Connecticut western news., 1872-03-15
LOVE IN A WINTER PALACE.

1t was in the year 1858. At the court of St. Petersburg there lived at that time a young lady so lovely, so charming, SO beautiful, that it had almost passed into proverb among the courtfers that the most powerful monarch, if he had met her in a peasants cot, would have turned his back on all tine princesscs ol Europe, and would have offered her his hand and his throne. This young lady, born in the shadow of proud throne of czsrs was Maria the eldest daughter of tho Emperor Nicholas. .- She had just attained her nineteenth year; and when her father beheld her, blooming and fragrant like the flowers of May, and saw that nearly every crown prince in Europe entertained the hope of winning the heart ard hand of this match- less beauty, he commenced himself looking about for the most eligible, the worthiest, and the most powerful consort for his dar- ling.
 Dear Maria," said he one day to the princess, with the kindest smile which his stern features could command, "you are now old enough to think of getting mar ried pretty soon. There are quite num- Der of suitors for your hand, and, after mature dehberation, I have selected for your consort prince who in due time will make you queen, but who is, at the same time, man who will make you happy"
 The princess blushed and grew pale at the same moment. " You keep silence! Can it be possible that you have made already choice for yourself Tell me honestly and sincerely, Maria"
 The young princess still remained silent ; but the trembling nervousness became 50 violent that she was on the point of faint ing. a.
 "Speak out frankly and openly, Maria ,'' said the czar, in gentle tone. command it."
 The princess threw herself at the feet oI the czar. For moment she was unable to utter anything but means and sighs. and to clasp the knees of her father with a convulsiVe grasp. But then, overcoming her emotion and her fear, she raised hel hands imploringly toward the emperor and said, Tn voice almost stiiied by hcl tears, As you command me to speak tn, truth, l will be sincere to you Yes, have made my own choice! My leart ii no longer my own. 1t belongs to a youn. man who does not know that love him who will never know it, if such be you will! He has seen me only at long inter yals we have exchanged only few word with each other, and fl you wish. we vii never speak to each other again."
 Nicholas made no reply. He had growl pale, and, as he was won't to do in tn, moments of his greatest and most painful excitement or anguish, he paced to and fir, through the spacious apartment. This si lent walk lasted three or four minutes during which the princess remained in kneeling attitude, waiting for the addres of her father, and not daring to inter rupt his meditation. .a.
 Evidently he was anxious to learn tn name of the happy mortal who, as it ar peared, bad won without an effort, with out contest, the priceless jewel which h held dearer than the crown of Russia it self, tho heart of Maria-and yet he wa afraid of this name! He, the all powerfr monarch, who for mere whim woul have detied the united armies of Europe trembled at the mere thought of hearn the name of the young man who dispute with him the possession of his most prec ious jewel. But at last he recovered h self-command 4sS'
 "Is he king p he asked.
 "No, father.'d m
 put at least the son of king 2" < sNo, father" kE A
 "Ah! Then he is not crown prince
 "No, fatbcr.' -
 After every new question, in this dowr ward descent Tn the social scale from th very pinnacle of human greatness, the czs made short useldnring which he grasI ed for breath. Il,t TFiE
 "Is he 'torcig gserT' he asked, with painful effort.
 "Yes, father" @ta fa H1 M-
 The emperor, as if overwhelmed ar crushed by this terrible information, sar back upon his chair, and covered his ia, with both his hands. .H
 The grand duchess did not dare to st or to speak. Quietly, like victim wal ing for the death-stroke of the cxecutione she bowed her beautiful head, ready
 undergo the wrath of the emperor, whi, might burst upon her head at any m ment.
 "ls this man whom you love in Russia . the emperor at last resumed his examiu tion.
 "Yes, your majesty"