The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-02-21

| norance as to who she was and what
she wanted, and that it was only rea-
sonabie that the direction in which
! my univairons. path was to lie should
be pointed out by her. Is. . :
'aTrue," she said, when I mention
ed this fact, ''I must trust you with
my sad secret. Know. then. that. I
am not what I seem. Doubtless, you
take me for an EngF~N woman, for
speak your tongue with fluency and
correctness; but no, I am Russian
Princess. A cruel and wicked cousin
coveted my estates, to which he was
the next heir. He sought to acquire
them by the lawful means of mar
riage, but being man of ungovern-
able temper, he one day had q serf
knouted to death before my eyes;
and I loathed and dreaded him. The
sting of outraged vanity was then
added to his cupidity, and he deter
mined to dispossess me. But L was
favorite with the Gar, the Czarina,
and all the royal family; and while I
remained in Russia, was safe. But
sad infatuation tempted me to
travel; and the moment I touched
these inhospitable shores, I was seized
and hurried to this place, where 1
have been incarcernted ever since.
Doubtless, my villainous relative has
spread the report of my death, and is
squandering my property upon his
minions."
"But," cried I, with an enthusiasm
which nearly made me lose my ba-
lance. "the matter is simple. L will
go to the nearest magistrate; will
seek the aid of the police-I will"
"Pray-pray, do nothing of the
kind" she exclaimed with alarm.
"My enemy is connected by tho
strongest ties with your Prime Mi
mister, and the chief of your police
authorities, and my cause is lost for
ever! No. flight is my only re-
source. Aid my escape; fly with me;
bring me to my native land, and
am saved. Eternal gratitude and
countless treasures shall be yours"
"And may I not presume to a
higher reward?" I asked.
"What mean you?" she replied
bashfully.
81 fear lest my temerity should
offend you," said I; "but love is ever
presumptuous. And if / could only
hope that my affection might one day
meet with return. I should be in
spired with an ar1or before which all
obstacles would. melt away"
''This was pretty we'll for bashful
lad, was it not? I do not believe I
could have spoken such words in an
ordinary drawing-room, had my life
depended upon it; but from the top
of wall it was different. Further
advance was impossible, and retreat
so easy! And yet, when one comes
to think of it, to make an offer of
marriage to q Princess on first in
terview was a prompt proceeding.
1t was successful, however, for was
accepted then and there, and all that
remained was to make arrangements
for our flight
II had several other conversations
from the top of the wall, with my
Princess, before our plans were ma
tured. The great difficulty was
funds. Once in Russia, and we
should be encountered with q super
fluffy of wealth; but we had to get
there. 1t was a difficulty which
never occurred to the knights of old,
who always tossed their purses to
those who demanded money of them,
and yet had other purses for the next
conner, and was therefore at loss
for precedent.
II had three pounds ten shillings
of pocket money; and by pawning
my watch, chain, pin, and a ring, I
raised ten pounds more; but that was
sadly insufficient for SO long jour
ney. was obliged at length to ex-
plain the difficulty to my Princess,
who removed it at once. She had
jewels, which even if sold for a mi
| mute frnctinn of thair 1rnlna ,uo.,ld