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

124THE HISTORY OF TIIELENEF.

without reflection. Is it not our habit as peasants to act in this manner ? "

" It is. You pretend you were ignorant of what you wished. I will tell yon : you wished simply to reconcile yourself with Thelcnef."

¢¢ You little know me ! "

" I know you better than you know yourself. You thought our tyrants were still needful to us; and you therefore yielded, to obtain the pardon of Thelcnef. In truth, we should all have done as much in your place ; but what I reproach you with, is your wish to deceive me, who see through all. There was no other way of regaining the favour of the father, than by setting him at rest as to the consequences of your love for the daughter ; and with tins view you married, without thinking of the grief of your poor wife, whom you have condemned to eternal misery, and whom you did not scruple to abandon at the moment when she was hoping to give yon a son."

" I was ignorant of that when I quitted her : she concealed from me her situation. Once for all, I have acted without design or premeditation. I have been ever accustomed to the guidance of my foster-sister, who has so much wisdom."

¢¢ More's the pity."

"How?"

" I say it is a pity: she will be the greater loss to the country."

" Are you capable"

" We are capable of destroying her as we have done the others. ... Do yon suppose we shall be so foolish as not to shed the last drop of the blood of Thelenef, — the blood of our most hateful enemy ?"