Middletown transcript., 1891-05-21
LIFE WITH A KISS.
A HISTORICAL INCIDENT.

~ Neva, in old Petersburg, is still
shown to travellers as the
abode Of Peter the Great, Emperor Of
Russia, when he was building the
city. His wooden armchair, the
rude stool by which he knelt to pray,
and the boat he made with his OWL
hands, are exhibited in careful pre-
servation. An incident related Of the
Gear has been as carefully preserved
in the French chronicles.
In August, ITO, Peter was in this
modest house with two of his officers.
The elder, Captain Stopaus, was old
and stupid, and very jealous of the
merit of younger men. He hated,
particularly, young vladimir, who
had risen rapidly in the Cars favor,
on account Of his courage and rare
qualities. Though but twenty-five
he was major of the regiment of
Preobajinski, of which Peter was
colonel.
The Gar stood by narrow win :
dow, and was gazing at medallion
he had taken from the pocket Of his
uniform. In this medallion was
framed the miniature of a beautiful
young girl. Her long blonde curls
fell on neck white as alabaster; her
blue eyes and perfect mouth seemed
formed only for love, and their ex-
preston was exquisite. The name of
this lovely creature was Ludmilla,
and she was an orphan daughter Of a
wealthy merchant. The Emperor
had seen her but once, when he had
become desperately enamored of her
He was sure of. her favor; but he
wished to owe it to his personal merit
and when he visited her, sunk the
smonarch in the lover. She was far
from discouraging his passion indeed
he had little doubt that she returned
it.
After looking rapturously at the
charming miniature, Peter suddenly
called Vladimir to him and showet
it, asking what he thought of his
beautiful inamorati.
The young man started back, ane
grew pale as death Controlling biz
agitation, though his voice tremblec
sadly, he replied that the picture was
charming.
Stopaus observed what escaped the
eyes Of the monarch in the young
mans emotion. In few moment
vladimir left the house. The captain
then came up, bowing to the Empe
ror. He began by asking if he hat
| noticed the majors look when hi
eyes fell on the portrait. The Cza
answered that he had not.
"Sire," said Stopaus, =" the ori gina
of that picture is the betrothed wife o
Vladimir. Your Majesty was at Lud
milla's house last evening. Sool
after YOU had left it the mayor wa
admitted and the moon had risel
before he departed from the Fon,
tanks"
"Are you sure of this?" asked Peter
calmly.
Il am quite sure, your Majesty"
"Very well. !"
In few moments the Emperor
lifting the wooden chair in front c
him, dashed it on the floor with sue
violence it was broken to pieces. !
was his only sign of emotion. The
fastening bis belt and caftan, he quit
ted the hut.
Vladimir had worshipped his beau
tiful betrothed, and they were 500
to be married. His anger at seein
her miniature in the Cars hand
was intense. How could he dout
her unworthiness She must hav
given The picture to Peter, thus Ell
couraging his fancy for her. WI
tsuch a coquette wife for an honor
able man?
He crossed the bridge Of Tolsto
leaving the muddy site where tt
cathedral Of Isaac rose in later day
passed along what was afterwards Il
Promenade de lam Perspective, al
arrived at the Fontanks. The hou
where Ludmilla dwelt was an ell
giant one, built in Tartar style. At
whistle from the young man, a ma
in red tunic and Golf opened Il
door. He entered the presence
Ludmilla, his features expressing b
profound misery, his deadly despa
The young girl stood speechless at Il
sight Of him, and pale as death.
vladimir sat down, but repell
all the tender advances of Ludmil
In voice faltering and full of bitt'
! ness, he reminded her that he hi
! profered to her the truest, most pa
: sionate love. He had laid his Iii
his fortune, his name, at her fe
!. She had repaid him with treache
:; and infdelity. She had given h
9 deceitful caresses and false VOWS,