Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (2).pdf/16

16 replied Springer, to die so far from it." Elizabeth looked over her mother's shoulder to ascertain if the air and physiognomy of the governor were expressive of benevolence and goodness that she might speak to him. The governor seeing her, said, “Young lady, my son is known to yon-you have made an indelible impression on him."-"Did he tell you, sir, that she owes the life of her father to him?" interrupted Phedora. "No madam, but he has told me she would give her own for her father and for you." “She would," said Springer, "and her affection and tenderness are the only treasure now left." The governor turned aside to conceal his emotions, and shortly informed Elizabeth that his son had been commanded by the emperor to join the army assembling in Livcnia; at his departure he conjured me to convey this letter to you, but as I could not entrust 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:-

"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 yon how much we owe to a father, I could not hazard the life of my 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 in leagues hence, and that I must instantly obey it. I am going: you know not what I suffer.-Ah! I do not implore of heaven that you should know.

"I have opened my heart to any 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 in 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, madamn: 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