Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1874-07-29

a glorious termination. Our troops were
returning from abroad. The people hur-
ried to meet them. Bands were sounding
strains Of conquest: Viue Henri Quatre,
Tyrolese valse, and aris. from Jocunda.
The fields of battle had changed those who
had set out .or the campaign as mere strip
lipgs into men, end they we're now return
ing decorated with crosses. Soldiers were
seen couversing gayly, mixing here and
there French and German words in their
conversation.
Maria Gavrllovna and her mother re-
mained quietly in the country during this
brilliant epoch, and did not see how the
two capitals entertained the returning ar
my. But in the country and villages the
general enthusiasm had been raised, were
it possible, to still higher pitch. The
appearance of an officer in such a neighbor.
hood was real triumph, and woe betide
the suitor in plain clothes!
As we have already stated, Maria Cav.
rilovna, Notwithstanding her indifference,
was surrounded by admirers. But all
had to withdraw, when there appeared on
the field the wounded colonel of Hussars,
Bourmin, wearing the order of St. George
in his button-hole, and looking interesting.
ly pale. He was about six-and.twenty
and had returned on leave of absence to
his estate, which adjoined that Of Nara
Gavrilovna. Maria Gavrilovna singled
him out in marked manner His pres.
ence cheered her.
Bourmin was in truth charming young
man. He had what always pleases wo-
man--a blending of good breeding and
tact; man with DO pretensions, and yet
withal slightly satirical in spite of him.
SELF His department toward Maria Cav
rilovna was open and frank; but, do what
she ght, say what she would, his soul
and bis eyes pursued her. His manners
were gentle aud discreet, but rumor as
serted that once upon time he had been
a sad scamp, report which in no way
affected him IN the opinion of Maria Cav
iilovna, who was quite willing to forgive
all folies characteristic of q high-spirited
disposition.
But more than all--(more than his ten
deruess, more than his interesting palcness,
more than his splinted arm, more than all
was it the young hussars reserve that
stimulated her curiosity and tortured her
Imagination. She could not help admit
ting that he was much prcpossessed in her
favor no doubt he also, with his kindness
and experience, must already have OBJ
served how much she noticed him; how
was it then that she had not seen him at
her feet, had not yet heard his ayowal :?
What was it that kept him back ? Was
it timiditY, ever inseparable from real
love? Was it pride, or the toying of an
astute hanger on +? She was puzzled. Hav-
ing thought over the matter, she fually
arrived at the conclusion that timidity
must tie sole cause, and she resolved
to encourage him by greater attentions,
and, should circumstances uecessitate, ev-
en- by tenderness. Maria Gavrilovna' s
tactics met with the desired success; at
least Bournmin fell into thoughtful mood,
and his black eyes rested with SO much
passion on Maria Gavrilovana, that the
decisive moment seemed near Their mar.
riage was talked Of as matter of course,
and the good Prascovia Pctrovna rejoiced
that her daughter had at last found a
bridegroom worthy of her. s8
The old lady was sitting in the drawing
room when Bourmin entered and immedi-
ately inquired after Maria Gavrilovna.
''Shc is in the garden" was the reply,
s. Go to her, [ will remain and wait for
you here"
The old lady crossed herself. and
thought, +" Please God, the matter will be
settled to-day 1
Bourmin found Maria Gavrilovna by
the lake under willow, book in hand,
aud dressed in white. After the first in
terchange of words, Maria Gayrilovna
let the conversation flag, in
creasing thereby their mutual embarrass-
ment, from which perhaps only sudden
aud decided explanation could now extri.
cate them. And thus it was: Bourmin,
feeling the awkwardness Of his situation,
declared that hs had long sought an op-
to lay open his heart and beg
ged few moments attention. Maria
closed her book, and dropped
her eyes in token Of consent.
II love you," said Bourmin; "I love
you passionately. | have acted impru-
dently il abandoning myself to the habit,
the sweet habit of seeing you, Of hearing
you, daily. 1t is now too late to rebel
against ones destiny, and the remem-
brance of you, Of your ineomparable i'm