Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-09-04
MARRIED IN 4 SNOW-STCRM,
Translated from the Russian of Alexander Push
kin, for the Aldine

Translated from the Russian of Alexander Push
kin, for the Aldine.
About the year 1911, memorable in
Russian history, there lived upon the
estate of Nemaradof, a rich landed
proprietor, Gabrilovitch by name, and
noted for his affability and hospitality.
His house was always open to his
friends and neighbors, who used to
congregate there every evening; the
older ones to enjoy a game of cards
with the host and his wife Petrowena,
the younger ones in the hope of win
ming the favor of Marie, beautiful
girl of seventeen, the only daughter
and heiress of Gabrilovitcb.
Marie read French novels which ma
turally rendered her very sentimental
and romantic. Under these cir
cumstances love was not long in COM
ing The object of her affections was
Russian cadet, with scarcely penny
in his pocket, who resided in the neigh
borhood, and was then at home on
leave of absence. AS a matter of course
he returned her love with equal ardor.
Marie's parents had strictly forbidden
her thinking of such union, and they
treated the lover, whenever they met
him, with just as much friendliness as
they would have shown to an ex-col-
lectOr of taxes. The amorous pair
meantime carried on a correspondence,
and met clandestinely beneath the
shade of the pine grove, or behind the
old chapel. AS will readily be sup
posed, they here vowed eternal fidelity
to each other, complained of the Sc
verify of fate, and devised beautiful
plans for the future. After some time
they naturally came to think, that
should their parents persist in oppos-
ng the union, it might in the end be
consummated secretly, and without
their consent The young gentleman
was the first to propose this, and the
young lady soon saw the exped:ency of
it.
The approach of winter put an end
to these stolen interviews; but their
letters increased in frequency and
warmth. In each of them Vladimir
NlckOloyitch conf jured his beloved to
leave the paternal roof, and consent to
clandestlne marriage. eve will dis
appear for short WHILE" be wrote,
leone back, and cast ourselves at the
feet of our parents, who, touched by
such constancy, will exclaim, come to
our arms, dear children !'n Marie was
long irresolute; at length it was agreed.
however, that she should not appear at
supper on day appointed. but should
retire to her room under the pretext of
indisposition. Her maid had been let
into the secret. Both were to es-
cape by backdoor, in front of which
they would find a sleigh ready to con-
vey them a distance of five wersts, to
the chapel of Jadrino, where Vladimir
and the priest would await them.
Having made her preparations and
written a long appoIogetical letter to
her parents, Marie retired betimes to
her room. She had been complaining
all day of headache, and this was
certainly no mere pretext, Tor the
nervous excitement had in truth iEdis-
posed her. Her father and mother
nursed her tenderly, asking her again
and again: "How do YOU feel now.
Marie? Are you no better?" This
| loving sohcltude cut the girl to
the heart, and with the approach OF
! evening her excitement increased. AT
/ supper Sne aUe nOInlng, but rose be-
times and bade her parents goodnight.
| The latter kissed and blessed her, as
was their wont, while Marie could
scarcely repress her sobs. Having
reached her room, she threw herself
into a chair and wept aloud. Hel
maid finally succeeded in comforting
and cheering her up.
Later in the evening ii snow storm
arose. The wind howled about the
house, causing the windows to rattle.
The inmates had hardly gone to rest
when the yonng girl, wrapping herself
in her clothes aud furs, and followed
by the servant with a portmanteau, left
the paternal roof. A sleigh drawn by
three horses received them, and away
they went at a furious speed.
Vladimir had also been very active
throughout. the day. In the morning