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

118ТПЕ HISTORY OF THELENEF.

treat where I left Thelenef. No place is safe in our unfortunate district, but that is, at least, the safest."

" You will restore me to my father! Thank you, Fedor: but what will yon yourself do then? "

" I will bid you adieu."

" Never! "

" Nay, nay, Xenie is right: you must remain with them," cried the poor mother.

" Thelenef would not suffer me," replied the young man, bitterly.

Xenie felt that it was not the moment to answer. The three fugitives pursuing their way in silence, and without accident, at length reached the door of the aged peasant.

It was fastened only with a latch. The old man slept, wrapped in a black sheepskin, and stretched on one of the rustic benches, which were ranged, like a divan, around the room. Over his head burnt a little lamp, suspended before a Greek Madonna, almost entirely concealed by the silver ornaments of her head and garments. A kettle full of hot water, a tea pot, and several cups, remained on the table. A short time before the arrival of the party, the wife of Fedor had quitted the cottage, to seek, with her child, shelter at her father's. Fedor appeared neither surprised nor vexed at her departure ; for he had not told her to wait for him, and he wished the retreat of Xenie to be unknown to the whole world.

After lighting a lamp at that of the Virgin's, he led his mother and foster-sister to a small dark closet, which formed a loft over the room before mentioned. All the houses of the iïussian peasants are similar in construction.