Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1859-03-09

/
which he was so constantly and so mood
lily brooding. Being thus urged, Ruri'
confessed that it was of Rosalind Valda
1.-THE orphan daughter of nobleman
and BOW the ward of Olga, the powerful
and naughty Duke of Tula) he was think
ing. Ruric's father, and the father o
Rosalind, had been comrads in arms il
their youth, and their children had beer
playmates. But when the elder Neve
was slain in battle, Ruric was yet a boy
and the widow and her son remained
poor and obscure while Valdai, more
fortunate, had risen TO high rank, and
dying, left Rosalind title and fortune
The young people, however, had no
forgotten each other. Ruric loved Rosa
lind with all the fervor of his being, and
he felt assured that Rosalind returned
his love. As he and his mother sat de
batting the matter on that stormy night,
loud knock upon the outer door startled
them.
els there any one here?" the gunma-
ker asked, as he opened the door, bow.
ing his head and shielding his eyes from
the driving snow with one hand.
"Yes," returned voice from the Sty-
gain darkness. ''In Gods name let me
in, or l shall perish"
"Then follow quickly" said Ruric.
"Here-give me your hand. There
now come"
The youth found the thickly-g gloved
hand-gloved with the softest fur--and
having led the invisible applicant into the
hall he closed the door, then led the way
to the kitchen. Without speaking, Ruric
turned and gazed upon the newcomer.
The stranger, acho fcas equally desirous Of
ascertaining what manner or man Rurit
scas, was a monk-and habited some.
thing like one of the Blacks monk OF St
Michael. He was of medium hight, and
possessed a rotundity of person which
was comical TO behold.
At length, after warming himself by
the fire, the guest asked if he could be
accommodated with some sleeping place
and being answered in the affirmative,
Ruric showed him to chamber and ther
retired himself.
The next morning. after breakfast, the
Monk went with Ruric to his shop, and
examined with much interest the variou;
weapons therein. Ruric questioned him
closely as to whether he had ever me-
him before, but tie Monk replied evas
lively, and after saying that in case the
the gun-maker should ever, in any grea
emergency, need friend, that he NIGH
apply 10 him. be took his leave.
Towards the middle of the afternoon
Just as Ruric had finished temperine
some parts of unlock, the back dool
of his shop was opened, aud two mer
entered. They were young men dress,
ed in costly furs, and both of them stou
and looking. The gunmaker rec
ognized than as the Count Conrad Dam
onoff and his friend Stephen U.zen.
II think I speak with Ruric Newell
said the Count, moving forward.
"You do" returned Ruric, not at al
surprised by the visit, since people o
all classes were in the habit of calling a
his place 10 order arms.
"You are acquainted with the Lady
Rosalind Valdai?" he said.
"Iam," answered Ruric, now begin.
ming TO wonder.
swell, SIR" resumed Damonoff, will
much haughtiness. perhaps my business
can be quickly and satisfactorily settled
1t is my desire to make the Lady Rosa,
lind my wife,"
Ruric Newell started at these words
and be clasped his hands 10 hide theil
tremulousness But be was not long
debating upon an answer.
"And why have you come to me with
this information, sir?'' he asked.
"Ruric Nevel. you shall not say I die
not make myself fully understood. and
hence 1 will explain" The Count
spoke this as speaks man who feels thai
he is doing very condescending thing
and in the same he proceeded: "Ths
Lady Rosalind is of noble parentage and
very wealthy. My own situation anG
weslth are equal with hers. 1 love her
and must have her for my wife. Ihave
been to see the noble Duke, her guard
ian, and he objects not to my suit. Bu
he informed me that there was one i'm
pediment, and that was her love for you
He knows full well-as l know, and as
all must know-that she could never be.
cone your wife; but yet he is anxious
not to interfere too much against her in.
clinations. So a simple denial from
you, to the effect that you can never
claim her hand, is all that is necessary,
l have a paper here all drawn up. and
all that 1 require is simply your sigma
ture. Here-it is only plain. simple
avowal on your part that you have nc
hopes nor thoughts of seeking the hand o.
the lady in marriage"
As the Count spoke he drew a paper
from the bosom of his marten doublet
and having opened it he handed it to.