Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1891-12-11

ana TO be edslc65ed ana renned. Sne wants
horses and carriages, with coronet and
coat of arms, and to be surrounded by many
mobiles and servants. If those fayors be
granted her she says she will then be con-
tented and happy"
The bird smiled sarcastically, but readily
granted the demands of Ivun's dissatisfied
wife.
When Ivan returned home he was more
than surprised to find that his wife's
wishes had been complied with He found
her surrounded by mobiles in full uniform,
and many servants running in all direc-
tions attending to her ladyship's orders.
Shining like the sun, and literally covered
with gold, diamonds and other precious
stones, she scarcely deigned to recognize
Ivan, and with stately bow ordered him
into the kitchen with the servants.
Ivan, after remaining some time in the
kitchen, concluded that the joke, which he
supposed it to be, had proceeded far
enough, and returned to the apartment in
which his wife was seated, saying to her:
How do you do, my dear wife?"
"Moujik, how dare you call me your
wife? Leave this room; your place is in
the kitchen with the servantss'' was her
ladyship's rejoinder, and calling an at
tendant ordered him to be removed and
severely chastised for his impertinence.
Poor Ivan was obliged to perform mental
labor in the stables and gardens, not dar-
ing again to appear in the presence of her
ladyship. After some time had elapsed,
however, he was summoned to come before
her, when she said:
81 am tired of being bovarinia. / want
to be the empress. Go Immediately to the
golden bird and tell her that it is my desire
to become empress of all Russia, surround
ed by a great army of soldiers, generals,
and the ambassadors of all foreign nations,
and to live in the great palace"
Ivan was Disguised with his wife, and
was not inclined to obey her command but
being ordered in such a peremptory man
ner, was obliged to submit, and went sadly
to the woods, where he called in loud
voice for the golden bird. The partridge
came obedient to his call and said:
"Do not worry, dear friend. l know
your wife's latest wish, and you may return
to your home, for it has been granted"
Ivan appearing once more in his wife's
presence, was amazed to learn that her de-
sres were still unsatsfed, for she wanted
to be greater than even the czarina, saying
to him
streams, and to have control of every liv
ing thing therein"
Poor Ivan was in despair and hesitated,
when his wife in an angry voice exclaimed
eff you do not instantly do my bidding
your head will pay the penalty"
So Ivan, with a breaking heart, went
once more to the forest, and the golden
partridge, responding to his loud call, gave
him one long, sorrowful look and disap
peared in the woods The heavens sud
denly opened, terrific lightning appeared
and loud crashes of thunder rent the air
Ivan was terribly frightened and feared to
return to his home, but when the storm
had subsidized he directed his weary steps
toward his unreasonable wife, dreading the
punishment which awaited him.
He could scarcely believe his senses when
he reached the spot where the palace once
stood, for there confronting him was the
little old shanty in which he had spent SO
many happy days.
Upon the floor his wife lay dead.-Trans-
lated from the Russian of Count Leo Toll
stoi for St. Louis Republic.