The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-05-06


sent petition to the Emperor, implorine
an interview; but it was denied her. She
waylaid the Empress.
"My poor child,' said the Empress
kindly, ~ would gladly take you to the
Emperor, even at the risk of incuring his
displeasure; but it is too late Alexis Pc.
temkin has been sent to Siberia for life"
Natalie heard her not.
Gift her up" said the Empress, "she
has tainted"
But Natalie had not tainted. Slowly
but resolutely, she arose, 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 it
said, 1--WE shall meet in heaven!'
There is no place more dreary, more
terrible, even in Imagination, than the
mines of Siberia.
Among the condemned in large quick
silver mine in the very heart of the country,
thousands of varsts 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 an Arctic climate, soon yielded to
10 II n Of nd
he was fast sinking under his trials. Yes,
death would come, gentle death-and his
heart lea ped with momentary Joy.
The struggle was not long. A few days
Of confinement to a hard pallet, IA few
nights OF suffering, and the fiat, which
even an imperial decree could not stop,
went forth. The victim was released.
Three months after this, the grand
chamberlain of Russia presented himself
before Mile. Radetsk, and SUNNI oned her
to the presence of the Emperor.
When conducted to the palace, his ma
iesty dismissed the gentleman in waiting
and signed her to approach. His stern
features were contracted by an expression
of deep dispeasure.
"Why does Mademoisele Radetsk wear
mourning?" he said 'Does she mourn for
conspirators who would subvert the govern
ment, and bring destruction upon their
country?'
"No, SIRE" she answered 81 wear
mourning for one whom Your majesty saw
fit to condemn, but to whom, by your ex
press command, promised my hand"
1--WE will not discuss the past" replied
different purpose. have chosen hus-
band for you"
mercy, sre-' exclaimed Natalie, clasp
ing her hands imploringly. "Do not force
me to marry
Force, Mademoisele. that is an ugly
word. |, your Emperor. recommend your
acceptance of the suit of a young nobleman
of high rank. There are reasons of state
which make ME expressly esire this mar
riage. And, Natalie, y he added, his harsh
tone and manner softening visbly, "grief
should not be etc rnal. Life is not given us
to waste in idle sorrow for what is irremedi-
able; and new ties will bring you solace,
and, in time, happiness"
AS she pressed her hands to her bosom,
in momentary spasm of pain, he observed
the glttering emerald that enriched her
finger.
$50 splendid jewel is hardly befitting
a mourning garb, Mademoiselle. May see
the ringo'
Poor Natalie murmured family: "Your
majesty will not take it from me -
81 will return it," replied the Emperor
as he examined the inscription. Z" Death,
the consoler"' he murmured to himself
" Yes, death is the great healer and COM
forter."
His rigid features relaxed into an express
sion of deep piety as he remarked her
wasted appearance and palid features; but
nothing of this was perceptible in his tone
as he said: d" 1t is my will. Mademoiselle,
that you should be married a month 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 Emperor
rang his bell for DR.. Seckendorf, his favor
lite physician.
"Seckendorf." said the Car, ego and
see Mademoisclle Radetski. Find out if
she has any organic disease. Return here
and report, bat say nothing of what you
observe to any one else
In a few hours, DR.. Seckendorf was again
to the presence of the Car.
How is your patient - inquired Nicho-
las.
81 fear very i'll, your majesty. She has
aneurism of the heart
is there any immediate danger?''
There may not be, if she is not excited.
But violent agitation or grief may prove
fatal
"What has caused the disease -
"Her constitution has always been frail
but think here he hesitated
Say out what you think, said the
Gar, impatiently.
"Then, with your majesty's permission,
| think that the sentence of Count Potem-
kin was her death blow
The Gar paced his cabinet impatiently
She will get over it, Seckendorf. A
happy marriage will make her forget all
that, There is nothing like happiness for
health
Il do not presume to contradict your
majesty, but doubt whether Mademoiselle
Radetski is able to bear either happiness or
o'lIpN Wei louS
The Emperor dismissed his physician
after enioining him to visit his patient
iaily. In the meantime the preparations
for the marriage went on. A costly tous-
sedu was provided for the bride, and all the
beauty and rank of the capital invited
The Emperor himself was to grace the
ceremony with his presence.
But still DR.. Seckendorf visited his pa
tent, and his face grew grave as he looked
at her.
One morning he reached her mansion at
4 later hour than usual. Her attendants |
him that their mistress had not ,
yet rung her bell, and they hesitated to
disturb her. He went at once to her apart |
nent. The attendants drew aside the cur I
sains of her bed. With one hand support |
ng her head which rested upon the pillow,
ay the pale sleeper, less brilliantly beauti-
ul than when, with proud step and careless .
grace, she trod the gorgeous saloons of the
capital, but far more lovely.
Death, the CONSIDER, had stopped to kiss
lis victim, and had not disturbed the peace
ul smile that rested on her lips. In her
hand she held the ring which she had taken
rom her FINGER and she ma SSed auoy v,bila