Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (1).pdf/6

                                8 man stooping, as if looking for something, she cried. “ My father! is it you, my father?” The person looked up, and was surprised at seeing Elizabeth. ‘ ‘I know not your father,” said the stranger, ‘‘but I know that, at such an hour, you ought not to be alone on this heath.” ‘‘Ah!” interrupted Elizabeth, “ I fear nothing in the world to the dread of not finding my father.” Saying this, she raised her eyes to heaven, and their mingled expression of dignity and tenderness, courage and softness, at once portrayed all the emotions of her soul, and seemed prophetic of her destiny. The young stranger was struck—he had never seen any thing like Elizabeth, nor imagined such a being as her. He inquired her father’s name? “Peter Springer,” answered Elizabeth. “What!” exclaimed the stranger, “you are the daughter of the exile of the cabin of the lake ! Tranquillize your mind—I do know your father—it is hardly an hour since I parted from him ; he then turned to go home, and must by this have reached his dwelling.” She could listen to no more, but hastened to the spot where she had left her mother with cries of joy. However, her mother was no longer there. She now made the forests ring with the names of her father and mother; and happily, at length, voices were heard, hailing her from the borders of the lake. She quickly arrived safe at the threshold of the cabin, where she found her beloved parents, who extended their arms to her, and she threw herself into them. Explanations soon followed, and it appeared each returned home by different ways. Elizabeth now perceived the stranger was approaching. He was recognized by her father, who said to him, with deep regret, “ It is very late, M. Smoloff; and you well know I am prohibited from offering you an asylum for a single night.” “ Smoloff 1” exclaimed Elizabeth and her mother together, “ our deliverer ! is it indeed he whom we behold ?” Both fell at his feet. “Smoloff!” said Elizabeth, “ever since you saved the life of my father, three years ago, we have not passed one day without imploring for you the benediction of heaven !” “ Ah! your prayers have been heard, since Providence has directed me here,” said Smoloff, “for the little that I have done merits not a reward like this.” It was now' late, and darkness had enveloped the whole forest. For Smoloff to attempt to return Saimka so late at night was dangerous, and Springer could not refuse the rights of hospitality to his deliverer, notwithstanding the strict orders of the governor, and it was at length agreed that Smoloff should remain there till the morning. In the morning, by day-light, Smoloff prepared to bid adieu to tho exiles, It was not without regret Elizabeth saw him