Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-03-09
of seeking the hand of the lady

In marriage
AS the Count spoke hebrew paper from
opened it he handed it towards the gunmaker.
But Ruric took it not. He drew back and
gaZed the visitor sternly in the face.
''Sir Count" he said, calmly and firmly,
syou have plainly stated your proposition,
and Twill as plainly answer. [ cannot sign
the paper.''
..Hal" gasped Damonof, in quick passion.
ssDo you refuse ~
s.Most fatly.''
s'But you will sign it - bissed Damenoff,
turning pale with rage. ssHere it is-sign
If you would liye-sign 20
ssPerhaps he cannot write," suggested Ur-
zen, contemptuously.
ssThen he may make his mark, rejoined
the Count, in the same contemptuous tone.
ssIt might not require much more urging to
induce me to make my mark in manner not
at all agreeable to you, SIR the youth retort
ed, with his teeth now set, and the dark veins
upon his brow starting more plainly out. ''Do
you seek quarrel with me ?''
s.Seek I'll seek what 1 will have. Will
you sign ?''
ssOnce more-No!''
ssThen, by heavens, you shall know what it
is to thwart such as me! HOw's that 20
As these words passed from the Counts lips
in a low, kissing whisper, he aimed blow
with his fist at Ruric's head. The gunmaker
had not dreamed of such a dastardly act, and
he was not prepared for it. Yet he lodged IL,
and as the Count drew back Ruric dealt him a
blow upon the brow that fellcd him to the floor
like dead OK.
"Beware, Stephen Urzen - he whispered to
the Counts companion, as that individual
made a movement as though he would come
forward. 81 am not myself now, and You are
| safest where you are"
The man thus addressed viewed the gunma-
I-ara Fayr ba ,ai To- Ind
| that he had better avoid personal encoun-
ter.
| Conrad Damonoff slowly rose to his feet,
/ and gaZed into his antagonists face few mo-
ments in silence. His own face was deathly
| pale, and his whole frame quiyered.
| "Ruric Nevel,' he said, in kissing, mad
dened tone, ssyou will hear from me. l can
overlook your plebeian stock.''
| And with this he turned away.
| paul. said the gunmaker, turning to his
| boy, after the men had gone, s'not word OF
this to my father. Be sure
| On the following morning, as Ruric was pre-
| pairing for breakfast, he saw Olga, the Duke,
! pass by, and strike off into the Borodina road.
| Now, thought he, is the time to call on Rosa
| lind and soon as he had eaten his break
| fast he prepared FOL the visit. He dressed
| we'll, and no man of Moscow had a nobler look
! when the dust of toll was removed from his
t brow and garb.
| He took a horse and sledge, and started
| off for the kremlin, within which the Duke
! resided
In one of the sumptuOusy furnished apart
ments of the palace of the Duke of Tula sal
Rosalind Valdai. She was beautiful girl
nodded in perfect form, with the full flush OF
| health and Eigor, and possessing face of pc
| cuiiar sweetness and intelligence. She wa;
only nineteen years of age, and she had beer
ten years an orphan. There was nothing o
| the aristocrat in her look-nothing proud
| nothing naughty: but gentleness and love
| were the true elements of her SOUL
s'HoE now, Zenobie 20 asked Rosalind, a:
her waiting maid entered.
S.There is gentleman below who would see
| you,' the girl replied.
s.Then tell him | cannot see him, said Ro
| salind, trembling.
| s:But it is Ruric Newell, my mistress"
| s'Ruric.' 20 exclaimed the fair maiden, start
| ing up, while the rich blood mounted to heI
| brow and temples. go, / am glad he ha:
come. My prayers are surely answered. Lead
him hither, Zenobie.''
The girl departed, and ere long afterwards
Ruric entered the apartment. He walked
! quickly to where Rosalind had arisen to he,
feet, and taking one of her hands in both o
his own he pressed it to his lips. 1t witt
difficulty he spoke. But the emotions of hi
soul became calm at length, and then he re
ceirei Rosalind's promise that she trouid mere
permit her hand 10 be disposed Of to another b.
the Duke Of Tula. Ruric informed her of the
visit of Cou Damonoff to his shop, its pur
pose and the result. Rosalind was astonishe'
and alarmed. Still she could not believe th
Duke meant to bestow her hand upon Damon
off. The Duke owed him money, she said
and that he might, perhaps, be playing witt
the Count.
Ruric started as new suspicion flashed up
on him. Had the Duke sent DamonoH upoI
tn nj /.
| quarrel. '.Aye," thought the youth to him
self, ssthe Duke knows that / have taught the
sword play and he knows that the Count woulC
| be no match for me. So he thinks in thi
subtle manner to make me an instrument TO
riddiug him of plague But the youth wa
careful not to let Rosalind know of this. H.
thought she would be unhappy if she knew
that a duel was likely TO come off betweel
himself and the Count.
After some minutes of comparative silence
Rurie took leave of Rosalind, and was soon il
the open court. Here he entered his sledge
and then drove to the barracks in the Khita
gorod, where he inquired for young frient
named Orsa, lieutenant Of the guard. Tn
officer was quickly found, and as he met Ru
ric his salutation was warm and cordial. Al
ter the first friendly greetings had passed, Ru
Tic remarked, s'I may have a meeting wit
Conrad Count Damonoff. He has sought
quarrel-insulted me most grossly-aimed
blow at my heud-a1d Knocked him down
You can Judge as well as l what the resul
must be-"
ssMost surely he will challenge you,' criet
the officer, excitedly.
$50 l think, !" resumed Ruric, calmly. ssAnt
now will you serve me in the event ?''
'sWith pleasure"
And thereupon Ruric related all that hat
occurred at the time of the Counts visit t.
his shop, and then took his leave.
q rpaC inst oth tCo
! spreading the board for dinner. He oftel
/ went away on business. and she thnurht not O