Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1916-08-16
{ BY NikOIai TeleshOy.)
T was early morning

>.
ficer and in long riding boots, minus
overcoat and cap, STOOD upon a mea-
dow covered with new-fallen snow,
and gazed at another officer, tall,
red-faced, mustached man, who faced
him at a distance Of thirty PAGES, and
was slowly lifting his hand in which
he held a revolver, and aimed it
straight at vladimir.
With his arms crossed over his
breast and also holding in one hand
a revolver, KladunOv, almost with in
difference awaited the shot Of his OPP
ponent. His handsome, young face,
though a little paler than usual, was
alight with courage, and wore
scornful smile. His dangerous posi-
ton, and the merciless determination
of his adversary, the strenuous atten-
ton of the seconds who silently stood
at one side, and the immlnence OF
death, made the moment one OF terri
BILE mysterious, almost sol
emn. A question of honor was to be
decided. Every one felt the import
ance of the question; the less they
understood what they were doing, the
deeper seemed the sOlemnity Of the
moment.
A shot was fired; a shiver ran
through ALL vladimir threw his
hands about, bend his knees, and fell.
He lay upon the snow, shot threw the
head, his hands apart, his hair, face,
and even the snow around his head
~ n
toward him and lifted him; the doc
tor certified his death, and the ques-
ton of honor was solved 1t only re-
manned to announce the news to the
regiment and to inform, as tenderly
and carefully as possible, the moth
err, who was now left alone in the
world, for the boy that had been
killed was her only son. Before the
duel no one had given her even a
thought but now they all became very
thoughtful All knew and loved her,
and recognized the fact that she must
be prepared by degrees for the terrible
news. At last Ivan Golubenko was
chosen as most fit to tell the mother,
and smooth out matters as much as
possible.
i
PeIageia Petrovna had just risen,
and was preparing her morning tea
when Ivan Golubenka, gloomy and
confused, entered the room.
"Just in time for tea, Ivan Ivano-
vitch!' amiably exclaimed the old
lady, rising to meet her guest. you
have surely called to see vladimir"
mo, lin passing by" Golubenko
stammered, abashed.
"You will have to excuse him, he is
still asleep. He walked up and down
his room the whole of last night, and
| told the servant not to wake him,
as it is a-holy day. But probably
you came on urgent business?"
mo, l only stepped in for moment
in passing"
"If you wish to see him, l will give
the order to wake him up
mo, no, do not trouble yourself!"
But Pelageia Petrovna, believing
that he had called to see her son on
some business or other, left the room
murmuring to herself.
Golubenko walked eXcitedly to and
fro, Wringing his hands, not knowing
how to tell her the terrible news. The
decisive moment was quickly ap-
preaching, but he lost control of him
self, was frightened, and cursed fate
that had so mixed him up with the
whole business.
"Now! How can a body trust you
young people!" good-naturedly ex-
claimed Pelageia Petrovna to her
guest, reentering the room. Here
have been taking care not to make the
least noise with the cups and saucers,
and asking you not to wake my boy,
and he has long ago departed without
! leaving a trace! But why do you not
take seat, Ivan Ivanovitch, and
have a cup of tea? You have been
neglecting us terribly lately!"
She smiled as with a secret joy, and
added in a low voice:
/ "And we have had so much news
during that time!- Vladimir surely
could not keep it. He must have told
you all about it by this; for he is
very straightforward and open-heart-
ed, my Vladimir. 1 was thinking last
night, in my sinful thoughts: Well,
when my Vladimir PAGES his room the
whole night-that means he is dream
ing of Lenochka!' That is always the
case with him: if he PAGES the room
the whole night, he will surely leave
tomorrow All, Ivan Ivanovitch, |
only ask the Lord to send me this
Joy in my old age. What more does
an old woman need? l have but one
desire, one joy-and it seems to me |
shall have nothing to pray for after
Vladimir and Lenochka are married.
So joyful and happy it would make
mel l do not need anything besides
Vladimir; there is nothing dearer to
me than his happiness.
The old lady became so affected that
she had to wipe away the tears which
came to her eyes.
do you remember" she continued