Marie:a story of Russian love

aveliitch standing before me, a light in his hand, and some one arranging the bandages that bound my chest and shoulder. Gra

whispered a voice

to turn on my bed, but I had not the strength. "Where am I?" said I, with effort,

ed a cry of joy, his delight showing plainly in his face. "He recovers! he recovers! T

door noiselessly. I must be in the Commandant's house, or Marie could not come to see me. I wished to question Savelii

me. I seized her hand and bathed it with my tears. Marie did not withdraw it, and suddenly I felt u

my wife, and make me

said, withdrawing her hand, "your wou

me!" I grew better, hour by hour. The barber of the regiment dressed my wounds, for there was no other physi

ontinue my interrupted declaration. This time Marie listened with more patience. She frankly acknowledged her affection for me. And added that

ne of my youthful follies. This I avowed plainly to Marie, but nevertheless I resolved to write to my father as eloquently as possible, and ask his blessing on our marriage. I showed the l

uel: "You see, Peter, I ought to put you under arrest, but indeed you have been well punished without that.

e past. Being naturally incapable of revenge, I pardoned him, forgiving both our quarrel and my wound. In his calumny I now saw the irritation of wounded vanity and despised love. I generously forgave my unfortunate rival. As soon as completely cured I returned to my lodging. I awaited im

's hand. This sight prepared me for something grave, for usually my mother wrote me, and he only added a f

"To

Peter

Principalit

Fortre

n he wrote that letter. At last I broke that seal. I saw from t

childish follies, notwithstanding your officer's rank, because you have proved that you are not worthy to bear the sword which was given you for the defense of your country, and not for the purpose of fighting a duel with a fool of your own stamp. I shall write instantly to Andrew Karlovitch

ss alarmed me; but above all, I grieved for my mother's illness. Saveliitch came in for a share of my indignation, not doubting but that he informed my parents of the duel. After having paced up and down my li

do you deign to tell me? I caused your wound? God sees that I was running to put my breast before you,

ite an accusation against me? Were you tak

n! Here, read what the master writes me, and you shall see if I denounced thee." At th

us you do your duty and fulfill your master's will? I shall send you to keep the pigs, for having concealed the truth, and for your condescension to the young man. Upon receip

he repeated; "see what thanks I have merited from my masters for all my long services! I am an old dog! I am a swine-herd, and more than all that, I caused your wound. No, no, Peter, I a

f had not thought it worth while to report my duel to him. My suspicions fell on Alexis. He only would find some advantage in this information, the consequenc

ned to you? how

plied, handing her

not my destiny. Your parents do not wish me in their family; may the will of God be done! He knows better

at your parents' feet. They are simple people; they are neither haughty nor cruel; they will give us their benediction;

u meet another bride, if you love her, may God be with you! I, Peter, I will pray for both of you." Tears interrupted her, and she went away; I wished to follow

paper all covered with writing, "see if I am a spy o

is hand; it was his rep

. I was in no condition to write to my father, a

service required it. I had but rare interviews with Alexis, for whom my antipathy increased, because I thought I discovered in him a secret enmity which confirmed my suspicions. Life became a burden; I gave myself up to a melancholy which was fed by solitude and inaction. Love burned on in silence