Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-12-06
Eodoiska
The Russian Counts Daughter.
By FRED LANG.
CHAPTER XIV.

greatest cOmmOtlOn. In1S was &C.
casioned by the news received but
few hours before, by the inmates of
the castle, and villages around. de-
pendent on the Count, which created
general state OF excitement An
aUant-cOuTier had announced the
speedy arrival Of the Count from st.
Petersburg. He with his family had
for three years soiourned in foreign
lands. A general Joy, therefore pre-
vailed, on hearing Of his speedy re-
turn. But this Joy was materially
disturbed by another piece of inteli-
gence. which the overseer OF the es-
tate had brought from Smolensko.
that the enemy had passed the bar
riers Of the Empire. and the Rus
slams were retreating at every point
before the French Empire. The
people had therefore gathered before
the gates Of the castle. to receive
their lord and master and to ask for
counsel and help.
There comes the masterl" sudden
ly cried out one OF the Doors who had
kept a keen lookout. All turned
their looks the same way and burst
simultaneously into a joyous shout on
seeing three carriages approaching
on the road. With loud jubilee they
FASTENED down tho eminence, on
which the castle stood, to greet the
newcomers. 1t was, indeed, Count
Dolgorof with his wife and their
daughter Lodoiska. The two ladies
were seated In the first carriage. In |
the second was the Count with a |,
stranger wearing the uniform of a |
general officer at bis side. |
On seeing the assembled serfs. the |
Count ordered the carriages to stop
and dismounted. The serfs, with
their hands crossed on their breasts
humbly welcomed their master, and
the women crowded with similar
humility around tho Countess, and
Lodoiska- They spoke with kindness
to the people.
Gregorius, the venerable clergy
man Of the village, at the head of the
serfs, stepped before the Count and
Countess and welcomed them with
The Count walked in
the midst OF his dependents, speak
ing to individuals among them, in
forming himself about their domestic
affairs and the most noticeable events
which had taken place in his alb sence.
The Countess talking to the ma
irons, and Lodoiska leaning on the
arm OF the stranger conversing to the
Eaidens- Thus they reached the
The Count entered his
ancestral halls, while the people re-
NAMED without. Gregorius was the
only one who followed.
wait for US In the dining hall,
worthy Father" said the Count /
: As soon as we have taken of our
dresses we will look for
you there. Il myself will be with I
you in few minutes, to consult with
you, respecting q matter OF great ,
moment"
Gregorius entered the hall where
he was to await the Count, and
seated himself In one OF the old
fashioned arm-chairs. He had not
long to wait. Suddenly the folding
doors Of the hall parted and Count
Dolgorof entered. In spite of his
naughty step and imperious look, his
whole being seemed bowed down
with grief and discomfort.
Il have to speak with you on
weighty matters, father Gregorius,D
he began. stepping up to the old
man. to prevent his rising
out Of the chair. I'VE must seize
these moments while we are alone"
Saying this he drew a chair and {
seated himself opposite the priest.
~The strange gentleman who ac-
companies me is the Prince Ochals-
koi, Colonel In the Russian army.
wish to betroth my daughter Lo-
doiska to him; but she is repugnant !
to the alliance, and endeavors to
avoid my paternal commands by the
foolish resolve to enter a convent and
take the veil. My great wealth is
and still 1 have not
reached the goal. My daughters 6
with the Prince would
effect this. am already under such
great obligation to him that it is only I
his influence that can sus-
tain the position which I now occupy.
My honor Is at stake. To you then
reverend father, 1 look for succor. /
She has confidence In you. I might ,
use coercion; but do not wish to, as s
the pride Of the wooer will forbid ac- 1
cepting bride to his arms by force /
THE choice of a husband depends {
upon you." answered Gregorius;
but her will is still left free whether I
she win consecrate her days to pious I
etirement-remain a virgin and !
take the veil of the convention she ,
was born free. and not your vassal; ,
yet will examine her."
Further conversation was cut off {
by the entrance OF the Countess, +,
Lodoiska and the Prince Ochalskoi,
the latter arrayed in the uniform OF {
his regiment
The remainder OF the day was
spent in general remarks as to the
and result OF the invasion