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Article THE COUNTESS AND THE SERF* ← Page 20 of 23 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
the castle of Zamoiski before the expiration of a year , or betray to any one the place of her retreat ; but they had no sooner departed , and left their young ancl timid mistress alone ancl unknown in the midst of a great city , than tlie heart of Eudoxia quailed Avithin her ; ancl hastily snatching up a veil , she hurried to a neighbouring chapel to supplicate for strength to
fulfil her purpose , and to overcome the fatal passion by Avhich her youth had been embittered . As she prayed , she gradually became more calm ; and the shades of twilight had no sooner began to darken through the sacred edifice , than , rising from her knees , she turned her trembling steps towards a conventuallooking building ivhich she had observed when on her way to
the city . "They will surely not refuse me at least shelter for the night , " she murmured to herself , as the sound of the bell rang through the courts of the edifice , ancl a slow step became audible .
"Here , my child ! Do you ask shelter here ? " was the astonished rejoinder of the porter who kept the door ; " you must be a stranger in Wilna , or you would know that this is a madhouse , founded not long since by a Polish lady , whose daughter was distraught . This is no place for one so young and frail as you . You must go further . "
" Oh ! say not so ! " exclaimed the agitated girl ; " I am stronger than I seem . You know not , sir , how much I have already borne ; how much I must still bear . I have found the haven that I sought . Heaven has directed my steps hither ; and this shall henceforth be my home . " The kindly official would have expostulatedbut Eudoxia
, calmly and earnestly declared her resolution to devote the remainder of her life to the care of the sick ; and demanded to be conducted to the principal officer of the institution , to whom she repeated her desire to adopt the garb , ancl perform the duties of a Sister of Charity .
" But not here , madam—not here , " urged her listener , as he looked compassionately upon the poor young creature , so lovely in her despair : " you know not , —you cannot guess to what horrors you would be exposed . I dare not refuse yom- services , for Ave have great need of them ; but still I would advise—I woidd entreat "
The countess waved her hand with one of those habitual gestm-es of command which at once betrayed her rank to the keen and searching eyes which were riveted upon her . " Enough , sir , enough , " she said decisively ; " your intention is kind , but will not avail . You have need of me , and I am here . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
the castle of Zamoiski before the expiration of a year , or betray to any one the place of her retreat ; but they had no sooner departed , and left their young ancl timid mistress alone ancl unknown in the midst of a great city , than tlie heart of Eudoxia quailed Avithin her ; ancl hastily snatching up a veil , she hurried to a neighbouring chapel to supplicate for strength to
fulfil her purpose , and to overcome the fatal passion by Avhich her youth had been embittered . As she prayed , she gradually became more calm ; and the shades of twilight had no sooner began to darken through the sacred edifice , than , rising from her knees , she turned her trembling steps towards a conventuallooking building ivhich she had observed when on her way to
the city . "They will surely not refuse me at least shelter for the night , " she murmured to herself , as the sound of the bell rang through the courts of the edifice , ancl a slow step became audible .
"Here , my child ! Do you ask shelter here ? " was the astonished rejoinder of the porter who kept the door ; " you must be a stranger in Wilna , or you would know that this is a madhouse , founded not long since by a Polish lady , whose daughter was distraught . This is no place for one so young and frail as you . You must go further . "
" Oh ! say not so ! " exclaimed the agitated girl ; " I am stronger than I seem . You know not , sir , how much I have already borne ; how much I must still bear . I have found the haven that I sought . Heaven has directed my steps hither ; and this shall henceforth be my home . " The kindly official would have expostulatedbut Eudoxia
, calmly and earnestly declared her resolution to devote the remainder of her life to the care of the sick ; and demanded to be conducted to the principal officer of the institution , to whom she repeated her desire to adopt the garb , ancl perform the duties of a Sister of Charity .
" But not here , madam—not here , " urged her listener , as he looked compassionately upon the poor young creature , so lovely in her despair : " you know not , —you cannot guess to what horrors you would be exposed . I dare not refuse yom- services , for Ave have great need of them ; but still I would advise—I woidd entreat "
The countess waved her hand with one of those habitual gestm-es of command which at once betrayed her rank to the keen and searching eyes which were riveted upon her . " Enough , sir , enough , " she said decisively ; " your intention is kind , but will not avail . You have need of me , and I am here . "