Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1872-09-20

shake her head in silence. Vladimir
was no more; he died at Moscow, the
evening before the entrance Of the
French. Marie seemed to hold his mem
ory sacred: she carefully preserved the
books they had read together, his sketch
90, the letters he had written to her-in
brief, everything that could serve to
keep alive the remembrance of the ill.
fated youth.
About this time the war, fraught with
such glory to the allies, of whom Russia
was one. came to an end. The victorious
regiments returned home, and large
crowds of people focked together to greet
them. Officers who had gone forth as
beardless youths, came back with the
grave faces of warriors, their gallant
breasts covered with badges.
A lieutenant of hussars, Wurmin by
name, with an Interestingly pale face
and decorated with the cross of st.
George, having obtained leave of absence
for several months, took up his residence
upon his estate, which adjoined Marie's
present abode. The young,girl received
him with far more favor than she had
hitherto shown to any of her visitors
They resembled each other in many re.
spects both were handsome, intelligent
taciturn, and reserved. There was some
thing mysterious about Wurmin, which
reused the curiosity and interest of Ma
rie. His affection for her was soon un-
mistakable; he showed her every con
ceivable attention but why did he never
speak of love, though his dark ardent
eyes would rest upon hers half dreamily
half with an expression that seemed to
announce an early and positive declara
ton? Already the neighbors spoke Of
their marriage as a settled matter, and
mother Petrowna was more than happy
at the thought of her daughters finding
worthy husband at last.
One morning, when the latter was sit
ting in the parlor, Wurmin entered and
asked for Marie.
"She is in the garden" answered hel
mother. You will find my daughter
there, if you would like to see her."
The young officer hastily walked out
into the garden.
Petrowna crossed herself. murmuring
"God be praised ! To-day, trust, hi
visit will have some result"
Wurmin found his beloved, clad il
white, sitting under tree by the side o
the pond, book upon her lap, like {
heroine of romance. The usual saluta
tions over, Wurmin, who was strangely
agitated, told her how he had long yearn
ed to pour out his whole heart befor,
her, and begged that she would listen t,
him few moments. She closed he
book. and nodded in token of assent.
81 love you," said Wurmin, al low
you passionately."
Marie cast down her eyes.
az have been imprudent enough to Sc
you, to hear you-daily. 1t is now to-
late to escape my fate. The thought 0
your lovely face, of your sweet voice
will heneeforth constitute the JOY an,
the anguish of my existence. But / hav
a duty to perform towards you / mus
reveal TO you secret, which has placed
an insurmountable barrier between us
"That barrier" murmured Marie
"existed always-I could never hav
become yours"
know replied Wurmin, in sup
pressed voice, that you have loved be
fore; but death-three long years Q
mourning-dearest Marie, do not de
prive me of my last comfort, of th
blissful thought that you might becom
mine, if"
"Cease, 1 conjure you You rend m,
heart? 2"
Yes, you will grant me the comfor
of knowing that you would have becom
mine; but, most wretched of men tina
| am am already married
Marie gazed up at him with look o
astonishment.
Yes, married for four years, con
tinued the lieutenant, "and / do no
know either acho my wife is, achere she is
or whether | shall ever meet her."
Explain yourself more clearly,
said the girl.
I" i love you, Marie, and will confd
in you. You shall know all, and yo
will not Judge too severely an act Q
youthful levity. 1t was in the year IS1i
/ happened to be on my way to wilma
with the intention of joining my reg
ment. Late in the evening / reached
station, and had already ordered tina
horses should instantly be put to agair
when fierce snow-storm suddenly arose
My landlord and the position urgent
advised me to postpone my departure
but | was determined to 60 in spite 9
the rough weather. The position ha'
got it into his head that, by crossing