Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-12-06

Gregorlus had left early in the eve
ming.
The next day Gregorious had al
interview with Lodoiska; what trans
pired is Of no special interest to the
reader, it lasted nearly two hours
and when the priest left her she hac
consented to become the betrothec
OF the Prince Ochalskoi, with the re.
quest, to be allowed the space Of two
days, in which to school her heart
and prepare herself for the ordeal
then she would be ready to inter
change the ring Of betrothal with the
Prince. Until then she begged to be
left in solitude.
when Count Dolgorof was In
formed OF the decision Lodoiska had
made, his joy knew no bounds, he
communicated the same to the
Prince, who was happy, for he
loved Lodoiska dearly.
The betrothal was to be cele-
brated at the expiration of the two
days allowed by Lodoiska. The
proper nuptials must be delayed for
some time, on account OF some in
dispensable formalities.
In the meantime Lodoiska spent
an hour in communion with her own
heart, while thus engaged, the SOL
emn tone Of the bell summoned the
people to worship-for it was a day
of festival! A sweet melancholy
took possession OF her. Gently her
tears began to flow-Every drop
which escaped from her eyes brought
relief to her oppressed breast. She
breathed freer, and became insensi-
bly, filed with an increasingly trust
in faith.
God Is near unto mel" she ex-
claimed, strengthened and joyful.
~I feel his blessed power in my souli'
Thus strengthened, she resolved to
go to the church and share In the
devotions Of the country-people.
On her return she found the castle
in great commotion. She went to
her chamber, but had scarcely en-
tered, before her father came in, and
informed her, that, a courier had
been sent to him by the General.
with orders for himself and Prince
Ochalskoi to depart for the army,
this very day. my departure is
pressing-that Of the Prince is nee
essary. In such circumstances" he
urged; athou wilt certainly consent
to renounce the delay, as it is of the
utmost Importance to me to see
family affair settled and arranged, at
least as far as may be possible, before
I put my own life and your future
at the hazard Of war"
@If it must be So" che replied with
difficulty, II am ready to obey: only
allow me one hours time to collect
myself, my fatherl"
well, in the meantime we will
make our preparations for the Jour-
ley," he answered. Every minute
s now Of great Importance. I will
send for thee in an hour"
So saving he left the apartment.
Lodoiska sank exhausted into a
hair. She possessed courage to re-
louncc her rights, but the decisive
drawing nigh again awoke
he dreadful struggle in her breast.
She rang her bell, and her maid
ppeared.
~You must dress me for my betro-
hal, my dear" she said feebly. in
ne hour am to pronounce the de-
isive word"
Silently the maid performed her
ask, and when she was attired she
irected look of devotion toward
he image of the Virgin, which was
nst then illumed by ray OF the sun.
rom that moment she became calm.
by the arm OF her maid,
be glided down into the hall. The |
arents, Ochalskoi and Gregorius,
Tere already there in waiting.
IT wish that Father Gregorius
would bless my bctrothal, even II it |
hould not be customary" was Lodo-
ska's last request.
Gregorius spoke few words. The
ings were then exchanged, and the
ride silently admitted the embrace
nd the kiss from him to whom she
ad now solemnly given herself
way. But turned pale In his arms,
etched sigh and sunk insensible;
q which state she had to be carried
'ack to her chamber. She was left
o the care of her mother, for the
orses were impatiently stamping |
efore the carriage In which Dol
orof and Ochalskoi Immediately set
ut for the army. The momentus
vents which had crowded the sensi-
ilities of Lodoiska in SO short a
pace Of time, and seriously affected
he serenity Of her mind, were well
finally to overwhelm her.
he had sunk upon sick bed;
iolent fever ragged, throughout her
ighly-excited system; the physician
her state very critical.
Nearly a month passed, before
.odoiska began slowly to mend, but
he was so reduced, by sickness that
er life was still in imminent danger.
tut the mild season that set in just
hen had a beneficial influence upon
er. She recovered almost against
or will.