Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (1).pdf/13

                                  13 commanded by the Emperor to join the army assembling in Livonia; at his departure he conjured me to convey this letter to you, but as I could not intrust it with another I have brought it myself. ” Elizabeth blushed as she took it. Elizabeth consequently gave the letter to her father to read aloud :— smoloff’s letter. “ One of the most lively regrets that I feel in quitting Saimka, madam, arises from my not being able to explain to you the obligation which compels me to leave you. I could neither see nor write to you, nor send the instructions you demanded, without violating my father’s orders and risking his safety; though, perhaps, I should have done both, but for the example you set me. When, however, I had so recently learned from you rhow much we owe to a father, I could not hazard the life of m own ; yet I freely confess I did not love my duty as you love yours, and returned to Tobolsk with a heavy heart. My father informs me that an order from the Emperor appoints me to a station 1000 leagues hence, and that I must instantly obey it. lam going: you know not what I suffer.—Ah! I do not implore of heaven that you should know. “ I have opened my heart to my father; I have seen his tears flow, as I told him your design : I believe that he will see you, that he will go expressly to visit the circle of Ischim. If he can, he will have this letter conveyed to you. Elizabeth, I depart more tranquil since I have placed you under the protection of my father; but, I conjure you, do not avail yourself of that protection to set out before my return, which I hope will be in less than a year. I will conduct you to St. Petersburgh ; I will present you to the Emperor; I will watch over you and guard you during the tedious journey. Do not fear my love for you, I will never mention it again : I will be only your friend. I will be your brother only; and although I shall obey you with all the ardour of passion, I swear never again to speak a language to you which shall not be pure as innocence, as angels are—as you are.” Beneath was the following postscript, in the hand writing of the Governor: “No, madam; you ought not to set out with my son. I doubt not his honour, but yours ought to be beyond all possibility of suspicion. In exhibiting to the court of Russia virtues too noble, too touching to be unsuccessful, it must not be said that you were conducted by your lover, and thus tarnish the sublimest act of filial piety that ever adorned human nature. In your situation there are no other protectors but God and your father. Your father cannot follow you ; God will not desert you. Re-