Page:The Lady's Book Vol. V.pdf/73

 THE ROBBER STURMWIND. 69

THE ROBBER STURMWIND.

IN one of the suburbs of Wilna, in Lithuania, lived the widow of a German mechanic, named Margaretha, though her neighbours called her, in their provincial dialect, Malgorschata. She had an only daughter, seventeen years of age, who was known throughout the suburb by the appellation of the fair Susanna. Both mother and daughter supported themselves by their labour and the produce of a small garden attached to their old dilapidated cottage. Their dress was simple, and of the fashion usually adopted by the Germans of small condition, who are scattered through that country; except on Sundays and holidays, when an antiquated and well preserved chest, afforded them the means of a better appearance, and a few hours of peace and comfort broke the dull uniformity of their existence. On those occasions, they never failed to attend divine service, and then, if the weather were fine, took the path to the river side; for Susanna always found pleasure in watching the clear stream as it rushed down its steep rocky bed, between the green sunny banks.

When they returned, the neighbours, who on holidays were usually to be found sitting at their doors, would greet old Margaret with kind enquiries, for she was a general favourite; and as to her daughter, the young men said, that even the sparrows looked out of their nests when the fair Susanna passed by. Work being laid aside on these occasions, some of their friends often came in to pass the evening with them, which was frequently concluded with songs.

In Lithuania, even to this day, an opinion prevails among persons of the middling classes, that dreams on the night before St. Andrew's day, are peculiarly prophetic. On the eve of this day, several young girls were assembled with Susanna at Margaretha's cottage, and they mutually promised to be particular in remembering their dreams, in order to relate them to cach other at their next meeting. On the next holiday, therefore, they confided to each other their dreams, and the hopes and expectations which they founded on them. When it was Susanna's turn, she seemed unwilling to relate her's, and excused herself by saying that she could not remember it clearly; her companions declared that this was an evasion, and contrary to agreement. The gentle Susanna at length complied, and said: “You will accuse me of vanity, when I tell you what I have dreamed; but as you insist on it, I must relate the truth. I saw a rich nobleman, who asked me in marriage, and my mother encouraged his suit; on which his servants brought a number of presents in covered baskets. My mother placed them in a row, and uncovered them; they contained all sorts of fine linen, beautiful laces, and costly golden chains and clasps; and one basket was entirely filled with pearls. ““What do you say, dear Susanna, “exclaimed one of the girls, “pearls! they signify

tears! and you saw a basket full? ““Well, then, “said Susanna, “you must not envy me my noble spark, since his presence forebodes me tears. “— “How could we be jealous of your good fortune, “replied one of her companions; “were you to marry the son of the Wojewode of Wilna, and become our gracious lady, we should feel only pleasure in hearing it. "

Some weeks after this conversation, a well dressed man, mounted and attended by a servant, halted before the door of Margaretha's dwelling; and having inquired of those who were standing about, whether Frau Malgorschata lived there, he alighted. Margaretha came out to receive him, and he said that he wanted a variety of linen made up, and had been recommended to her as a quick and clever workwoman. He therefore requested her, if she would execute the order, to take from the servant some pieces of linen, to make him what was necessary. There was in the stranger's manner so much courtesy and apparent friendship, that Margaretha was delighted with her unexpected customer; and Susanna, who came to take in the linen, undertook the proposed work with pleasure.

The stranger said he should return in eight days-glanced rapidly at Susanna-and left the house. Margaretha spread out the linen, and praised its fineness, and said with a sigh:-“Ah! if I had but half of this to make up as a dower for you, my dear child! ““And why so, dearest mother? “replied Susanna, blushing, “since I am so happy with you-and marriage would perhaps seperate us. “My child, “answered her mother, “thou art younger than I, and please God will live longer; and how can a poor maiden like thee, an orphan too, get through the world without the protection of a husband? I trust I shall yet live to see thee married to some worthy man. “Susanna thought on her dream and shuddered!

Eight days passed and the stranger returned. He came this time on foot-asked if his orders were completed; and when Margaretha displayed the work, already finished, he admired its neatness, and, paying for it, requested that she would keep it till the next day, when he would send his servant to fetch it. In the same affable friendly manner, he informed himself of Margaretha's circumstances and employment. He addressed some questions to Susanna, but she scarcely dared raise her eyes towards him; for, although his manner was most courteous, there was yet something in his exterior, which filled the shy girl with fear. He was a tall, large man, with black eyes, deeply set, whose glances did not add much beauty to the sharp and earnest expression of his features. When he arose to depart, he repeated that his servant should call the next day.

Instead of this, however, he came himself → rested a short time, and informed them, amongst other conversation, that he was a nobleman of