Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1874-08-14

ceive her august guest, and kissed her
aflectionately.
After the Empress had changed her
dress the noble company repaired to the
grand banquet-hall of the chateau
Elizabeth, who wore violet-blue vel
vet robe, trimmed with ermine, never
looked more beautifully, or seemed to be
in better spirits.
She had been seated but few mo-
ments when the Princess approached,
leading the penitent Nadeschda. AT sight
of her Elizabeth frowned visibly; but,
when the Countess threw herself, weep
ing, at her feet, she reached out her hand
and said, while strange, ironic smile
encircled her lips: You are forgiven,
Nadeschda-but where is your husbandY
l would see him."
There was in the mien of the Czarina,
much as she endeavored to conceal it,
something which showed clearly that
she had deliberately undertaken the part
which she played in the scene that was
| about to be enacted.
He shall Immediately appear in obe-
dience to your Majesty's command" !"
said the Princess, at the same time Civ
ing Nadeschda place beside herself at
the table.
At that moment Sergius entered the
hall with the Princess servants, but
not in court costume-no, in servants
costume, his hair cut like that of a
serf. Unbidden, he approached the En-
press, bottle of Burgundy in his hand
"a wine of which she was very fond.
Sergiusl-the meaning of this?" cried
Nadeschda.
"The meaning of this is" replied the
Princess, rising and speaking so that all
could hear, +" that the time has come for
which l have SO long and patiently
waited-the time when / can punish a
perfidious woman! That man there, Ser
gius Paulof, the husband of the Countess
Strogonoff, is my serf, my slaveW
The Empress laughed, seemingly
greatly amused by the scene, while the
Countess uttered cry of horror and de-
spair, and sank into her seat; but she
| quickly arose again, and sprang toward
Sergius. ut cannot be" she cried; it
is impossiblel Speak, Sergiusp'
at is as my mistress says" replied
| Sergius, looking down with shame.
"Wretchr' exclaimed the Countess,
and turned away utterly crushed.
"Do as bade you" said the Princess.
Sergius approached the Empress to fill
her glass; but his hand was unsteady and
he poured some of the Burgundy on her
robe.
"How awkward!" exclaimed Eliza
beth; and, at the same moment, the
Princess dealt him two blows with the
palm of her hand on the cheek.
Miserable SLAYER she cried, "you
shall pay dearly for that. Take him and
| give him hundred lashes."
The servants seized Sergius, who made
no effort to resist, and dragged him away.
Mercyl" cried the Countess. " Mercy
for my husbands"
mo, my beautiful Countess, neverl
The word mercy does not exist in our
vocabulary" replied the Princess, eXult-
know, is cruel"
"Oh, mercy, mercy, Katinkaw cried
the Countess, throwing herself at her
rivals feet.
The Princess only reply was laugh.
Nadeschda sought to rise, to hasten af-
ter Sergius, but she sank fainting to
the floor, and was carried away insensible
to her apartments.
don9&Go k tRPt SEaF5gsffh % her host
| ess.
at is far from my intention to really
have him whipped, replied the Princess
"but she must think that her husband
writhes under the knOut."
The guests have all left the chateau
the Princess sits in her boudoir on an
ottoman; before her kneels Sergius.
" You have played your part well,
says the Princess. "You have done my
training all honor, and you shall be re
warded with the hand of your little
Kascha, whom you have SO long loved
and wanted to marry"
Sergius bows humbly, and kisses hi!
mistress hand to express his gratitude.
The Countess vainly offered enormous
sums to free her husband from the powel
of his enemy. When she saw that en-
treaties, threats and offers were alik,
fruitless; that the Princess was absolute
ly relentless, she retired with a broker
heart to convent, where she died within
the year.
The day on which the Princess learned
that Nadeschda was dead she gav'
Sergius his freedom, and soon afterwarC
she presented him with modest compe
tence that enabled him to marry tn
woman of his choice.-FrOm the German