Year: 1863

1889, and heavily fell the snow flakes but
darker were the prospects, and heavisr was
the heart of the poor Livonian, as he reach
ed the skirts Of the dense forests surround
ing the town of Marienburg Misfortune
had compelled the indignant peasant to sew
er the endearing relations that bound him
to his native village, to bid final adieu to
the scenes Of his early days, to abandon his
fsvorite haunts Of sacred memory, and seek
among strangers that which was denied him
in the midst of his friends. -sts


Accompanied by his first born sprightly
youth Of fourteen, aud bearing in his weary
arms tender infant, the express image OF
her whom he had lately consigned to the
silent tomb, he had well nigh completed
faithful Journey through bleak and in
hospitable region. "A violent storm of snow
and wind peculiar to that dreary country
6ercely ragged bearing destruction and des-
olation in its progress, and producing terror
in the minds of the unsheltered wanderers.
Overcome by the severity of the cold, and
unable longer to sustain his precious charge,
he carefully deposited it upon bed Of snow
and went in quest of assistance and kind
retreat from the. bowling storm. But he
returned not again. The early dawn had
discovered frozen corpse to the astonshed
tenants of an obscure cottage in the out
skirts Of the quiet village.


Great God what do hear p calculated
the pious minister, Skovrouski, as its sub
dued cries Of distress, falling upon his eager
ear, during temporary cessation Of the
storm, attracted his attention to the frozen
embankment upon which rested the desert
ed infant. He hesitated not to reflect upon
the cruel misfortune that had bereft the in
fant Of paternal protection nor did he
waste time in the fruitless endeavor Of dis
covering those who had abandoned their
offspring to the peltings Of the storm But,
content to acknowledge the mysterious agen-
cy of Him who doeth all things we'll and
'heareth the young ravens when they cry
he fed with winged footsteps to Its rescue.
Wrapping it in his ample cloak, he fastened
to reach his humble home, that he might
minister to its relief ere the spirit had fed
to that undiscovered country from whose
bourne no traveller returns Arrived at the
peaceful cot, he consigned his tender charge
to the care of his kindhearted housekeeper
and again called forth in search of other
objects for his benevolence. He had not
proceeded far before his attention was call
ed to the melancholy scene before noticed.


Papers were found upon the unfortunate
stranger which induced the good minister
to believe that he was the parent of the in
fant he bad rescued from the ruthless ele-
ments OF the night before; and DO sooner
was he impressed with the idea than the re
solution was taken to adopt the tender babe
as his own daughter, and to bring it up N
the path of duty. Ordering that the last
tribute Of respect be paid to the remains,
he took charge Of its effects for the benefit
of his youthful protege.


Years passed away, and under tue atfec
tionate care and protection Of the pastor |
and his benevolent companion Katharine,
increased not only in personal beauty but
as she grew in years developed those dispo- |
sitious which become an amiable and CRATE
ful daughter. And soon she was enabled to !
testify her appreciation of their self sacrifc-
ing devotion to her Youthful days


The Car Of Russia, not content with the /
annexation of the province of Livonia, had
already marched his forces upon its chief
city. Katharine had attained her thirteenth
year wnen his cannon announced to the in
offensive inhabitants the bombardment Of
their quiet town. With view to her safe.
ty she was separated from the aged pas tor
and sent to her sister. But the efforts Of
the beseiged proved fruitiess, aad hey were
compelled to surrender captives of war and
subjects of the Emperor Of Russia.


The huuiliating news spread ike light
ming, and no sooner did it resca the eager
ears of Katharine, than she determined to
return and share the fate Of her benefac-
tor.


The dssky shades OF evening We're Just
closing in as horse, reeking from foam,
and almost ready to siak from exhaustion,
reached the border of the wood nearest the
gates Of Marienburg. Emerging from the
shade OF the trees, its progress Was sudden
" arrestedby soldier seizing the bride
and rudely demanding


"Where are you going7'


What is that TO you was the persomtory
reply. . Z sm in haste, and pray you allow
me to pass unmolested.' 4


Impossible replied the sentinel thou
art Livsnisn, andpow Livonia belongs this