The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-12-06

MS At ~ " NlONN h'lliOllON ANlN-
noon. 1t will take place at the bend
of the river just beyond the Niska
hill"
"And the weapons ?" asked Ruric.
Swords" returned Orsa. "The
count will bring his own, and he
gives you the privilege Of selecting
such Il one as You choose"
81 thank you, Alaric, for your
kindness thus far, and you may rest
assured that | shall be prompt"
Suppose | call here in the morn
, ing for you?" suggested the visitor.
81 should b. pleased to have you
do so"
81 will, then. | shall be along in
good season with my sledge, and we
will both reach the ground togeth-
err"
Thus it was arranged, and then
npsa took his leave.
When Ruric returned to his seat
by the fireplace, he noticed that his
mother watched him narrowly and
wl,l more than ordinary interest.
He had once made up his mind that
he would say nothing to his mother
about the affair until it was over,
but as the time was set and the hour
drew nigh his mind wavered. When
it was over, where might he be !?
But he was cut short in his rehec.
tons by the voice of his parent.
"Ruric," she said, and her voice
trembled while she spoke, "you will
pardon me for prying into your af-
fairs, but | cannot hide from myself
that something of more than usual
moment is the matter with you.
Why are these men calling to and
fro? And why are you so thought
full and moody? You know moth
er's feelings, and you will pardon a
mothers anxiety"
"Surely, my mother" the youth
returned, gazing up for moment
and then letting his eyes droop
again. At length he resumed, 81
had made up my mind to tell you all
ere you spoke"
There was something deep and
significant in Ruric's tone, and his
mother quickly caught the spark.
"What is it ?" she tremblingly ut
tered, moving her chair nearer to
her child's side.
Listen" the young man said.
And thereupon he detailed the cir
cumstances attending the visit Of
the Count Damonoff to his shop
Then he told of his own visit to
Rosalind and its result and then OF
the visit of Stephen Urzen.
"And now, my mother he add
ed without waiting for any reply
"you know it all. You see how ]
am situated. Remember, our nation
has reached its present point by sue.
cessful war. The soul of the nation
is built upon military honor, anc
since our noble emperor has opened
the way of advancement of the low
est of his subjects who are brave anC
true the coward is looked upon witt
disgust upon all hands. Yet, my
mother, would have you speak"
For some moments Claudia Neve
was silent. But at length she said
while tear glistened in her eye:
81 have given one loved being W
to my country's good. Russia tool
my husband from me, and | could il
afford now to lose my son. 1e
rather than one stain should res
upon his name | would see him deaC
before me. Oh, Ruric, you know
whether dishonor would rest upol
you were you to refuse this chal
longe."
Il will speak plainly, my dea
mother" returned the youth in
} tremulous tone, for his parent
kindness had moved him. 'ln m
soul | should feel perfectly justified
, in refusing this meeting, for n
principle of real honor is at stake
: But were to back out now from
this | should never meet anothe
generous look in Moscow. Ever
one would point the finger of scor1
toward me, and the word cowar
would ring always in my ears. ]
may be a false state of things
feel that it really is so-but hoy
can help it? 1t is the curse OF al
great military epochs. Battle alon
makes heroes, and so all must meas
ure their honor by the force of thei
arms. The count carries even nov
upon his brow the mark of my blow
and all will say he has a right t
demand satisfaction, though | kno'
that he provoked the quarrel o
purpose. ! cannot refuse him on tn
ground of station, for he is abov
me in that. ! must meet him."
"Then," said the mother in a low
calm tone, but with much effol
"you shall not feel that your mothe
would thwart your design. If you
own good judgment says go, then g