Connecticut western news., 1872-03-15

Wben he entered the private cabinet ot the czar, Nicholas was standing before the marble table, upon which books, papers, and charts were spread out in the greatest disorder. The emperor looked pale, and his eye was vailed as though tear was only held back by the force of his iron will. But his countenance showed as much firmness and energy as ever before.
 "Colonel," said the emperor, fixing his penetrating eye upon ths frank counte- nance of the young duke, "you are one of the handsomest officers in Europe. have been told-and undoubtedly justly-that your mind is GU tivatcd and refined that you are connoisseur of arts and litera- ture, an admirer of sclence. and that your character bears a striking resemblance to tbat of your noble father and your illus trious grandmother, who, you will remem- Der, had nc more devoted admirer in Eu- rope than my own brother, the late Czar Alexander. This is what have beer told, and, as far as have had an opportunity to observe you, I am satisfied that have been correctly informed. Now, Sir, will you be sincere enough to tell me, with out any reserve, whether you know my daughter, the Grand Duchess Maria, and what you think of her?"
 The young duke was struck with aston- ishment at this question, proPounded to him sc directly and abruptly. He had seen the princess several times he had even spoken to her once or twice, and could not help admiring her beauty and loveliness. But the idea had never cross ed his mind that the grand duchess, who was known to be the favorite daughter ot the ozar, could ever be the ann of his as- pirations.
 "The Grand Duchess Maria, Sire !" he exclaimed, after some hesitation, while a deep plush mantled his beautiful features. am afraid your eye would annibilate her; and yet would die with joy if your majesty would permit me to give expres- sion to my admiration for the grand duchess"
 "That is to say that you love my daugh- ter, duke! !" said the emperor, while a kind and benevolent smile irradiated his features, and he held out the same hand from which the duke had expected to re- ceive decree of exile, to the astonish- mont of the young man, and delivered to him commission appointing Joseph Flu gene Beauharnais, Duke of Lcuchtenberg, Adjutant- General of the Emperor, Com mander-in-Chief of the Mounted Guards, General of Cavalry, Director of the Mill itary Academy, President of the Academy of Arts, and Member of tho Academies of Sciences at St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kasan, etc, etc. At the same time a decree ot the czar conferred upon him the title of "lmperial Highness," and an annual reve- nue ot three million rubles.
 "Now, duke," said Nicholas, after the short pause during which the young man had, as m dream, glanced over the pa per, "are you now willing to leave the service of your sovereign, the King of Ba- varia, to remain with us, and to become the husband of the Grand Duchess Ma ria 2"
 The young duke was, too profoundly moved to make any verbal reply. But he bent knee, and pressed his lips upon the hand of the emperor, who had so gene rously bestowed upon him rank, wealth and the most precious thing within bis gift the hand of his daughter.
 ''Ah, my son." said Nicholas, affection ately, while at last tears burst from hi; eyes, "you see how much I love herb And he raised the duke from his kneeline attitude, and pressed him fondly to his heart.
 The next day the young grand duchcs. was given back to lrte, and a few months atterward the wedding was celebrated with the same splendor as if really thu most powerful sovereign had married tn. mostbeautiful princess in Europe.