Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1873-01-24

tainted away and had a relapse, from
which she recovered but slowly.
Not long after her father died be-
queathing his whole property to her.
But riches were not able to comfort
her; she Wept with her mother, and
promised never to leave her. They
sold Nemaradorff and removed to
another estate. Suitors thronged
round the wealthy and amiable heiress,
but none Of them received the slightest
encouragement from her. Often did
her mother press her to choose a hus-
band; she would merely shake her head
in silence. Vladimer was no more, he
died at Moscow on the evening before
the entrance of the French. Marie
seemed to hold his memory sacred she
carefully preserved the books they had
read together, his sketches, the letters
he had written to her-in brief, every
thing 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 also one, came to an end.
The victorious regiments returned
home, and crowds of people 1ocked to-
gether to greet them. Officers who
had gone forth as beardless youths
came back with the grave faces of war
riors, 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 ab-
sence for several months, took up his
residence on his estate, which joined
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 respects; both were
handsome, intelligent, taciturn and re-
served. There was something mystic
rious about Wurnlin, which reused the
curiosity and interest Of Marie. His
affection for her was soon unmistaka-
BILE; he showed her every conceivable
attention; but why did he never speak
of love, though his dark, ardent eyes
would rest upon hers half dreaming
ly, half with an expression which SEEM
ed to announce an early and positive
declaration? 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
sitting in the parlor. Wurmin enter
ed 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 then crossed herself, muir
muring:
"God be praised! To-day I trust
his visit will have some result"
Wurmin found his beloved, clad in
white, sitting under a tree by the side
of a pond, book upon her lap, like a
heroine Of romance. The usual salu-
tations over, Wurmin, who strange
ly agitated, told her how he had long
yearned to pour out his heart before
her, and he begged that she would lis
ten to him a few moments. She clos
ed her book, and nodded in token of
assent.
81 love you," said Wurmin, II love
you passionately." Marie cast down
her eyes. 81 have been imprudent
enough to see you, to hear you, daily.
It is now too late to escape my fate
The thought of your lovely face, of
your sweet voice, will henceforth con-
stitute the joy and anguish of my ex-
istence. But [ have a duty to perform
toward you; | must reveal to you se-
cret which has placed an insurmount-
able barrier between u.s."
''That barrier" murmured Marie,
'fexisted always-I could never have
become yours"
81 know" replied Wurmin, in 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 be-
come mine, if
"Cease, [ 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 at him with look of
astonishment.
eyes; married for four years." con-
tinued the lieutenant, "and | do not
know either who my wife is or whether
[ shall ever meet her.
explain yourself more clearly" said
the girl.
Il love you, Marie, and will confide
in you. You shall know all, and you
will not judge too severely an act of
youthful levity. It was in the year
1912. [ happened to be on my way to
Wilma with the intention of Joining
my regiment. Late in the evening [
reached station, and had already Or
dered that horses should instantly be
put to again, when a fierce storm
suddenly arose. Nv landlord and the