Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (2).pdf/19

Rh opportunity of speaking in private with father Paul-she ted on her knees the history of her life, a tender recital composed only of her affection for her parents. Her parents did not know it was her intention to quit then the next day. When evening arrived, Elizabeth, on her knees, begged of her parents to bless her. Her father approached while the tears ran down his cheeks: she stretched forth her arms-he understood this as her farewell; the current of his feelings was checked-and placing his hands on the head of Elizabeth, he recommended her to God in his thoughts, but without the power of articulating a word. The maiden then looked at her mother, and said "And you, my mother! will not you also bless your child?" "To-morrow" answered she, in a tone of despair. “And why not to day also, my dear mother?" "Ah! yes," exclaimed Phedora, rushing towards her, "every day! every day!” Elizabeth bent her head before her parents, who, with united hands, upraised eyes, and trembling voices, pronounced that benediction which Heaven surely heard. Meanwhile the Missionary, with his crucifix in his hand, was offering up his prayers some paces off-it was virtue praying for innocence!

It was now towards the end of May, when between the twilight and day-break there are scarce two hours of night. Elizabeth being quite ready for the journey, awoke the Missionary early in the morning, and to prevent the pain of parting with her parents, she proposed to Father Paul to set off before they arose, which he acceded to. When a short way from the cabin, she fell on her knees, imploring the Almighty to protect her parents. On turning round, she beheld her father near her. "Oh, my father," said she, "are you here?" "I am here,” said he, "to bless you once again before you depart," and to the Missionary he observed “I entrust to you a treasure that is dearer than my life. Depart together, and may guardian angels protect you!" A whole month was consumed in crossing the forest of Siberia. About 40 versts from Tinouen they came to a wood, where some posts indicated the termination of the government of Tobolsk. They proceeded to the city of Perm, which is environed with marshes, presenting a melancholy aspect. They sometimes met with empty cars, and obtained leave, for a few copecks, to ascend the vehicles. They reached the banks of the Kama early in September, and had nearly performed one half of their journey, when the health of the Missionary began to decline: he was frequently obliged to rest himself, and if he got into a kibick, he could not bear the jolting. Arriving at Sarapoul, the good man was so weak, he could proceed no further. They were received at a miserable inn; the flooring of his room trembled under the feet-the window had no glass, and there was neither chair nor bench. Elizabeth felt for the