Smyrna times., 1859-03-10

10 see the noble Duke, her guardian, and he O
8 Jecfs not to my suit. But he informed me tn
), there was one impeachment, and that was h
:, love for you. lie knows full Well-as kno,
9 ana as all must know-that she could never b
come your wife; but yet he is anxious not
interfere too much against her inclinations-
90 simple denial from you, to the effect til;
you can never claim her hand, is all that is NJ
cessary. have a paper here all drawn CD, an
f al that require is simply your signature
Ilere-lt is only plain, simple avowal on you
part that you have no hopes nor thoughts G
seeking the hand of the lady in marriage"
As The Count spoke he drew paper from tn
bosom OF his A:Irten douLlet, and having open
t' Td IL ne BANDED it towards the gunmaker. Bu
Nurlc took it not. He drew back and gaze,
the visitor stern!y in the face.
"Slr Count" he said, calmly and firmly
you have plainly stated yeur proposition, ano
Will as plainly answer. | cannot sign the
paper"
t" Ha I" gasped DomanoG. in quick passion
Do you refuse ,"
Most fatty"
" But you will sign it - hissed Damonoff,
turning pale with rage. Here it is-sign =
II you would live-sign ~
"Perhaps he cannot write" suggested Ur-
zen, cOntemptuousy.
"Then he may make his mark" reioined the
Count, IN the same contemptuous tone.
1t might not require much more urging to
induce me to make my mark in a manner not at
all agreeable to you, sir" the youth retorted
with his teeth now set, and the dark veins upon
his brow starting more plainly out. Do you
seek quarrel with me -
"Seek Il seek what will have. Will you
sgn!''
Once more-No!"
Then, by heavens, yon shall know what il
10 to thwart such as me IIow's that"
AS these words passed from the Counts lips
IN low, Kissing whisper, he aimed blow with
his list at Rurlc's head. The gunmaker had
not dreamed OF such dastardly act, and lie was
not prepared for it. Yet he lodged it, and as
the Count drew back Ruric dealt him a blow
upon the brow that fclled him to the floor like
u dead ok.
Beware, Stephen Urzen" he whispered to
the Counts companion, as that individual made
a movement us though he would come forward
Z" am not myself now, and you are safest where
you are'
The man thus addressed viewed the gunma-
ker few moments, and he seemed 10 conclude
that he had better avoid personal encounter.
Conrad Damonoff slowly rose to his feet, and
gazed at his antagonists face few moments
~ silence. His own face was deathly pale, and
his whole frame quivered.
"Ruric Newell" he said, in a kissing, mad.
Iened tone, "you will hear from me- | can
overlook your plebeian Stock
And with this he turned away.
Paul." said the gunmaker, turning to his |
10y, after the men had gone, "not a word Of
his to my mother. Be sure"
On the f,l n, ,nnruiu,r R,r;o ,uaa
'aring for breakfast he saw Olga, the Duke, !
PASS By, and strike off into the B1rodino road |
Now, thought he, is the time to call on Rosa /
md; aud as soon as he had eaten his brea kfast !
nc prepared for the visit. lie dressed we'll, and |
10 man in Moscow had a nobler look when the |
lost OF toll was removed from his brow and gurb |
lie took horse and sledge, and started off |
or the Kremlln, within which the duke resided |
In one OF the sumptuously furnished apart
nents of the palace Of the Duke of Tula sat Ro.
allnd Faldal. She was u beautiful girl; mold /
ID 10 perfect form, with the full flush of hea lth
ma vlgor, and possessing u face of peculiar
sweetness and intelligence. She was only
I!neteen years of age, and she had been ten
'ears an orphan. There was nothing of the ar
stocrat in her look-nothlng proud, nothing
naughty; but gentleness and love were the
rue elements of her soul
How now, Zehobie !' asked Rosalind, as
Ter waiting maid entered.
"There is gentleman below who would see
'ou," the girl replied.
"Then tell him | cannot see him." said Rosa
ind, trembling.
But it is Ruric Newell. my mistress"
Rurlc !" exclaimed the far maiden, starting
lP, while the rich blood mounted to her brow
md temples. 40, | am lad he has come Ny
"a q n1aarn nl.y 4
,r, Zenobie."
The girl departed, and ere long afterwards
turic entered the apartment He walked
quickly to where Rosalind had arisen to her
eet, and taking one OF her hands in both his
'wn he pressed it to his lips II was with diff.
'ulty he spoke. But the emotion of his soul
became calm at length, and then he received
Rosattnd's promise that she UouId neuer per
mt her hand to be disposed Of TO another by
he Duke Of TuLG. Ruric Informed her of the
'Islt OF Count Damonoff TO his shop, its purpose
Ina the result. RosalInd was astOnished aud
Harmed. Still, she could not believe that the
Ouke meant to bestow her hand upon Damon
'l The Duke owed him money, she said, and
night perhaps be playing with The Count.
KurIc started as new suspicion flashed upon
aim. Had the Duke sent Damon0G upon This
mission on purpose to get him INTO auarrel.-
: Aye" thought the youth to himself, the
Duke knows that have taught the sword play,
and he knows that the Count would be no
match for me. So he thinks in this subtle man
Ier TO make me an instrument for rIdding Inn,
)f plague" But the youth was careful not
10 let Rosalind know Of this. He though shn
would be unhappy if she knew that a duel wa,
likely 10 come off between himself aud the
Count.
After some minutes of comparative silence.
Ruric took leave of Rosalind, and was soon m
The open court. Here he entered his slpg.
and then drove TO the barracks in the Khnago-
rod, where he inquired for young frirnd named |
Orsa, lieutenant Of the guard. The officer
was quickly found, and as he met Ruric his
was warm and cordial Aier the |
irst friendly greetings has passed. Ruric re.
marked, " may have a meeting with Conrad |
Count Damonof He has sought quarrel-
ugu,fcd me u1osi prossly--aimed a hlow nj tnv