Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-03-17
to the empress, she begged leave to

When Natalie reached her own
apartment, she drew from her finger
the ring that Alexis had put upon
it, and read the inscription carved
upon the inside in French-"Death
is the only consoler. We shall meet
in heaven T.
There is no place more dreary,
more terrible, than the mines of ST.
IBERIA. Among the condemned in a
large quicksilver mine in the centre
of the country, stopped at his dali
ly toll form whose tall and noble
proportions even his coarse habit
scarce shrouded. His delicate frame
unused to labor, and exposed to the
rigor Of an Arctic climate, soon yield
ed to the unhealthiness Of ,his occu-
patton, and he was fast sinking under
his trials. Yes, death would come
and his heart leaped with joy.
The struggle was not long. a few
days Of confinement to a hard pallet,
a few nights of suffering, and that
fiat, which even an imperial decree
could not stop, went forth. The VIC
tin was free.
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, land signed her to approach.
His stern features were contracted
by an expression Of deep displeasure.
"Why does Mademoiselle Radetski
wear mourning?' he asked. Does
she mourn for conspirators who would
subvert the government and bring
destruction upon their country ~
"No, sire" she answered. II 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, y
said the czar, coldIy. 81 sent for you
for different purpose. | have cho-
sen a husband for YOU
"Mercy, sir ~ exclaimed Natalie
claspins her hands implorinsly. "Do
not force me to marry.
Force, mademoiseIle That is an
ugly word. |, your emperor, recon-
mend your acceptance Of the suit Of a
Young nobleman of high rank. There
are reasons of state which make Inc
expressly desire this marriage. And,
Natalie,' he added his harsh tone
and manner softenlng visibly, grief
should not be eternal. Life is not
given us to waste in idle sorrow for
what is irremediable and new ties
will bring you, in time, happiness.
As she pressed her hands to her
bosom in spasm Of pain, he observed
the glittering emerald that encircled
her finger.
$50 splendid jewel is hardly be-
fitting mourning garb, mademoiselle,
May | see the ring ~
Poor Natalie murmured family.
"Your majesty will not take it from
ME %
II will return it" replied the en-
peror, as he examined the inscription
death, the only consider y he
murmured to himself. "Yes death is
the great healer and comforter.
His rigid features relaxed into an
expression Of deep pity as he re.
marked her wasted appearance and
pallil features; but nothing Of this
was perceptible in his tone as he said
ut is my will, mademoselle, that
you should be married month from
this day. The time will come when
you will thank me for the decision
You can now retire.
AS soon as Natalie had left, the
emperor rang the bell for DR.. Secken-
dortf, his favorite physician.
"Seckendorf,' said the czar, "gc
and see Mile. Radetski. Find out il
she has any organic disease. Return
here and report, but say nothing OF
what you observe to any one else
! In few hours DR.. SeckendorH was
again in the presence of the car.
"How is your patient ?" asked
Nicholas.
81 fear very i'll, your majesty. She
| has aneurism of the heart