Page:The Praises of Amida, 1907.djvu/105

 and came into contact with the rough, proud, ways of military officers, he surrendered at discretion to the world, and from that moment knew no law but his own lusts, and became a dissolute, profligate, man. He did not feel happy at first in his new life, and slid uneasily enough down the decline of sin; but the uneasy feeling lasted only for a while, and, when that was lost, he went down-hill with a reckless, headlong, speed. 3. It was at this period of his life that he was ordered into the country on regimental business, and visited an aunt of his who lived in the country, on his line of journey. In his aunt's house Nehrodoff met an amiable girl, Cassia by name, the daughter of a low woman, who had been deserted by her mother, and adopted and reared by his aunt. Nehrodoff saw her, became enamoured and, urged on by his lawless passions, seduced the girl. The next morning he left her, and afterwards for many years never thought of the girl again; for he led a wandering, roving, life, here to day and