istian. You are my benefactor. Let me
go with this orphan, and we, whatever happens to you, wherever you may
be, we shall pray God to save your soul."

"Be it as you desire," said he, "punish to the end, or pardon
completely, that's my way. Take your promised bride wherever you choose,
and may God give you love and happiness." He turned to Alexis, and
ordered him to write me a passport for all the forts subject to his
power. Alexis was petrified with astonishment. Pougatcheff went off to
inspect the fortress; Alexis followed him; I remained.

I ran up to Marie's room. The door was closed. I knocked.

"Who is there?" asked Polacca.

I gave my name. I heard Marie say: "In an instant, Peter, I shall join
you at Accoulina's."

Father Garasim and Accoulina came out to welcome me. I was honored with
everything at the command of the hostess, whose voluble tongue never
ceased. It was not long before Marie entered, quite pale; she had laid
aside the peasant's dress, and was, as usual, clad in simplicity, but
with neatness and taste. I seized her hand, unable to utter a word. We
were both silent from full hearts. Our hosts left us, and I could now
speak of plans for her safety. It was impossible that she should stay in
a fortress subject to Pougatcheff, and commanded by the infamous Alexis.
Neither could she find refuge at Orenbourg, suffering all the horrors of
siege. I proposed that she should go to my father's country-seat. This
surprised her. But I assured her that my father would hold it a duty
and an honor to receive the daughter of a veteran who had died for his
country. In conclusion, I said: "My dear Marie; I consider thee as my
wife; these strange events have bound us for ever to each other."

Marie listened with dignity; she felt as I did, but repeated that
without my parents' consent she would never be my wife. I could not
reply to this objection. I folded her to my heart, and my project became
our mutual resolve.

An hour after, the Corporal brought me my passport, having the scratch
which served as Pougatcheff's sign-manual, and told me that the Czar
awaited me. I found him ready for his journey. To this man--why not
tell the truth?--cruel and terrible to all but me, I was drawn by strong
sympathy. I wanted to snatch him from the horde of robbers, whose chief
he was; but the presence of Alexis and the crowd around him prevented
any expression of these feelings. Our parting was that of friends. As
the horses