The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1859-03-03
NO.IO.

ana having opened it ne handed 1t tow
ards the gunmaker. But Ruric took it
not. He drew back and gased the visit
or sternly in the face.
"Sir Count" be said. calmly and firm.
ly, "yoa have plainly stated your propo-
sltion. and | will as plainly answer. 1
cannot Ign the paper"
"Ha !" gasped DamoUoff, in quick pas.
sion. "Do you refuse ~
Most fatty"
"But you will sign it y Kissed Damon.
off, turning pale with rage. "Here it is
-,igu! Ii you would lise---sign-!"
Perhaps he cannot write," suggested
Urzen contemptuousIy.
"Then he may make bis m ark, rejoin-
ed the Count. in the same contemptuous
tone.
"lt might not require much more urg-
ing to induce NE to make my mark in a
manner not at all agreeable to you. sir"
the youth retorted, with bis teeth now set,
aud the dark veins upon his brow starting
more plainly out. DO you seek quar-
rel with me!
seek II seek what will bave. Will
you sign"
"Once more-NoW
"Then, by heavens, you shall know
what it is to thwart such as me How's
thatl"
As these words passed from the Counts
lips in low, Kissing whisper. be aimed
blow with hi, fist at Ruric's bead. The
aunmaker had not dreamed of such das-
tsrdly act, aud be was not prepared for
it. Yet he lodged it, and as the Count
drew back Ruric dealt him a blow upon
the brow that felled him to the floor like
a dead OK.
beware, Stephen UrzenH' he whisper
ed to the Counts companion, as that indi-
sidual made movement as though he
would come forward. II aE not myself
now, and you are safest where you are"
The man thus addressed viewed the
gunmaker few moments, and be seemed
to conclude that he had better avoid q
personal encounter.
Conrad Damonoff slowly rose to his
feet, and gazed into bis antagonists face
a few moments in silence. His own face
was deathly pale, and his whole frame
quiVered.
"Ruric Nevil," be said. in Kissing,
maddened tone. you will hear from me.
can overlook your plehian stock"
And with this be turned away.
Paul, said the gunriaber, turning to
his boy, after the men haa gone, mot
word of this to my mother. Be sure"
On the following moruiug, as Ruric
preparing for breakfast. he saw Olga,
The Duke, pass by, and strike of into the
Borodino road. Now, thought be, is the
.ime to call on Rosalind and as soon as
be had eaten his breakfast be prepared
for the visit He dressed we'll and no
man in Moscow had nobler look when
he dust of toll was removed from bis
brow and garb.
He took horse and sledge, and start
ID off for the Kremlin, within which the
luke resided.
In one of the suuptuously furnished a.
oartments of the palace OF the Duke Of
lula sat Rosslnd Valdai. She was
girl; nodded in perfect form,
sith the full flush Of health and vigor,
md possessing face of peculiar sweet.
leas and Intelligence. She was only
nineteen years of age, and she had been
en- years an orphan. There was nothing
If the aristocrat in her look nothing
proud, nothing naughty; but gentleuess
md love were the true elements Of her
oul.
How now, Zenobiel" asked Rosalind,
s her waiting entered.
"There is a gentleman below. vho
vould see you." the sirl replied.
"Tben tell him canuot see him." said
tosalind, trembling.
"But it is Ruric Newell, my mistress."
"Rurio!" exclaimed the fair maiden,
tarting up, while the rich blood mount
d to her brow aud temples. 80, l am
lad be has come. My prayers are sure
y answered. Lead him hither, Zeno-
'ie."
The girl departed. and ere long after
yards Ruric entered the apartment. He
ralked quickly to where Rosalind bad a.
isen to her feet, and taking one of her
ands in both of bis own be pressed it to
ps. 1t was with difficulty be spoke
Sut the emotions of his soul became calm
: length, and then ne feceired ROSaiinds
romiSe that size ,c0~M nerer permit her
and TO be disposed Of to another by the
Duke Of IuEG. Ruric Informed her of
he visit of Count Damonoff to his shop,
IS purpose aud the result. Rosalind was
stonished and alarmed. Still. she could
OF believe that the Duke meant to be-
iow her hand upon Danouof. The
luke owed him money, she said and
light perhaps be playing with the Count.
Ruric started as new suspieion aash-
d upon him. Had the Duke sent Da-
.onof upon that mission on purpose to
ct him into a quarrel. aye" thought
le youth to himself, "The Duke knows
lat | have taught the sword-play, and
9 knows that the Count would be no
atch for me. So be thinks in this subt-
manner to make me an instrument for