Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1892-09-01
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By J.E.MVoooem


1t is even as transformation scene. The
winter sun descends one night in sky Of
glowing green, which is hecked with gold
and crimson bars, and on the morrow the
heat has come. The birds are carolling in
every tree the buds are bursting, the earth
exodus from St. Petersburg, Tor the sum-
mer heat in the town is intole:able. Every
body who can goes into the country, and
the butshinks, or street sentinels, sleep
peacefully in their boxes, which stand at
the corner of every street.
Aaron Arama had Il country house in
the village of Tsarsko Selo, not very far
known as the Royal village" for it is
collection of villas all built Of wood, and
was founded bv Catherine H., who reared
it as refuge for oppressed serfs. There is
palace there which is at once an excres-
cence and a wonder; for intellectually it
with exotic wood that cost more than
hundred roub!es for every square yard: and
there is one room that is entirely lined
with transparent amber. To this village
the elite of st. Petersburg go to spend the
summer, and thither went Aaron with his
wife and daughter and Moshka Umanski.
As the weeks. sped away, and Rachel
Alexeff, her shadowy fears left
her. and she grew bright and happy
again-so happy in the company of him
whose bride she was to be. But at last
Mcshka had to return to the capital, for
his holiday had expired, and duty called
him. Aaron and his daughter however,
We're to remain at Tsarskoe Selo for some
little time longer.
Then the hour of parting for the lovers
came. Ruchel admonished Moshka to ex-
ercise all caution and care. But he laugh
ed. and said:-
Fear not. little one; all will be WE'LL"
AS their lips met in sweet embrace a
slight shudder thrilled her Some vague
and underlined sense OF coming evil oppres-
sed her. so that the light i'll her eyes grew
dim with tears.
What is it that makes YOU tremble, be-
loved?' he asked with some anxiety mani
testing itself in his tone.
ut is nothing" she answered, with a
laugh that was forced. "rhey say when
one, suudders somebody is walking over
ones grave. l suppose that is it. Some
body passes over the place where shall
Talk not so, Rachel" he remarked re-
provingly. 1T will be long ere your grave
is made; and the spot where it shall be no
man knoweth."
And yet the spot exists" she answered.
For death comes to all, and the kindly
earth receives our weary bodies"
lives are but beyinning?' he asked in a
tone of tender chidi=g before us
stretch the years. and the flowers bloom in
our way, and the sun shines for US. 1t is
true the world is full of evil and wicked
men. but he who is conscious of no wrong
may walk upright amidst the evil, and re,
main uncontaminated. We have nought
to fear. If we are true to our trust
Gods face will be turned to u.s."
All" she sighed, as if his argument
had tniled to req sure her; and he took her
in his arms and pressed her to his breast,
saying the while:-
Here is your refuge my heart Of
JOY, when the bond has joined us we will
where there is freedom for all men, and
just laws, and where a man may worship
as he chooses without fear of persecution.
Such lands England, and in England we
will make our home"
1T shall be So" she answered softly,
leaning her head upon his breast, and with
her face upturned to his. And
they kissed and kissed again,
and then he babe her farewell and went on
his way; and she prayed for him in her
protect him and bring him safe to her
arms again.
When Moshka arrived in St. Petersburg
1T was still partially deserted, and the heat
was very graf for there the two extremes
OF climate are experienced; the tropical
heat 2fsummer, the Polar cold of winter.
But the young man applied himself to his
found that there was much talk in the city
of some Nihilist plot and he heard that
there had been many arrests. and a num-
Der OF students amongst others had been
consigned to the grim fortress of st. Peter
and PAIL. He was in no ways concerned,
n fnr In oh ioin
Whatever views he might have held with
reference to the barbarious oppression of
the people, to say nothing of the persecu-
ton of his own race, he held his peace and
disclosed them to no man; for he
knew that it was dangerous even
to whisper ones sentiment about the rulers
ofthe land. The very air seemed filled
with SPIES, and the stones OF the streets had
tongues.
One day during the second week after his
return from the country. he went with
merry party ofyoung men to one of the
islands of the Neva, which are favorlte re-
sorts OF the St. Petersburg people ir the
summer. He was unusually bright and
cheerful, for he had that morning received
from Rachel letter that glowed with love
tor him; and he had dispatched one to her
in which he had poured out his very soul
in the poetic sentiment which love engen-
ders. He told her that he was we'll and
The island to which Moshka and his
friends went was Yelagin Island, where
there is an Imperial residence, surrounded
with charming grounds, and where the
views are truly beautiful. 1t was burn
ing day, and the cafes and restaurants were
very busy. AS the day began to wane,
streams ofpeople flowed towards what is
known as "The Point" on the island, from
whence there is an enchanting view sea-
ward of the setting sun. Thither went
Umanski and lis friends. They were very
lively. triAe noisy. and they sang songs
as they went.
The sun set IN glory OF CO. or. such as
words would fail to paint. The whole
heavens seemed afame with golden and
crimson fire that was reflected back from
the waters. and glowed on the spires and
domes of the distant capital. The very air
palpitated with color. ard as the vesper
bells rang out men removed their hats and
crossed themselves, and there was a solemn
silence until the great sun was hidden be-
low the horizon. Then laughter arose
again, amid shouts and cries. and the gold
en- glory faded, the purple deepencd,
and in the cloudless sky the stars shone
with northern brilliancy.
Umanski and his party fingered yet a lit
tie longer, and then, as the night advanced
they rose and returned to the CITY. But