The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1882-04-29

burg, stopped at his daily toll torn
whose tall and noble proportions evei
his coarse habit scarcely sbrouded. TIL
same uuearthly pallor Was on his couu
tenance as upon that of every toiler il
these fearful regions, but his eyes shon
with extraordinary brilliancy. Ever.
now and then fer moment, as if in pray
er, and his thin hands we're clasped tight
ly to his breast. while he murmBred tn,
name of Natalie. He had but one hop,
death, the corsoler, would soon come
His delicate frame, unused to labor ant
exposed to the rigor OF an Arctic climate
soon yielded to the unhealtbiness of his
occupation and be was fist sinking undei
his trials. Yes, death would come, gentle
death-and bis heart leaped with mo
mentary joy. The brutal overseer NIGH
curse, and his lash might cut deeply into
the delicate flesh, but death would come
at last and with it consolation.
The struggle was not long. A few days
of confinement to hard pallet; few
nights of suffering, and the fat 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 Mademoiselle Radetski and sum.
moned her to the presence of the Emperor.
When conducted to the palace bis Maj
esty dismissed the gentlemen in waiting,
and signed her to approach. His stern
features were contracted by an expression
OF deep displehsure.
"Why does Mademoisells Radetski
wear mouruing?" he said. Does she
mourn for conspirators who would sub.
vert the Government and bring destruc.
ton upon their oountryp"
"No, sife," she answered. II weal
mourning for one whom your Majesty
Baw al to condemn. but to whom, by your
express command, 1 promised my hand,
1--WE will not discuss the past" replied
The Gar, coldly. Il have sent for you
for different purpose. I have chosen 0
husband for YOU"
mercy, sirer' exclaimed Natalie i'm
plorinRly claspiug her hands. do no,
force me to marry"
Force, rt1ademoiselle, that is an ugly
word. 1, your Emperor, recommend
your acceptance Of the suit of a younf
nobleman OF high rank. There are rea
sons of state which make me expressly
desire this marriage. And, Natalie," b,
added, his harsh tone and manner soften
ing visibly, "grief should not be eternal
Life is not given us to waste in idle sor
row for what is irremediable, and new
ties will bring you solace, and in time
consolation"
As she pressed her hands to her bosom
in a momentary spasm Of pain, he OBJ
served the glittering emerald that encir,
cled her finger.
$50 splendid jewel is hardly BETTING
a mourning girl, mademoiselle. May
see the ring"
Poor Natalie murmured family. "Youi
Majesty will not take it from me2"
Il will return it, replied the Emper
or, as he examined the inscription
death, the consoltrl" be murmured tc
himself, "Yes, death is the great healel
and comforter"
His rigid features relaxed into an ex
preston of deep pity as he remarked be-
wasted appearance and pallid features
but nothing of this was perceptible in hil
tone as he said:
at is my will mademoiselle, that yot
should be married month from this day
The time will come when you will thanl
me for this decision. You may now re-
tire"
As soon AZ Natalie had left, the Emper
or rang his bell for DR.. Seckendorf, hi
favorite physician.
"Seckondorf," said the Gar, "go anG
see Mademoiselle 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 a few hours DR.. Seckendorf wa.
again admitted to the presence of tn,
Gar
How Is your PATIENT" inquired Mich.
olas.
II fear very ill. your Majesty. She
has aneurism of the heart"
'Is there any immediate danger"
"Th' re may not be, if she is not excit.
ed. But violent agitation or grief may
prove fatal"
"WhRt has caused the disease2"
"Her constitution has always been
fraili but think-"
HIRE be hesitated.
Say ont what you think" said the
Czar impstiently.
"Then. with your Majesty's permis-
sion. ! think that the sentence of Count
Potemkin was her death blow.
The Car paced his cabinet impatient
ly. "Shs will get over it, Seckendorf.
A happy marriage will make her forget
all that. There is nothing like happiness
for woman's health"
Il do not presume to contradict Your
Majesty. but doubt whether Mademoi-
selle Radetski is able to bear either hap
piness or sorrow very long"
The Emperor dismissed bis physician,
after eujoining him to visit his patient
daily. In the meantime the preparations
for the marriage went on. A costly trous-
seau was provided for the bride, and all
the beauty aud rank of the capital invit-
ed. The Emperor was to grace the oere-
mony with his presence.
But still DIR. SeckendoTf visited his
patient, and his face grew grave as he
looked at her.
One morning he reached her mansion
at later hour than usual. Her attend
ants informed him that their miatraas