Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (1).pdf/7

                               7 about to depart, as she intended to disclose her design to him, and insure his assistance in the prosecution of it, but did not like to do so before her parents. However, addressing him, she said, “Will you not come again, sir? Promise me,” added she, “that to-day shall not prove the last in which I am to behold the saviour of my father! ” Her father hearing this, was seized with secret inquietude—he reminded her of the governor's orders, and assured her he could not disobey them twice. Smoloff here observed, he was certain of obtaining from his father an exemption in favour of his own son, and that he would immediately go to Tobolsk for the purpose. “ But, sir,” said young Smoloff to Springer, “ while asking this favour for myself, shall I say nothing to my father for you ? Have you nothing to ask?”—“ Nothing, sir,” replied Springer, with an air of gravity. The youth cast his eyes mournfully down, and then repeated his question to Phedora, who expressed a desire he might obtain leave for herself and daughter to go every Sunday to Saimka to celebrate mass. Smoloff promised to forward this request, and departed, carrying with him the benedictions of the family, and followed by the silent vows of Elizabeth for his speedy return. Since the visit of Smoloff, Springer’s sadness had assumed a more sombre character : the recollection of this youth, so amiable, so generous, and courageous, incessantly presented to his mind the husband he could have wished for his daughter; hut his melancholy circumstances precluded the indulgence of such thoughts; and instead of desiring, he feared Smoloff’s return. Elizabeth, he thought, might be susceptible of tenderness, and fall a prey to the secret sorrows of a hopeless attachment. One night, plunged in these reveries, as he sat by the fire, he breathed deep sighs; Phedora, witnessing his agitation, and fixing her eyes upon him, she implored heaven to inspire her with such consolations as might obliterate the sense of his misfortunes ; while Elizabeth indulged the hope, that a day would come when they would cease to weep : young Smoloff, she thought, would assist her to compass her end, yet she dreaded the resistance of her parents. Resolving, however, to make her project known to them, she prayed to God they might listen to her petition; and an opportunity soon occurring, she requested her father to permit her to ask him a few questions ; to which he consented. “The other day,” said Elizabeth, “when Smoloff inquired if you desired nothing, you answered him, ‘Nothing!’ Now, is it so, that there is nothing which you want?” “Nothing,” replied Springer, “that he could confer.” “But who can give,” resumed Elizabeth, “that which you wish?” “Equity, justice!” replied Springer.