The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-01-02
WESTMINSTER MD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1892

that the fever might return. But, heaven
be thankful the fainting fit had no bad
results.
Maria experienced yet another sorrow.
Her father died, leaving her the heiress of
all his property. But the Inheritance
could not console her. She shared sincerely
the affiiction of her mother, and vowed she
would never leave her.
Suitors clustered round the charming
heiress, but she gave no one the slightest
hope. Her mother sometimes tried to
persuade her to choose companion in life,
but Maria shook her head and grew pen
sive.
Vladimir no longer existed. He had
died at Moscow on the eve of the arrival
of the French His memory was held
sacred by Maria, and she treasured up
everything that would remind her of him;
books he had read, drawings which he had
made, songs he had sung, and the pieces
Of poetry which he had copied out for
| her.
The neighbors, hearing all this, wonder
ed at her fidelity, and waited with curiosity
the arrival of the hero who must, in the
end, triumph over the melancholy constancy
of this virgin Artemis.
Meanwhile, the war had been brought
to a glorious conclusion, and our armies
were returning from abroad. The people
ran to meet them. The music played by
the regimental bands consisted of war
songs, ''Vive Henri-Quatre," Tyrolese
waltzes and airs from Jeconde. Nourished
on the atmosphere of winter, officers who
had started on the campaign mere strip
lings, returned grown men and covered
with decorations. The soldiers conversed
gayly among themselves, mingling German
and French words every moment in their
speech A time never to be forgotten-a
time of glory and delight! How quickly
beat the Russian heart at the words,
''Native land - How sweet the tears of
of meeting! With what unanimity did we
combine our feelings of national pride with
love for the Tsear And for him, what a
moment
The wOman-our Russian women-were
splendid then. Their usual GOODNESS dis
appeared. Their delight was really in.
toxicating when, meeting the conquerors,
they cried "Hurrah r And they threw
up their caps in the air.
Who of the officers of that period doe,
not own that to the Russian women he was
indebted for his best and most valued re
ward? During this brilliant period Maria
was living with her mother in retirement
and neither of them saw how, in both
capitals, the returning troops were welcom
ed. But in the districts and villages the
general enthusiasm ways perhaps, even
greater.
In these places the appearance Of an of
ficer became for him veritable triumph
The accepted lover in plain clothes farce
badly by his side.
We have already said that, in spite o
her coldness, Maria was still, as before
surrounded by suitors. But all had to ial
/ .. tIo ,.oo,. ,,bap tbara orrival nj bic oostl
the wounded young captain of Hussars-
Bourmin by name-with the order of St
George in his buttOn-hole, and an interest
ing pallor on his face. He was about
twenty-six. He had come on leave to hi'
estates, which were close to Maria's villa
Maria paid him such attention as none o
the others received. In his presence hei
habitual gloom disappeared. 1t could moi
be said that she firted with him. But ;
poet, observing her behavior, might have
asked, rs amor non che dunque?"
Bourmin was really a very agreeable
young man. He possessed just the kind
of sense that pleased women-a sense Of
what is suitable and becoming. He had nc
affection, and was carelessly satirical Hi,
manner toward Maria was simple and easy
He seemed to be of quiet and modest dis
position; but rumor said that he had at one
time been terribly wild. This, however
did not harm him in the opinion of Maria
who dixie all other young ladies' excused
with pleasure vagaries which were the re.
suit of impulsiveness and daring.
But above all-more than his love-mak-
ing, more than his pleasant talk, more than
his interesting pallor, more even than his
bandaged arm-the silence of the young
/ Hussar excited her curiosity and her imag-
ination. She could not help confessing to
herself that he pleased her very much.
Probably he too, with his aculeness and his
experience, had seen that he Interested her
How was it, then, that up to this moment
she had not seen him at her feet; had not
received from him any declaration what
ever? And wherefore did she not encour-
age him with more attention, and, accord
ing to circumstances, even with tenderness?
Had she Il secret of her own which would
account for her behavior?
At last, Bourmin fell into snch deep
meditation, and his black eyes rested with
such fire upon Maria, that the decisive
moment seemed very near. The neighbors
spoke. Of the marriage as an accomplished
fact, and kind Praskovia rejoiced that her
daughter had at last found for herself a
worthy mate.
The lady was sitting alone once in the
drawing-room, laying out grande-patience,
when Bourmin entered the room, and at
onaa ;nouiraJ Co.. Mar;o