Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-02-25

emperor allowed me this Interview, and
the guards are awaiting me-"
He clasped her convulsively to his
breast, kissed her brow and lips, and
laying her gently upon her divan pass
cd out. LII the street the guards awaited
him.
The words of her lover did not deter
Natalie from attempting to save him.
She sent petition to the emperor i'm
ploring an interview but it was denied
her She waylaid the empress,
MY poor child" said the empress,
kindly, Il would gladly take you to the
emperor, even at the risk of mourning
his displessure but it is too late Alex
is Potemkin has been sent to Siberia for
life"
Natalie heard her not.
Lift her up" said the empress, ''she
has tainted"
But Natalie had not tainted. Slowly,
but resolutely, she rose, and making a
gesture of respectful submission to the
empress, begged leave to retire.
When Natalie reached her own apart
ment she drew from her finger the ring
that Alexis had placed upon it, and read
the inscription carved upon the inside in
French death is the only CONSIDER, I"
it said. 1--WE shall meet in Heaven p
There is no place more dreary, more
terrible, even in Imagination, than the
mines Of Siberia.
Among the condemned in large
quicksilver mine in the very heart of the
country thousands of versts from St.
Petersburg. stopped at his daily toll a
form whose tall and noble proportions
even his coarse habit scarcely shrouded
His delicate frame. unused to labor, and
exposed to the rigor of the Arctic eli
mate, soon yielded to the unheathiness
of his occupation; and be was fast sink
ing under his trials. Yes, death weaid
come, gentle death--and his heart leap
ed with momentary joy.
Tho struggle was not long A few
days of confinement to a hard pallet, a
few nights Of suffering. and the fat,
which even an imperial decree could not
stop, went forth. The victim was re-
leased
Three months after this, the grand
chamberlain of Russia presented him
self before Mile Radetski, and sum
moned her to the presence Of the en-
peror
When conducted to the palace, his
majesty dismissed the gentleman in
waiting and signed her to approach.
His stern features were contracted by an
expression Of deep displeasure
why does Mademoiselle Radetski
wear mourning r he said ''Does she
mourn for conspirators who would sub
vert the government and bring dcstruc-
ton upon their conntry?p
''No, sire" she answered. ~ wear
mourning for one whom your majesty
saw fit to condemn but to whom, by
your express command, promised my
hand
1--WE will not discuss the past,7 re-
piled the car, coldIy II sent for you
for different purpose. | have chosen
a husband for you"
''Mercy, sire p exclaimed Natalie
clasping her hands, imploringly. do
not force me to marry"
Force, nademoisellel that is an
ugly word. I, your emperor, recon,
mend your acceptance of the suit of a
young nobleman Of high rank. There
are reasons Of state which make me- ex-
prcssly desire this marriage And.
Natalie" he added, his harsh tone and
monner softening visibly, 'gricf should
not be eternal Life is not given US to
waste in idle sorrow for what is irreme-
diable ; and new ties will bring you
solace, and. in time. happiness
AS she pressed her hands to her boz
som, in Il momentory spasm Of pain, be
observed the glitteriug emerald that en-
ricbed her finger
80 splendid jewel is hardly beAt-
ting mourning garb, mademoiscle
May | see the ring r
Poor Natalie murmured faintly:
your majesty will not take it from
me ~
Il will return it, replied the en-
peror, as he examined the inscription
Death. the consoler?7 he murmufcd 10
himself Yes death is the great healer
and comforter"
His rigid features relaxed into an cx-
preston Of deep piety rs he romarked
her wasted appearance and pallid fea-
lures; but nothing Of this was percepti-
Bile in bis tone as he said: 1T is my
will, mademoiselIe. that you should be
married mouth from this day. The
time will come when you will thank me
for this decision, You can now retire"
As soon as Natalie had left. the en-
peror rang bis bell for Dr.. Scckendorf,
his favorite physician.
'sSeckendorf." said the car, ego
and see Madcinoiselle Radctski Find
out if She has any organic disease Re-
turn here and report, but say nothing Of
what you observe to any one else
In few hours DR. Scckendorf. was
again admitted to-, the presence ~ the
car
..fIow is your patient?" inquired I
Nicholas.
~ fear very III. your majesty. She
has aneurisin Of the heart"
rs there any immediate daneer?'
"There may not be. il she IS not ex-
'ited But violent agitation or grief
nay prove fatal
"Wha, has caused the disease =
Her constitution has always been