Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-08-07

mes greater" and the old man wept

iiiiN' SAS"'Si' ''iio' 'hS oiu ih"h "0P'
bitterly.
" Us. yes, she said us , !" continued
Feodore, needless of his fathers tears.
Just then a man entered with request
that they should at once repair to the pal
ace of the Count, request which they i'm
mediately obeyed.
my children" said the Count as they
entered the apartment, s. | have sent for
you to learn from your own lips whether it
is true what my daughter has just told me.
For no one shall sacrifice himself for me
against his own will Let me then hear,
good Nicholas first from your lips, whether
your sons determination to accompany me
into exile meets with your sanction ?"
- Yes, gracious master, the lad is but
discharging his duty; and even though
none are left to tend my dying bed, | bless
him for it,
"And you, Feodore." resumed the
Count, turning to the young man, 'pause,
reflect well. You are leaving life, a good
position, wealth, an aged and beloved
father, for living death, miserable ex-
istence-for slavery. Better stay with
him. What, no! Then accept my thanks
lily DIcSSiiiS-lOi yOuI COiouCt
See, my friends, let us drink together, us
three, a parting goblet" and with these
words he filled silver beaker with spark
ling wine, and handed it to Nicholas
''To the due fulfllment of your duties,
my son." said the old man, turning towards
Feodore, as he drained the goblet to the
dregs.
gain the Count filled it. and handed it
to Feodore who, sinking on his knees and
raising the cup aloft, said in solemn
tOnes,-
- In the name of the Holy Trinity,
swear TO be a true and faithful servant to
you and your daughter"
Then tomorrow at day-break | rob
you of your dearest treasure on earth, old
friend" said the Count, much moved at
the affecting scene. Till then, farewell !
[ have much to arrange"
When father and son had once more re-
turned to their humble dwelling, Feodore,
who had been wrapt in deep thought, sud-
denly exclaimed
You are witness, father, that | con-
sented to follow them before she said us,
did not -
Doubtless but why this question? it
was not the daughter, surely, you would
follow -
Enough, enough you are witness that
| pressed the thorn to my bosom before |
perceived that there was rose budding on
its stem. Alas, father, [ love her."
You dream, Feodore," replied his
father, amazed remember, though in
Siberia, she will still be countess, and
you but godsmith's apprentice. Be-
ware, lest you change her fathers blessing
into curse; yours she can never be
Mine - answered Feodore, amazed ;
chow can you think | ever presumed so
far? To live for her, to die for her, will
be my highest happiness"
\ strange and awful occurrence took
place that night in St. Petersburg. When
the sun arose the next morning its rays
shone on the Emperor Pauls murdered
body. OF course, in the tumult that en-
sued, but little heed was given to the full
fillment or revocation of the late Cars
commands. There was a new master to
please now even Count s. forgot his
own sorrow in the whirl Of excitement
That very day he was summoned to appear
at court he obeyed, and to his surprise,
instead of finding that his sentence of ban
ishment was to be carried into effect the
Emperor bade him draw near, and gra-
ciouslv offered his hand to kiss The
Counts colorless lips trembled as they
touched it, for it seemed just as if blood
stain were upon it.
y on will remain in my service, Count =
asked Alexander, courteously.
"Gracious sire, | trust you will par
don me. Yesterday | was an old man
but the last night has added many years
to my age. With one foot already in the
grave, my only wish is to seek for peace.
[ would fain, with your royal permission,
retire to my country estate, there to await
the hour which cannot be far distant
Your wish is granted. But is there
nought else | can do? you have but to
ask"
.If l might venture to ask BOOM re-
piled the Count, '' l would beg your Maj
esty to sanction the union of my daughter
with-Feodore Solkow, the-the gold
smiths apprentice
The Emperor raised his eyes in aston
ishment. as he regarded the Count, who
still remained kneeling.
A strange request, Count. Reflect on
the different conditions of the young peo-
ple!"
Pardon me, gracious sire" interrupted
the Count though of humble origin, he
is noble at Heart, and deserves this, ay,
and more than this, from me. When all
the world turned their backs on me, when
the butterflies of fashion that had fitted in
my salons, and professed their willingness
to 90 through fire and water to gain if it
were but an approving word from my
daughters lips-when amongst all my de-
pendants not one was willing to share their
masters fate, this youth came forward !;
he gave up all for me. What | had
thought to see accomplished on the banks
of the Jenisei, now pray your Majesty
may be celebrated in this your royal city,
BE it SOL answered the Emperor
waving his hand.
Next day Katinka and Feodore kneeled
together at the altar of the Orthodox
Church of Russia as man and wife.