Year: 1868




broken bottles along the coping.


The task completed, | dropped to the
ground and ran up the hill to the post of OBJ
servation, and there | sat till the lady made
her appearance; then l waved my hat in tri-
umph, rushed down, Sprang up the wall, and
seated myself on the top of it. Beneath NE
stood the object of my affections, so close that
L could scan her every feature, catch her faint
est sigh. That was great trial. for had let
my Imagination take the bit between its teeth
upon the subject of her charms; and a coarse
complexion, irregular teeth, or large ears,
would have disenchanted me. But she really
was a remarkable handsome girl, with sort of
anxious distressed look in her eyes, which ap-
pealed strongly to the sympathies. There was
certain eccentric, tragedy way with her.
which ordinary worldlings might have taken
exception at, but which only served to rivet my
chains the faster


'Tis we'll, she said, when she had gazed
on me In silence for somewhat embarrassing
minute. Now turn your face sideways: tbs
again we'll Your features recommend you, but
they are sometimes deceittul. Can | really,
truly trust you?'


'Loveliest and dearest, you can,' I replied
from the top of the wall. l will lay down
my life to serve you


~ accept, she said in solemn tones which
gaye me rather thrill One does not expect
one's words to be taken up in that literal way


49, had sooner live for you, though | has
tened to add; and take this opportunity of
apologizing to the spirit of the original utterer
of that joke for the theft.


Thanks thanks' she explained. And
what will you do for me? How prove that de-
vOtion which | doubt not?


: 1t was more convenient for youth under
age, entirely destitute of resources and ex-
perlence, and situated in precariOus position
ON the top of "A wall, to deal in generallties
than to propose any definite course Of action
was puzzled for u moment, but suddenly re-
membered with relief that | was in complete
ignorance as to who she was and what she
wanted, and that it was only reasonable that
the direction in which my chivalrous path was
to lie should be pointed out by her.


Tru3, she said, when [ mentioned this
fact. must try you with my sad secret
Know, then, that | am not what SEEM
Doubtless, you take me tor an Englishwoman,
tor speak your tongue with iuency and cor
rect1eSs but no | am Russian princess. A
cruel and wicked cousin coveted my estates, to
which he was the next keir. He sought to ac-
quire them by the lawful means of marriage,
but being a man of ung0vernable temper, he
one day had serf knOuted to death before my
eyes; and L loathed and dreaded him. The
sting of outraged vanity was then added to his
cupldlty, and he determined to dispossess me.
But was favorite with the Gar, the CZari-
ma, and all the royal family and while | re.
mained in Russia was safe. But a sad in
fatuatlOn tempted me to travel, and the mo-
ment touched these inhospitable shores [ was
Selzed aud hurried to this place, where l have
been lncarcerated ever since. Doubtless my
vlllalnOus relative has spread the report of my
death, and is squandering my property upon
his minions'


"' But cried l, with an enthusiasm which
nearly made me lose my balance, the matter
IS simple. | will go to the nearest magistrate;
L will seek the aid Of the police-I will


"' Pray-pray, do nothing of the kind = she
exclaimed with alarm. My enemy is connec-
ted with the strongest, ties with your prime
minister, and the chief of your police is in his
power. One word to the authorities, and my
cause is lost forever! No; fight is my only
resource. Aid my escape fly with me bring
me to my native land, and | am saved. Eter-
nal gratitude and countless treasures shall be
yours.


:" And may not presume to higher re-
ward 2 asked


Whist mean you? she replied bashfully.


| fear lest my temerity should offend you
said but love is ever presumptuous. And
II could only hope that my affection mi ght
one day meet with return, | should be in
spired with an ardor before which all obstacles
would melt away


This was pretty we'll for a bashful lad, was
1t not? | do not believe | could have spoken
such words in an ordinary drawing-room had
my life depended upon it; but from the top of
a wall it was different! Further advance was
impossible, and retreat SO easy And yet,
when one comes to think of it, to make an of
fer OF marriage to princess on first interview
was prompt proceeding 1t was successful,
hnN for / haI nj
and all that remained was to make arrange
ments for our flight.


II had several other conversations from the |
top of the wall with my princess before our
plans were matured. The great difficulty was
funds. Once in Russia, and we should be en- !
numbered with superhuity of wealth but we |
had to get there. 1t was difficulty which |
never occurred to the knights of old, who al |
ways tossed their purses to those who deman- |
ded money OF them, and yet had other purses |
for the next conner, and | was therefore at a
loss for precedent.


i, had three pounds ten shillings of pocket.
money and by pawning my watch, chain, pin, |
and il ring, L raised ten pounds more but that |
was sadly insufficient for SO long journey.
was obliged at length to explain the difficulty
to my princess who removed it at once, She
had jewels, which, even if sold for minute
fraction OF their value, would provide us with
ample funds, and she would bring them with
her.


$50 the day was absolutely fixed, and our
plans carefully laid. The only hour at which :
the princess had an opportunity for escape was
that when he usually communicated !. we must
therefore take the extra risk of midday flight,
and speedy discovery and pursuit We were
to make our way ON foot to sea port town
some seven miles off, and take ship from thence
to Hamburg, where we were to be married, and
travel as fast as we could to st. Petersburg
When all was arranged, | felt considerable
on rejecting upon the state OF
furry into which my poor tutor would be thrown
by my mysterious disappearance, and the anx
iety of my parents uu first hearing of it But
how short would-be thoir anxiety, for | would
write and set their minds at rest the moment
we were safe in foreign land and what pride
and pleasure would be theirs when they learn
ad that their son was prince, with forests and
a mine, and any number of serfs; not to men
tion the most lovely princess that existed out of
the Ardbjan Nightsi 81 ~ 49, a' a. wo.-3


"Would marrying a princess make me o