Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-05-08
troduced to her. He was quite young

and self respect which seldom fails to
please women. His relations to Masha
were unrestrained and natural
He appeared to be quite settled and
reserved, although ramor had it that
once upon a time he was the greatest
mischief maker living. This, however,
did not lower him in Masha's estima-
tion. On the contrary, she regarded his
past tricks as something quite natural to
youth and activity. What had interested
her most, more than his tenderness,
more than his pleasant conversation,
more than his bandaged arm, was his
silence, often accompanied by heavy
sighs. Indeed her curiosity and imagina-
tion upon such occasions were almost
beyond her control She could not help
acknowledging that he took more than
an ordinary interest in her, while, on
the other hand, he, too, must have OBJ
served that of all hers admirers he was
the only one who received her attention.
What, then, had kept him from falling at
her feet and declaring his love? What
was the cause? Was it that timidity
IEsAeh goes hand in hand with true love
Or the mere policy of cunning dangler?
She reflected upon the matter and came
to the conclusion that timidity could be
the only cause. Her impatience grew
stronger and stronger. Suspense Of what
ever nature it might be and especially
when love is at stake is always burden
some to women. One evening Brunin
appeared in her room-his face paler
than usual and his beautiful eyes ex-
pressing that tenderness which is both
bewitching and powerful She thought
the long wished for moment had come
at last. But the declaration" was not
made
Her neighbors and friends in the
meantime discussed her wedding as a
matter of fact, while her mother was
simply delighted with her prospective
son-in-law Thus time passed ON.
One morning while Paraskovia Pc
trovna was busily engaged in looking
over an old almanac, Brunin entered her
room.
"Can Masha be SEEM" he asked.
"You will see her in the garden, )" re-
piled the old woman. "IwiIl expect you
to have dinner with us. ;"
AS Brunin went out Paraskovia Pc
trovna crossed herself, supplicating the
Almighty that the proposal Of marriage
might take place.
Brunin found Masha by the pond un-
der willow, all dressed in white, and
with book in her hands, ga real hero
inc of novel;" he thought to himself.
After the first few words Masha cut the
conversation short, thus affecting that
mutual embarrassment from which there
was but one way of ridding themselves,
and that was for Brunin to open his
heart. And so he did "But have act
ed carelessly, most carelessly, by seeing
and hearing you every day. I had no
right to seek your acquaintance and
friendship Oh, wretched man that I
ami 1t is too late-too late now! Your
memory will always haunt me, your
charming image will give me no peace.
Oh, that I could be spared this torture
Try to forget and forgive me, dear
Masha. I am unworthy of you. That OBJ
stacle"-
''That obstacle always existed" :" said
Masha in a suppressed voice. 81 could
never be your wife,
"Ilmow,' he replied quietly. "Ihow
that you have once loved. But he is
dead, and time effaces the sweetest of
memories The thought that 1 might
have been happy with you if''-
''Not another word, for Gods sake
not another word! You torment me-
eyes I know I feel that I might have
been happy; that you might have been
mine but, oh, miserable man that am,
I am marriedp'
Masha looked at him aghast for mo-
ment, hardly realizing her whereabouts.
eyes I am a married man, resumed
Brunin more firmly, "but I have not
the slightest idea who my wife is, where
she is, whether I will ever see her
again
SIS it possiblep' exclaimed Masha,
scarcely being able to control her excite
ment. is itpossible? Tell me all about
it I will-later''-
''In the beginning of 1872" said
Brunin, 81 was on my way to Vino,
where our regiment was then stationed
1t was a cold night, a storm was raging,
we lost our way, and my driver was in
despair. But as I was in great haste to
reach Vino ordered him to proceed re-
gardless of the weather. We crossed hills
and valleys and rivers, and after being
frozen almost to death entered village.
As we drove along the street suddenly
beheld light. A few minutes later we
found ourselves in front of church. 1t
was dimly illuminated. Some people
were inside This way. This wayp I
heard several voices shouting. ordered
the driver to stop the horses. what have
you been doing all this while?' remark
ed some one. why, your girl is in de-
spair. The minister was at a loss to
know what to do, and we were just
ready to drive home. Without consider
ing the situation, I entered the church
and was soon directed to a dark corner,
where, upon bench, lay the bride,
while girl, evidently her maid busted
herself about her. Thanked be the Lord,
you are here at last, cried the girl to
me. why, the baruishnia (miss) is over
come with grief. I had no sooner di-
rected my attention from the bride when
the half blind old minister approached,
asking me if I were ready for the altar.
Certainly, certainly, said /, hard
1y knowing what I was about. The
bride was helped to the altar. She i'm
pressed me as good looking girl. Oh,
wretched man that ami
81 took the place beside her at the
altar The minister was impatient, the
three witnesses and the maid supported
the bride, and it seemed that their en-
tire attention was given to her. We
were married. Kiss each other, COM
manded the minister after the ceremony
was over My wife removed the veil
from her face, and as I was ready to
kiss her she drew back, shrieking, Away,
away, it is not hep All turned their
frightened eyes on me. Iretreated quiet
ly, threw myself into the sleigh and was
soon out of the village, leaving scene
of horror behind me.''
s'My God,'' exclaimed Masha, "and
you have no idea what has become of
your poor wife?'
''Not the slightest, nor do know the
name of that village, or where it is situ-
o4oJ T &I,o,,o1,+ c,n 1iff1a or f1,A fi,,o of