Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (2).pdf/12

12 "You talked of returning to your mother," observed Springer, but think for yourself if that be possible." “Let us try," replied she; "I have greater strength than you would believe, and I am very glad you have an opportunity to ascertain it, and that you will see what I can do to console my mother.” Leaning on her father and Smoloff, she proceeded homeward. On their arrival, Phedora embraced all three, blessing God they were returned. Smoloff was much affected by witnessing these tender and material cares which Elizabeth received, and he felt it impossible to love Elizabeth without being attached to her mother also-and the felicity of being the husband of that lovely girl included the happiness of being the son of Phedora. The night now approached, the storm being, past, Springer took the hand of Smoloff, and with mingled kindness and grief reminded him it was proper to go. Elizabeth now first discovered that he was visiting them for the last time- “What," said she, "shall I never see you more?" " Ah!" replied Smoloff, with great vivacity, “ as long as I remain free, and you continue to inhabit these deserts, I will not again quit Saimka ; I will see you at the church, in the forest, on the plain, and on the banks of the river-I will see you everywhere." From this Elizabeth foresaw the possibility of being enabled to confide to him her design, and beheld him depart with diminished pain.

The next Sunday Elizabeth and her mother set out to Saimka, guided by their Tartar lad, and the weather being fine, the distance appeared short. On entering the church, all eyes were turned towards them, but their regard was directed to the Supreme Object of their devotion. When Elizabeth raised her head, Smoloff was the first object that met her view; he was leaning against a pillar, with his eyes fixed on her. When quitting the church, Smoloff offered to take them back in his sledge, to which Phedora gladly consented; but not so Elizabeth, who was inwardly chagrined at not having an opportunity to whisper her