Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1892-01-28

- AsSSzssDe = 70 r.
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at last Vladimir found that he gGs
g0tnJ IN the tcrong direction
Toward the end of eighteen hundred
and eleven at memorable period for
Russians, lived on his own domain of
Nenaradova the kind hearted GavTil
r. He was celebrated in the whole
district for his hospitality and his
genial character. Neighbors constantly
visited him to have something TO eat
xnd drink and to play at five copeck
boston with his wife, Praskovia. Some,
too, went to have look ut their daugh-
ter, Maria, tall, pale girl of seventeen.
She was an heiress, and they desired her
sither for themselves OF for their sons.
Maria had been brought up on French
novels, and consequently was in love.
The object Of her affection was poor
ensign in the army, who was now at
home in his small village on leave of alb
sence. As matter of course, the young
man reciprocated Marias passion. But
the parents of his beloved, noticing their
mutual attachment, forbade their daugh-
Ter even to think of him, while they re-
ceived him worse than an ex-assize
judge.
Our lovers corresponded and met alone
daily in the pine wood or by the old
roadway chapel. There they vowed
everlasting love, inveighed against fate
and exchanged various suggestions.
Writing and talking in this way, they
auite naturally reached the following
conclusion:
II we cannot exist apart from each
ether, and if the tyranny of hard heart
ed parents throws obstacles in the way
Of our happiness, then can we not man
age without them?
OF course this happy idea originated
IN the mind of the young man, but it
Hleased immensely the romantic imagi-
nation of Maria.
Winter set in and put stop to their
meetings. But their correspondence be-
came all the more active. Vladimir
begged Maria in every letter to give
herself up to him that they might get
married secretly, hide for awhile, and
then throw themselves at the feet Of
their parents, who would, of course, in
the end be touched by their heroic con-
stancy and say to them, Children,
come to our arms!'
Maria hesitated long while, and out
Of many different plans proposed that of
fight was for time rejected. At last,
however, she consented. On the ap-
Rointed day she was to decline supper
and retire to her room under the plea OF
a headache. She and her maid, who was
in the secret, were then to go out into
the garden by the back stairs, and be-
youd the garden they would find sledge
ready for them, would get into it and
drive a distance of five miles from Nena-
radova to the villageof Jadrino, straight
to the church, where Vladimir would be
waiting for them.
On the eve of the decisive day Maria
did not sleep all night; she was packing
and tying up linen and dresses. She
wrote, moreover, a long letter to friend
Of hers, sentimental young lady, and
another to her parents OF the latter she
took leave in the most touching terms
She excused the step she was taking by
reason of the unconquerable power o
love, and wound up by declaring tina
she should consider it the happiest mo
ment of her life when she ewas allowed tt
throw herself at the feet of her deares
parents.
Sealing both letters with Toula sea
en- which were engraven two flaming
hearts with an appropriate inscription
she at last threw herself upon her bet
before daybreak and dozed off, thougl
even then she was awakened from on
moment to another by terrible thoughts
First it seemed to her at the moment 0
entering the sledge, in order to go AM
get married, her father stopped her an
with cruel rapidity dragged her over til
snow and threw her into dark, bot
tomless cellar-down which she fel
headlong with an indescribable sinkin
Of the heart. Then she saw Vladimi
living on the grass, pale and bleeding
with his dying breath he implored he
to make haste and marry him. Othe
h1deous and senseless visions foated bt
fore her one after another. Finally sh
arose paler than usual, and with res
headache.
Both her father and her mother rt
marked her indisposition. Their tende
anxiety and constant inquiries, "Whs
is the matter with you, Masha--are yo
HIP cut her to the heart. She tried
pacify them and to.appear cheerful, br
she could not. Evening set in. III
idea that she was passing the day for I'll
last time in the midst of her family o.
pressed her. In her secret heart 81
took leave of everybody, OF everythln
which surrounded her.
Supper was served; her heart beat wi
lently. In trembling voice she u
clared that she did not want any su'
per, and wished her father and MOTH
good night. They kissed her, and |
usual blessed her; ard she nearly wept
Reaching her own room, she thre
herself into an easy chair and burst I'M
tears. Her maid begged her to be cal
snd take courage, Everything was read
In half an hour Maria would leave TO
ever her parents home, her own room
her peaceful life as d young girl
Out Of doors the snow was falling, til
wind bowling. The shutters rattle
and shook. In everything she SCENE
to recognize omens and threats.