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Article THE COUNTESS AND THE SERF* ← Page 13 of 23 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
ivould break if I were compelled to impart it with my own lips . ' After this , madam , they parted ; and I hastened back , as clay was beginning to dawn , and I was fearful of discovery . " Anna listened no longer . She had heard enough—more than enough ; ancl her anguish yielded for a time to the most bitter scorn . The desire of revenge grew every moment more strong
within her ; she felt no fatigue , for the spirit had overmastered the body ; and thus she sat until she became assured that the moment of Eudoxia's departure was at hand . After listening for a brief space , which sufficed to assm-e her that it was indeed the A'oice of Ivan Avhich she heard beneath her AiindoAv , the yoimg countess roseand looked out . Another moment ' s delay
, , and her whole destiny , as well as that of those upon whom she fixed her earnest gaze , might have been changed ; but this was not to be ; and with a pale cheek and compressed lips she saw her cousin withdraw herself from the embrace of her presumed lover , to whom , as she prepared to enter the carriage , she gave a small casket , which he immediately raised to his lips .
By a sudden and uncontrollable impulse the Countess Zamoiska rushed from her chamber , hurriedly descended the great staircase , and made her way to the courtyard , determined to surprise the traitors in the very moment of their treason ; but she was too late ; the coach had passed the gates , ancl was already midway of the descent ; while Ivanwhose tears had not yet
, ceased to flow , was gazing regretfully upon the departing equipage . " Anna ! " exclaimed the young man , as she suddenly stood beside him , " my dear Anna , why are you here ? We had hoped to spare you this trial . "
" No doubt , " was the cold reply , as the countess fixed her tearless eyes upon his countenance , while a smile of bitter irony quivered about her mouth ; " I can well believe that at such a moment my presence was not desired ; but although your plans were ably combined , I have not been your dupe ; and I am here , somewhat too late it may beto convince you of the factto
, ; frustrate your perfidious project ; and to express to yourself at least , the contempt ancl aversion with which I shall henceforth regard you both . " "Anna ! " exclaimed the young man in an accent of sad but still haughty reproach ; " Is it indeed to me that you address such words ?"
"And Avherefore not ? " demanded the countess , with a sudden assumption of stern dignity , by Avliich her Avhole person became metamorphosed ; " Am I compelled to smooth my sentences for the ear of Ivan Ivanowitch ? Yes , it is to you I speak ; it is you
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Countess And The Serf*
ivould break if I were compelled to impart it with my own lips . ' After this , madam , they parted ; and I hastened back , as clay was beginning to dawn , and I was fearful of discovery . " Anna listened no longer . She had heard enough—more than enough ; ancl her anguish yielded for a time to the most bitter scorn . The desire of revenge grew every moment more strong
within her ; she felt no fatigue , for the spirit had overmastered the body ; and thus she sat until she became assured that the moment of Eudoxia's departure was at hand . After listening for a brief space , which sufficed to assm-e her that it was indeed the A'oice of Ivan Avhich she heard beneath her AiindoAv , the yoimg countess roseand looked out . Another moment ' s delay
, , and her whole destiny , as well as that of those upon whom she fixed her earnest gaze , might have been changed ; but this was not to be ; and with a pale cheek and compressed lips she saw her cousin withdraw herself from the embrace of her presumed lover , to whom , as she prepared to enter the carriage , she gave a small casket , which he immediately raised to his lips .
By a sudden and uncontrollable impulse the Countess Zamoiska rushed from her chamber , hurriedly descended the great staircase , and made her way to the courtyard , determined to surprise the traitors in the very moment of their treason ; but she was too late ; the coach had passed the gates , ancl was already midway of the descent ; while Ivanwhose tears had not yet
, ceased to flow , was gazing regretfully upon the departing equipage . " Anna ! " exclaimed the young man , as she suddenly stood beside him , " my dear Anna , why are you here ? We had hoped to spare you this trial . "
" No doubt , " was the cold reply , as the countess fixed her tearless eyes upon his countenance , while a smile of bitter irony quivered about her mouth ; " I can well believe that at such a moment my presence was not desired ; but although your plans were ably combined , I have not been your dupe ; and I am here , somewhat too late it may beto convince you of the factto
, ; frustrate your perfidious project ; and to express to yourself at least , the contempt ancl aversion with which I shall henceforth regard you both . " "Anna ! " exclaimed the young man in an accent of sad but still haughty reproach ; " Is it indeed to me that you address such words ?"
"And Avherefore not ? " demanded the countess , with a sudden assumption of stern dignity , by Avliich her Avhole person became metamorphosed ; " Am I compelled to smooth my sentences for the ear of Ivan Ivanowitch ? Yes , it is to you I speak ; it is you