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Article THE COUNTESS AND THE SERF* ← Page 12 of 23 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
wretched girl threw herself into a seat to weep ; ancl as the tears fell fast upon her burning cheeks , she recalled , with an agony that shook her frame like an ague-fit , all the proofs of affection which Ivan had lavished upon herself from their childhood even to that very hour ; for , silent as he had been as to his hopes and feelingsnever for a moment had he ceased to evince towards
, her the passionate attachment of an absorbing love . These memories , however , served only to embitter her excited spirit , regarding them as she did at that moment as the mere subterfuges of a false heart , seeking to work out its own selfish ends ; ancl it was consequently with a false and fatal thirst for vengeance that she awaited the return of her messenger .
" Tell me all 1 " she exclaimed , as Catherine at length stood beside her . " All ! Do not spare me one detail . I am prepared for your recital be it what it may . Have you seen them ?" " I have . "
" Where ?" " In the same spot where they last met , and where they have met for many mornings past . " " Did you hear what was said between them ?" " I heard all that you will care to know , although I was somewhat tardy at my post . When I reached my hiding-place
, he Avas again on his knees before the countess , ancl held in his hand an open paper , Aidiich he was imploring of her to take back . ' Nothing can change my determination , ' said your cousin ; ' it is immutable . Be prudent ; you have pledgee ! your word , and I rely upon your promise . In three clays Ave shall have nothing to conceal . '"
" In three days , " murmured the Countess Anna abstractedly . " ' At the altar , ' pru-sued Madame Eudoxia , ' I ivill liberate you from your oath , but until then my cousin must know nothing of our projects . ' Ivan then endeavom-ed to induce her to delay her departure Avere it only for a single clay , but the countess Avas resolved . ' My dear Ivan , ' she said , as she
pressed his hand in hers ; ' to-morrow at daybreak we shall both be free . ' And then they wept , madam , as though their joy Avas troubled by some feeling of remorse or sorrow ; ancl as they prepared to separate , Ivan carefully placed the paper in his breast , saying as he did so , ' There , my clear Eudoxia , it shall resttogether with our secretand the earnest affection
, , Avhich I have vowed to you . Fear not , your confidence in my devotion has not been misplaced , and will endure while life lasts . ' ' FareAvell , Ivan / responded your cousin ; ' do not suffer any one to awaken Anna to-morrow morning , for I feel that should we again meet , my secret would escape me ; and my heart
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
wretched girl threw herself into a seat to weep ; ancl as the tears fell fast upon her burning cheeks , she recalled , with an agony that shook her frame like an ague-fit , all the proofs of affection which Ivan had lavished upon herself from their childhood even to that very hour ; for , silent as he had been as to his hopes and feelingsnever for a moment had he ceased to evince towards
, her the passionate attachment of an absorbing love . These memories , however , served only to embitter her excited spirit , regarding them as she did at that moment as the mere subterfuges of a false heart , seeking to work out its own selfish ends ; ancl it was consequently with a false and fatal thirst for vengeance that she awaited the return of her messenger .
" Tell me all 1 " she exclaimed , as Catherine at length stood beside her . " All ! Do not spare me one detail . I am prepared for your recital be it what it may . Have you seen them ?" " I have . "
" Where ?" " In the same spot where they last met , and where they have met for many mornings past . " " Did you hear what was said between them ?" " I heard all that you will care to know , although I was somewhat tardy at my post . When I reached my hiding-place
, he Avas again on his knees before the countess , ancl held in his hand an open paper , Aidiich he was imploring of her to take back . ' Nothing can change my determination , ' said your cousin ; ' it is immutable . Be prudent ; you have pledgee ! your word , and I rely upon your promise . In three clays Ave shall have nothing to conceal . '"
" In three days , " murmured the Countess Anna abstractedly . " ' At the altar , ' pru-sued Madame Eudoxia , ' I ivill liberate you from your oath , but until then my cousin must know nothing of our projects . ' Ivan then endeavom-ed to induce her to delay her departure Avere it only for a single clay , but the countess Avas resolved . ' My dear Ivan , ' she said , as she
pressed his hand in hers ; ' to-morrow at daybreak we shall both be free . ' And then they wept , madam , as though their joy Avas troubled by some feeling of remorse or sorrow ; ancl as they prepared to separate , Ivan carefully placed the paper in his breast , saying as he did so , ' There , my clear Eudoxia , it shall resttogether with our secretand the earnest affection
, , Avhich I have vowed to you . Fear not , your confidence in my devotion has not been misplaced , and will endure while life lasts . ' ' FareAvell , Ivan / responded your cousin ; ' do not suffer any one to awaken Anna to-morrow morning , for I feel that should we again meet , my secret would escape me ; and my heart