Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (1).pdf/11

                                      11 Falling on his knees, he swore to obey. She then proceeded as follows :—“Ever since I can recollect myself, my parents have entirely engrossed my mind : their love has been my only treasure ; their happiness has been the entire object of my life. My parents are miserable. God has called me to relieve them, and sent you here to assist me in fulfilling this destiny. I desire to repair to St. Peterburgh, and solicit the pardon of my father.” His attitude here betrayed his surprise, as if he inclined to discourage her.—“ Smoloff,” resumed Elizabeth, “ I cannot tell you at what period this idea first took possession of my soul—it appears to me as though I received it with my life— it is the first impression I can remember to have had, and it never has quitted me. It is this that always occupied me when near you, and that has at present conducted me to you. This has inspired me with a fortitude that fears neither fatigue nor rebukes, nor misery nor death.” Though the tender hopes of Smoloff had, during this discourse, entirely vanished, still he was bewildered in admiration, and the heroism of Elizabeth drew into his eyes tears scarcely less soothing than those of love. “Happy,” cried he, “ten thousand times happy am I, that you have chosen to reveal your plan to me, in order to assist it, but you are not aware of all the obstacles to its execution.” “ There are only two obstacles,” said Elizabeth, “ I am ignorant of the route which I should take; and I am not assured that my flight would not injure my father. It is necessary, first, that you should direct me as to the road, point out the towns through which I must pass, the hospitable establishments that will relieve me, and the most certain means of preferring my petition to the emperor ; and, before all things, you must answer me, that your father will not punish mine during my absence.” Smoloff now informed Elizabeth, how the emperor was irritated against her father, and promised to communicate the information she wanted. On expressing his doubts of her ability to Havel 3500 versts on foot, without aid, she replied, “ that Being who sent me to succour my parents will not abandon me! ” At these words Smoloff shed tears, telling her she must wait till the fine days ere she set out, as at present it was impracticable. “ I know,” said he, “ that in your breast there is no place for any other sentiment than that which now engrosses you; but should ever the period arrive when your parents, restored to their country, are themselves happy, and you content, then recollect that in these deserts Smoloff saw and loved you, and that he preferred a residence here, though obscure and poor, with Elizabeth, the daughter of an exile, before all the glories which the world could proffer! ” He could utter no more, and Eliza-