an slightest notice Of the intention. II
doubt then became a very unsatisfactol
ed certainty. The count then proclaim.
bis hatred, reminded him Of their ancie
at quarrel, and proceeded, with the asst
tance Of bis kinsman, to strip his enem
and to infiict a severe hagelation upon
n naked back.
be After gratifying their malienity vi