“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 were moving, he leaned out of the kibitka and said to me:
“Adieu, again, your lordship; perhaps we may meet once more.”
We did meet again, but under what circumstances!
I returned to Father Garasim’s, where our preparations were soon
completed. Our baggage was put into the Commandant’s old equipage. The
horses were harnessed. Marie went, before setting off, to visit once
more the tomb in the church-yard, and soon returned, having wept in
silence over all that remained to her of her parents. Father Garasim and
Accoulina stood on the steps. Marie, Polacca, and I sat in the interior
of the kibitka. Saveliitch perched himself up in front.
“Adieu, Marie, sweet little dove! Adieu, Peter, our handsome falcon!”
exclaimed the kind Accoulina.
Passing the Commandant’s house, I saw Alexis, whose face expressed
determined hate.