Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (2).pdf/10

10 from her eyes, filled with tears, and the heroism of her soul shed something so divine on the humility of her attitude, that Springer instantly saw the part his daughter meant to take. Oppressed at heart, he could neither speak nor weep, but remained motionless as if in the presence of an angel-and that spirit which kings could not intimidate, became weak at the voice of his child, and could not resume its wonted strength. "Why," said Phedora to her husband, “do you refuse to confide our secret to her? Do you apprehend that the soul of our Elizabeth will be affected to weakness by the reverses we have seen!" "No," replied Springer, “it is not her weakness that I fear ! Elizabeth, at these words, found she was understood by her father, and she pressed his hand in silence, that she might be comprehended by him only, for she knew her mother's tender heart, and wished to procrastinate the moment of an aflicting explanation. “Elizabeth," said her father," you have this day effaced twelve years of adversity.” “While such sentiments," replied she, “are expressed here, never say that you cannot find happiness on earth. Speak then, dear father, and let me know your real name, what your country, and what your griefs?” “Misfortunes," said he, "are now no more, my country is that where I reside with thee, my name the happy father of Elizabeth.” “O, my child!” interrupted Phedora, “I can now love you still more; you came to be the consolation of your father." These words entirely overcame the remaining resolution of Springer; he clasped his wife and daughter in his arms, crying, “God forgive me-I have been ungrateful, but punish we not!" When the violence of this emotion had subsided, Springer promised to give her what information she wished, after a few days.

Elizabeth now began to try her strength upon the heaths at Ischim; in all weathers she sallied out, and accustomed herself, by degrees, to brave the opposing elements. The winters of Siberia are subject to