Middletown transcript., 1877-06-02

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 we're contracted by
an expression of deep displeasure
"Why does Mademoiselle Radetski
wear mourning 2" he asked docs
she mourn for conspirators who would
subvert the government and bring de-
structioD upon their country ?"
"No, sire" she answered Il wear
mourning for one whom your majesty
saw fit to condemn, but to whom, by
your express command, promised my
hand
t'We will not discuss the past" said
the czar coldly Il sent for you for a
different purpose. l have chosen hus-
band for you"
Mercy, sire !" exclaimed Natalie,
clasping her hands imploringly. "Do
not force me to marry"
Force, Mademoiselle 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 me ex-
pressly desire this marriage And.
Natalie" he added, his harsh tone and
manner softening visibly, grief should
not be eternal Life is not given US to
waste in idle sorrow for what is ire
mediable; and new ties will bring YOU,
in time, happiness
As she pressed her hands to her
bosom in a spasm of pain, he observed
the glittering emerald that encircled her
finger.
$50 splendid jewel is hardly beft-
ting a mourning garb, MademOiselle
May I see the ring?"
Poor Natalie murmered family
Your majesty will not take it from
me ?"
Il will return it, replied the en-
peror, as he examined the inscription
death, the only consoler !" be mur-
INJURED to himself. "Yes, death is the
great healer and comforter"
His rigid features relaxed into an ex-
preston of deep pity as he remarked
her wasted appearance and pallid fea-
lures; but nothing Of this was pereept-
ible in his tone as be said
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 the decision. =
You can now retire"
AS soon as Natalie had left, the en-
peror rang the bell for DIR SeckendOrff,
his favorite physician.
"Seckendorff," said the czar, 'go
and see Mile Radetski Find out if
she has any organic disease Return
here and report. but say nothing of
what you observe to anyone else. "
In few hours Dr. Seckendorff was
again in the presence of the czar
"HoW is your patient?' asked Mich
olas
Il fear very i'll, your majesty. She
has aneurism of the heart"
is there immediate danger?"
There may not be, if she is not ex-
cited. But violent agitation may prove
fatal
"Wbat has caused the disease 2"
"Her constitution has always been
frail but think" here he hesitated
~Say out what you think, said the
emperor, impatiently.
"Then, with your majesty's permis-
sion, l think that the sentence of Count
Potemkin was her death blow"
The czar paced his cabinet impati-
emily.
"She will get over it, SeckendorfF.
A happy marriage will make her forget
all that. There is nothing like happi-
ness for woman's health"
II do not presume to contradict your
but l doubt whether Made
moiselle Radetski will be able to bear
either happiness or sorrow very long"
The emperor dismissed the physician
after enjoining him to visit his patient
daily. In the meantime the prepara-
tions for the marriage went on A
costly trousseau was provided for the
bride, and all the beauty and rank of
Tie capital invited The emperor him
self was to grace the ceremony with his
presence.
DR.. Seckendorff still visited his patti
snt, and his face grew grave as he
looked at her. One morning he reach
ID her mansion at later hour than
usual Her attendants informed him
hat their mistress had not yet rung her
oell, and they hesitated to disturb her
He went at once to her apartment. The
servants drew aside the curtains of the {
bed. With one hand supporting her
lead, lay the sleeper, less brilliantly
than when she trod the gor- i
,eous saloons of the capital but far S
more lovely. Death had stopped to kiss t
lis victim In her hand she held the S
ing which she had taken from her fin |
,er, and she had passed away while $
eading the inscription. d
Gently Seckeudorff replaced it upon S
he marble finger of the dead, from d
phich it was never more to be taken.
Truly" be murmered, "for her
cath is the consoler" '