Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-07

with the Cossacks, and taking it altogether the
undertaking Of this Russian Representative was
extremely hazardous
THE JUSo AT SAN FRANCISCO
after voyage of some weeks, in which
destruction and death seemed to be the chief
ana after some parley was permitted to enter
the harbor and the presidio, a lot of one story
| adobe buildings, guarded by an earth-work
fort mounting few small guns.
.on landing they were met by twoFraueiscan
friars. Father Uria and Father Martin. and
Alferez Luis Arguello. Who acted in the abb
sence OF his father, the commandment Langs-
dorf, who was with Count ReZanof on this trip,
said in his published account of il that the at
tire OF the people amused them greatly. Don
Luis wore his Spanish Mexican uniform and over
i'll long mantle Of striped WOODEN cloth like bed
quilt, with hole in the middle for his head. SO
| that 1t fell over his back and breast. His high
boots were deliberately embroidered and he
wore extravagaDtly large spurs. Neither party
could speak the language of the other, but the
count and the firms met on commoR ground
Latin. In that language hating interchange
OF questions and answers was maintained. The
Russians were invited to the homo OF the COM
mandant where they were graciously welcomed
by Sonora ArguellO and her family OF thirteen
children. Tho family room was large square
apartment in one of the adobe houses, its mud
walls whitewashed and straw mating on the
floor 1t was meagerly furnished. When they
sat down to dine the repast was plain and al
| most poor, but was served from silver plate Of
exquisite beauty.
THE ROMANCE OF II.
"Dona Conception, the ffteen-year-oid daugh-
ter, seems to have captivated Count Rezanof
at once. She is described by Langsdorf as be-
ing graceful and beautiful, with sparkling black
eyes, even white teeth and charming manners
She in turn was attracted by the count who
was handsome man Of commanding appear
ance and widower. Count Rezanof1 position
was delicate one and only a man Of his fine
successful termination. His government had
informed Spain that Russian ambassador
with two ships and retipue CONNER surate
with his state would visit the Spanish
American colonies, and this information
had been duly forwarded to Governor
Arriii1ga Of California. Count Rezanof had
been over two years in following up the i'm
perial information, his own ships had been
wrecked and his retinuc had dwindied to
Langsdorf, the ships surgeon. Their clothing
was much the worse for wear. and taking it
altogether II took some plausible fabrications
to allay the suspicious Of the old governor.
who, on being informed OF the arrival of an
ambassador from Russia, came from the seat
OF government at Monterey to receive him.
Ii the Governor had suspected for a mo-
ment that Count Rezanof had come
for trade instead OF to renew friendly re-
lations he wonid have been ordered out
OF Spanish dominions at once. The count was
polite and patient, however. He made elegant
presents to the households Of the governor and
commandant. and the annals Of those days speak
in terms Of high praise Of him. For weeks he
visited among the various missions In company
with the governor and commandant, seem
ingly studying the manners and customs of the
people, but in reality hoping to find some way
OF approaching the subject nearest his heart
without outraging the hospitality shown him
and setting Spain and Russia by the ears
by violating treaty agreements. He had
won the friars over, but even they saw no way
to approach the heretofore incorruptible gov
ernor and commandant Finding that he was
making no Roadway, but was losing valuable
time. the count laid his case before the COM
mandant. That official was indignant at the
deception practiced upon him and refused to
listen. The governor was then approached.
He was furious at the attempt to hoodwnk
him, and peremptorially refused to infringe
upon the treaty obligations. The friars who
had great influence with all classes in those
days, were then called to Rezanof's aid. So
well did they plead his cause that he was per-
united to remain for a time longer, instead OF
departing at once, as was at first ordered
NEW ALLY.
Meantime there was a spy in camp. Dona
Conception had surrendered her heart COM
pletely to the dashing ambassador and consti-
tuted herself a committee of one to guard his
interests. She told him each day what passed
between the governor and her father on the
subject and on this information he based his
plans. Love Of humanity would not move the
Spanish officials, so he struck nearer home. 1t
was no part of his intention to marry Dona
Conception he says in his journal; he only
reckoned without his heart for he began to
love her, and willing to sacrifice himself for his
starving people-since it advanced his own in
terests, for Dona Conceptions dowry of gold
doubloons would be large-he played his last
card, he asked for the senoritas hand. Then
there was a scene. Count Rezsnof was not of
the faith-he belonged to the Greek church.
He was An alien. He sailed under false colors.
Dona Conception was rushed off and confessed
and ordered to give up the hereto, which she
promptly refused to do.
81 love Count ReZanof,' she said, and
want a change. He has told me of the gay life
at court. l want to test it. 1t is all very nice
here, the sky, the sea and the sunlight, but
am tired OF the eternal calm of this uneventful
existence. l want to see more Of life. II
may not marry whom love l shall not marry
at ALL
$50 well did these two plead their cause that
the hard hearts we're softened official and paren-
tai wrath was appeased when the advantages of
the union were fully presented. AMI the result
was public betrothal and drawing up OF q
civil marriage contract. Upon Dona Concep-
cion's finger was placed the ring had noticed.
This was all that could be done until the
Spanish and Russian rulers had been consulted.
''All was lovely for a time. Rezanof became
one OF the family and Gov. Arrilliga, no longer
able to hold out against the opportunities Of
his old friend ArguellO, permitted the friars
and Rezanof to make an exchange Of wares in
which the government did not appear. As soon
as this was brought about Count Rezanof
fastened his departure. anxious. he said, to re-
turn to claim his promised BRIDE He went to
Sitka with his ship load Of provisions, then set
sail for Siberia.
THE SHIP THAT NEVER CAME.
II have stood many times on the rocky cliffs
below the preside and 1 never could get away
from thought of the lovely girl who stood there
and watched the white sails Of tho Juno fade
into the horizon while she built air castles and
peopled them with creatures who belonged to
the rank of her Russian lover.
"a moment only and the light and glory
Faded away and the discoiisolate shore
Stood lonely as before
"Dona Conception had declared herself tired
Of the eternal sunshine and dead calm of her
sheltered life. 1t is sad to remember that the
goodbye kiss her noble lover pressed upon
her sweet grieved lips left shadow upon her
heart which never lifted. Week after week,
month after month, year after year went BY,
yet the fitful winds never filed the sails OF
Rezanofs returning ship. In the long bright
days Dona Conception used to stand on the
heights and through her tears look off to the
west, where the sun made shining path down