The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-12-11
"You know then OF your fathers


teen years ago, it has never been day
absent from my thoughts. 1t i'll be-
comes me to say aught of myself, and
yet justice to myself demands it," The
General hesitated, and placed chair
for the prisoner.
Count Pulaski sat down and mo-
toned for him to proceed.
when I came into power during the
Turkish war and after my uncle's (the
Prin OF Moskeya's) death, [ at once
used that power to secure your pardon
cad freedom. When you returned
from Siberia I would have thrown my
Eelf at your feet and craved pardon for
the son of the man who so wronged
you, but I feared YOU would scoIn me,
as you may now lie doing in your
heart"
II will hear you ont, said the Count.
Il worked to have your estates re-
stored, and, failing in my efforts, L was
ready to place al my wealth at your
disposal, but I feared you might think
[ was mocking heart that had already
been wounded enough"
The General ceased, but while speak
Ing he shook with emotion, and now
discovering his weakness-it really
showed his nobler strength-he avert
ed his face to conceal it.
"Paul, Prince of Moskeva," said the
old man, solemnly, II am glad you
have taken another name. Your father
cursed my life and brought on these
gray hairs before their time. In the
hope of gratifying his unholy passion
for woman who hated him, he broke
up my home, made me- slave and an
exile, despoiled me of my wealth,
blasted my fair name, made my child q
pauper, and sent my loved wife to O
grave among strangers in a strange
land"
Count Pulaski in the terrible excite
ment of the moment rose from his
char, and, reaching out his hands, he
cried in Il voice of agony:
ooh, God! I thought to curse the
son as the father cursed me and mine.
But I cannot; cannot! Leave mel
Leave me, before sense of my wrongs
overpowers me, and I forget your words,
which my broken heart tells me to be-
lieve!"
There was that in the old mans voice
and manner that General Paul could
not disobey.
He made as if he would extend his
hand, or kiss that of the prisoner, but,
fearing that he would be scorned, he
went quietly out and joined the turn
key, who was pacing back and forth,
and jingling his keys in the corridor.
The General hastened down to his
sleigh, and, leaping in, said, in re-
sponse to the drivers inquiry:
"To the palace of Count Linwold."
When near the palace, General Paul
saw Colonel Orloff, the Countess FL
vira's lover, descending the steps. ,
The Colonel had never liked General
Paul, now he hated him; but he was
too we'll versed in military etiquette to
attempt to pass his superior officer
without the customary salute. !,
Touching his cap in return, General
Paul, who was as Indifferent to Orloff.
as if he we're servant, bounded up the
kroad steps and gave his card to the
servant who met him at the door. :,
II wish to see Count Linwold," he
said.
"He is not in, excellency, but the
Countess Elvira is, said the servant.
As the General at this moment
caught sight of the lady in question at
the other end of the grand hall, and as
she must have heard the servant, cour-
tesy demanded that he should go in.
"Tell the Countess, if not engaged,
that I will pay my respects" he said:
The Countess met General Paul with
great affability, and to his surprise,
and, it may be added. his confusion,
she at once launched into the subject
about which all st. Petersburg was
talking that day.
II think, Prince Paul." she said,
with an artificial laugh, "that before
the Gear and my father announced our
engagement to the world, they should
have consulted US"
II think so, too," coughed the Gen
eral. at is treating you unfairly"
"Oh!" she replied, with another little
laugh that made him feel actually cold;
"my life has been one continued round
OF unquestioning obedience, so no mat
ter what I think of the courtesy due
me, shall go on-doing as I am or
dered."
On hearing this the General grew
colder, and he looked over her angular
form and into her dull gray eyes, and
contrasting her on the instant with
Lola Pulaski, he mentally asked him.
self:
"Merciful heaven! would not sudden
death be preferable to long life with
this woman?"
II think" he said, sternly, chat. the
love that grows from continued inter.
course should be the basis of marriage"
"Perhaps so; and yet, as we ascend
from the lower walks Of life, love van
ishes from marriage, and it becomes o
matter for cold diplomacy and mutual
interest. Even the Car could not
select his own Czarina.
"No," replied the General; "but that
did not prevent him from taking Sec
ond wife, whom he loves, and about
whom all the world knows" " I
"The Princess Dolgorouki?" laughed
Elvira. "Oh, well, we do not expect
fidelity in men; that is a peculiarly
feminine virtue. But to change the
subject; have you seen my father of
late?"
"Ohicially I see him every day"
"And he spoke to you of our mat
ter?"
"Yes, in the presence of the Gear, "
said the General, rising; "where the
speaking is ALWAYS one-sided."