The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1915-04-01

they placed above the finest heroic
traits in the women of antiquity. and
also OH Natacha's love for her father.
RouletabilIe made them talk.
Boris Mourazoff explained that this
exceptional love was accounted for by
the fact that Natacha's own mother, the
Generals first wife, died in giving
birth to their daughter, and accordingly
Feodor Feodoroviteh had been both
father and mother to his daughter. He
had raised her with the most touching
care, not permitting anyone else, when
she was sick. to have the care of pass
ing the nights by her bedside.
Natacha was years old when Feodor
FeOdorovitch was appointed Governor
Of Orel. In the country near Orel.
during the Summer, the General and
his daughter lived on neighborIy terms
near the family of old Petroff, one Of
the richest fur merchants in Russia.
Old Petroff had daughter, Matrena,
who was magnificent to see, like a
beautiful field flower. She was always
in excellent humor, never spoke i'll of
anyone in the neighborhood, and not
only had the fine manners of city
dame. but great simple heart, which
she lavished ON the little Natacha.
The child returned the affection Of
the beautiful Matrena, and II was on
seeing them always happy to find
themselves together that Trebassof
dreamed Of establishing his fireside.
The nuptials were quickly arranged,
and the child. when she learned that
her good M9trena was to wed her
papa, danced with Joy. Then misfor-
tune came only a few weeks before
Dat rx-b1
u1ated on the exchange for a long time
without anyone knowing about it, was
ruined from top to bottom. Matrena
came one evening to apprise Feodor
Feodorovitch of this sad news and re-
turn his pledge to him. For all re-
sponse Feodor placed Natacha in
Matrena's arms. Embrace your
mother" he said to the child, and to
Matrena, From today I consider you
my wife, Matrena Petrovna. You should
obey me in all things. Take that re-
ply to your father and tell him my
purse is at his disposition"
The General was already, at that
time. even before he had inherited the
Cheremaieff. immensely rich. He had
lands behind Mini as vast as prov
ince, and it would have been difficult
to count the number of moujiks who
worked for him on his property. Old
Petroff gave his daughter and did not
wish to accept anything in exchange.
Feodor wished to settle a. large allow
ance on his wife; her father opposed
that, and Matrena sided with him in
the matter against her husband, be-
| cause of Natacha. at belongs to the
little one" she insisted. Il accept the
position Of her mother, but on the con-
dition that she shall never lose a
kopeek Of her inheritance.'
80 that" concluded Boris, "if the
General died tomorrow she would be
poorer than job"
'Then the General is Matrena's sole
resource reflected Rouletabille aloud
II can understand hey hanging onto
him." said Michael Korsakoff. blowing
Look at her. She watches him like a
treasure"
What do you mean. Michael Niko-
1aieyiteh?" said Boris, eurtly. You be-
lieve, do you, that the devotion of
Matrena Petrovna is not disinterested
You must know her very poorly to dare
utter such a thought"
II have never had that thought,
Boris AlexandrOvitch." replied the other
in a tone curter still. ITO be able
to imagine that anyone who lives in
the Trebassofs' home could have such
a thought needs an ass head, surely"
I'VE will speak of it again, Michael
Nikolaievitch"
AT your pleasure, Boris Alexandra
witch"
They had exchanged these latter