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Article THE COUNTESS AND THE SERF* ← Page 16 of 23 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
given , long years ago , to her orphan cousin ; while beneath these lay some title-deeds , ancl a letter in the hand-wiiting of Eudoxia , bearing her oivn address ; and that was all . With quiveringfingers she opened the packet which was to reveal the mystery of the past . A cloud passed before her eyes , her pulses throbbed almost to burstingbut she could brook no longer suspense .
, " My own Anna "—thus ran the letter— " I will not , I dare not , tell j-ou how long ancl how bitterly I have suffered ; nor how deeply I reproach myself for an involuntary injury clone to you , my more than sister . I loved Ivan ; there were even moments when I was selfish enough to hope that he might one day return my love ; but you Avill forgive me Avhen you learn
how resolutely I have striven to expiate my offence . Upbraid me not ; it were needless , for my own reproaches are almost more than I can bear . You will see me no more . My strength failed before the prospect of a prolonged struggle ; and when
this reaches you I shall be the inmate of a cloister . I have the pledge of Ivan—ancl ivhen did he ever falsify his word ?—that he will withhold this my fareAvell until even your affection cannot avail to change my destiny . May you be happy together ! Heaven has fitted you for each other—he all honour , you all generous devotion . You are wealthy , yet for my sake you ivill
not reject the worldly riches which would be useless to me in the narrow cell of a convent . If I restore to you the gifts of former clays , the clearest treasures of my heart , I do so to prove to you that I am now dead to all earthly ties and affections . Do not let one memory of me sadden the bright existence ivhich awaits you ; but remember me only as one who is vow ed
to Heaven , ancl who looks to be reunited to you in eternity . " " Bring him to me ! " shrieked the wretched young countess , as after an interval of speechless agony , she once more bounded to her feet , and rushed from the apartment . " Where is Ivan Ivanowitch ? He who shall conduct him hither on the instant shall be free for life . "
But every effort was vain . Ivan had disappeared . Maddened by rage and despair , he had escaped into the forest , where during several days and nights he wandered , sleepless and without food , forcing his ivay through the tangled underwood , and braving the wild beasts in their lairs . Frightful were the visions of his solitudeas delirious from want
, ancl exhaustion , he still pressed onward , aimless ancl reckless ; pursued even to the deepest recesses of the forest by the ceaseless echo of the lash ! The winds howled dismally about him ; the growl of the bear , and the hooting of the owl , were loud beside his path , but he heard them not , while
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
given , long years ago , to her orphan cousin ; while beneath these lay some title-deeds , ancl a letter in the hand-wiiting of Eudoxia , bearing her oivn address ; and that was all . With quiveringfingers she opened the packet which was to reveal the mystery of the past . A cloud passed before her eyes , her pulses throbbed almost to burstingbut she could brook no longer suspense .
, " My own Anna "—thus ran the letter— " I will not , I dare not , tell j-ou how long ancl how bitterly I have suffered ; nor how deeply I reproach myself for an involuntary injury clone to you , my more than sister . I loved Ivan ; there were even moments when I was selfish enough to hope that he might one day return my love ; but you Avill forgive me Avhen you learn
how resolutely I have striven to expiate my offence . Upbraid me not ; it were needless , for my own reproaches are almost more than I can bear . You will see me no more . My strength failed before the prospect of a prolonged struggle ; and when
this reaches you I shall be the inmate of a cloister . I have the pledge of Ivan—ancl ivhen did he ever falsify his word ?—that he will withhold this my fareAvell until even your affection cannot avail to change my destiny . May you be happy together ! Heaven has fitted you for each other—he all honour , you all generous devotion . You are wealthy , yet for my sake you ivill
not reject the worldly riches which would be useless to me in the narrow cell of a convent . If I restore to you the gifts of former clays , the clearest treasures of my heart , I do so to prove to you that I am now dead to all earthly ties and affections . Do not let one memory of me sadden the bright existence ivhich awaits you ; but remember me only as one who is vow ed
to Heaven , ancl who looks to be reunited to you in eternity . " " Bring him to me ! " shrieked the wretched young countess , as after an interval of speechless agony , she once more bounded to her feet , and rushed from the apartment . " Where is Ivan Ivanowitch ? He who shall conduct him hither on the instant shall be free for life . "
But every effort was vain . Ivan had disappeared . Maddened by rage and despair , he had escaped into the forest , where during several days and nights he wandered , sleepless and without food , forcing his ivay through the tangled underwood , and braving the wild beasts in their lairs . Frightful were the visions of his solitudeas delirious from want
, ancl exhaustion , he still pressed onward , aimless ancl reckless ; pursued even to the deepest recesses of the forest by the ceaseless echo of the lash ! The winds howled dismally about him ; the growl of the bear , and the hooting of the owl , were loud beside his path , but he heard them not , while