The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-09-13


sia was also one, came TO an end. The
victorious regiments returned home,
and large crowds of people flocked to-
gether to greet them. Officers who had
gone forward as beardless youths, came
back with the grave faces Of warriors,
their gallant breasts covered with badg-
es
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 receiv-
ed him with far more favor than she
had hitherto shown to any of her suit.
ors. They resembled each other in ma
ny respects; both were handsome, in
telligent, taciturn and reserved. There
was something mysterious about Wur.
min, which reused the curiosity and in
terest of Marie. His affection for her
was soon unmistakeable he showed her
every conceivable attention ; but why
does 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 declaration? Already the
neighbor5 spoke Of their marriage as a
settled matter, aud mother Petrowna
was more than happy at the thought Of
her daughters finding worthy hus-
band 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 her
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 his
visit will have some result"
Wurmin found his beloved, clad in
white, sitting under tree by the side
Of a pond, book upon her lap, like
heroine of romance. The usual saluta-
tions over, Wurmin, who was strange
ly agitated, told her how he had long
yearncd to pour out his heart before
her, and begged that she would listen
to him few moments. She closed her
book, and nodded in token of assent.
"I love you," said Wurmin, "I love
you passionately."
Marie cast down her eyes.
~ have been imprudent enough to
see you, to hear you--daily. 1t is now
too late to csc ape my fate. The thought
of your lovely face, of your sweet voice,
will henceforth constitute the JOY and
the anguish of my existence. But 1
have a duty TO perform towards you
L must reveal to you secret which has
placed an insurmountable barrier be-
| tween u.s."
"That barrier" murmured Marie,
"eXisted always-I could never have be.
come yours"
II KNOW" replied Wurmin, in a sup
pressed voice, "that you have loved be-
fore; but death-three long years of
mourning-dearest Marie, do not de-
prive me of my last comfort, of the
blissful thought that you might become
mine, if"
"Coase, conjure you! You rend my
heart" !"
eyes, you will grant me the comfort
| of knowing that you would have be.
come mine; but, most wretched of men
that AMI am already married !"
Marie gazed up at him with look Of
establishment.
Eyes married for four years." contin-
| ued the lieutenant, "and do not know
| either ,ohO my wife is, a0here she is, or
whether shall ever meet her."
"Explain yourself more clearly" said
the girl.
81 love you Marie, and will confide in
you. You shall know all, and you will
not judge too severely an act of youth
full levity. II was in the year 1872. l
happened to be on my way to wilma,
with the intention of joining my regi-
ment. Late in the evening reached a
station, and had already ordered that
horses should be put to again, when a
fierce snow storm suddenly arose. My
landlord and my position urgent
| ly advised me to postpone my depar-
ture, but / we9 determined to go in
spite of the rough weather. The pos
tilion had got it into his head that, by
crossing Il small river, the banks OF
which were perfectly well known to
him, he should find a shorter route. He
missed the right crossing, however, and
got into a region to which he was an en-,
tire stranger. The storm continued to
rage at length we deserted light at a
distance. We made for it, and stopped
before a church, from the brightly illu
minated windows of which the ligh'
shOne. The door was open, three
sleighs were in front of it, and saw SO
veral persons in tho vestibule. One OF
them called to mo- This way thi
wayp / got out and walked TOWARD
the vCstibule.
The person who had called advance,
toward me.
"Great heavens !" he said, how lat
, you come! your intended has tainted
| anu MC WNi' Oii lilC WI D'Iiiit nav
ing home again"
"IIalf.bewildered and half amazed,
resolved to let the adventure take it
, course. And, indeed, / had little tim
for reflection, My friends tuggod M
into the interior OF the church, whicl
| was poorly lighted by two or thre
= lamps. a fomale was sitting upon
bench in the shadow, while anothe
!. stood beside her and chafed her TEN
pies.
; "At last !" cried the latter. God b
: praised that you have come My poo
mistress like TO have died"
. "An aged priest emerged from be
= hind the altar, and asked "can we bC
1 gin?"
t "Begin, reverend father |" cried III
) advisedly.
| Ill 10.