Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

THE HISTORY ОГ THELENEF.105

done their neighbours. Various of the surrounding districts united with Vologda to present a similar request to his majesty. They say that they offered him all the money necessary to buy the domain of the Prince — both the men and the land."

ÍC It is all true," said the old woman ; " and my son, Fedor, who met them at Petersburg, went with them to speak to our Father; they all came back together yesterday."

" If I did not tell you of this attempt," said Xenie, looking at her amazed father, " it was because I knew that it would end in nothing."

" You have deceived yourself, if they have seen the Father."

" The Father himself could not do what they wished; he cannot buy all Russia."

Cí Do you perceive their cunning !" continued The-lenef. " The knaves are rich enough to offer large presents to the Emperor, and yet, with us, they are beggars. They are not ashamed to say that we spoil them of every thing; whereas, if we had more sense and less mildness, we should strip them even to the very girdle with which they would strangle us."

" You will not have the time to do that, Mister Steward," said, in a very low and gentle voice, a young-man who had approached xmperceived, and who stood with his hat in his hand, before a bush of osiers, from the midst of which he seemed to come as if by enchantment. " Ah ! is it you, you villain ? " cried Thelenef.

"Fedor, you say nothing to your foster-sister," interrupted Xenie, " you had so often promised not to forget me. I have kept my word better than you, F 5