Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1905-03-31
By Order of the Gar
Story of Russian Power
By MARCUS EASTLAKE
~@O-
A Story of Russian Poy
- MAR Gus E1STLAHE

culiar, sustained noise which proceeds,
l can only imagine, from the throat of
Mr.. Cough. 1t reminds me of the cackle
of hen. l have, however, no time to
consider its meaning, for ] have over
taken Maruscha, and we descend to the
street together. l stalk along by her
side, and during a considerable time
there is silence between us. Gradually
Maruscha's breathing becomes affected.
She breathes short and fast, her hand
goes to her side, and at length she halts.
Vladimir! pray thee go not so fast"
she gasps, and tears are in her voice.
Il am not we'll"
Where l get the moral strength to
resist this pathetic appeal l know not,
but | am enabled to reply with just as
much concern as a brother might show
to a sister under similar circumstances.
Not well, Maruscha? l am sorry to
hear it. Yet l am not surprised. The
atmosphere in Mr.. Coughs room was
most oppressive. Perhaps thou wilt ac-
cept the support of my arm? l pray
theew
She hesitates a moment whilst l hold
1t stiffly toward her, then she takes it.
1t is as IL a futtering bird had descended
and was nesting on my arm. The long
Ing to press it closely to my heart is al
most irresistible; the sensation of that
timid touch thrills me to pain, yet let
1t lie there as if my arm were a senseless
| limb of wood.
Maruscha heaves a deep sigh. We
proceed for some little way In silence un-
| til prepare to lead her across the wide
Stnt,, ~
opposite side. Then she arrests me.
vladimir, think a little turn in the
air would revive me-" she says. I'm
| less-unless thou woudst prefer"
"By no means, Maruscha. And 1t is
indeed a happy thought. The evening
Is lovely and the walk will do thee good.
How art thou affected, Maruscha? Is
it thy head?"
A gasping sob escapes her. "Yes,
Vladimir; my head-and. and oh. Vlad-
imir.-"
The hand on my arm Is instantly
strained to my heart. No longer can 1
bear the fierce restraint and ere l am
aware my favorite pet name for he
rushes to my lips.
my sweet dove"
trembling hand in my disengaged one.
There is another long silence l know
she cannot speak now, she is furtively
and silently getting rid of some tears
l lead her on and on until, for the Sec
ond time to-day, the dark, dense trees
OF the kindergarten" are at one side OF
me. We are alone here. and l venture
to carry the imprisoned hand to my lips.
As Maruscha offers no resistance, l kiss
it softly many times. Presently whis-
per:
"Is thy head very bad, my ownT'
"Yes-no-it Is not my head at all. II
is-it is-oh, / have been so miserable
And l have something to say" She
makes the confession in a sort of desper-
ate gush. "Mr. Cough has been talking
to me, Vladimir l told him every thing
He says l am bad lass" She attempts
little laugh. which ends in a sob.
give her an encouraging squeeze. HE
is quite right, that is what l am
Thou art perfection." l whisper
And, indeed, l think it. Perfectly charm.
ing to me now in retrospect is this morn,
ing's episode, since it has given to me
this draught of absolute bliss.
HE has fully explained all to me
Vladimir, how needful-how imperative
it is that thou shouldst-shoudst marry
before going to England, and we owe sc
much to Mr.. Cough that it seems abso
lutely wicked not to consider his wishes
and he says that he would be very much
disappointed in me IL were to refuse, SC
l agreed" She hesitates and droops
then makes another effort. He has
promised Offered to wait three days
and the day after to-morrow-and-oh
Vladimir, it is so soon"'
halt and catch her on my breast
"Tell me that l understand Alright p
I say in agitated tones. THE day after
tomorrow thou hast promised to become
my wife?"
The answer comes tremulously and
shy.
III thou wilt take me, Vladimir"
1t is the same evening. We have gone
through the form OF taking supper, and
Rosen, with lovers tact and sympathy
has left us sole possessors of his sitting
room. We are seated together in very
close proximity on the sofa. / take from
my pocket a tiny cardboard box, and
from it the rings. Maruscha goes into
raptures at the sight of the keeper
single out the third slender finger of hel
left hand, and try them both ON. They
fit exactly.
at is lucky omen, Maruschaw l OBJ
serve, as she sits looking down at then
with a wistful smile. Notwithstanding
that l had no measure, they are a per
feet ft."
A sudden thought seems to strike her
: She looks up wonderingly into my face
Hast thou bought them to-day ?" sh,
interrogates.
"Yes, Maruscha, to-dayw
Her countenance falls.
"Ah, thou knewest all the time tha
must yield" she says, and there is dis
appointment and touch Of bitterness II
her tones. 81 am but a poor veal
| thinQo