A duel with his brother-in-law terminated the life of Pushkin in
the splendor of his talent. The emperor munificently endowed the
poet's family, and ordered a superb edition of all his works to be
published at the expense of the crown. His death was mourned by
his countrymen as a national calamity. M. H. de Z.

Chicago, Nov. 1, 1876.





MARIE.



I. THE SERGEANT OF THE GUARDS.


My father, Andrew Peter Grineff, having served in his youth under
Count Munich, left the army in 17--, with the grade of First Major.
From that time he lived on his estate in the Principality of Simbirsk,
where he married Avoditia, daughter of a poor noble in the
neighborhood. Of nine children, the issue of this marriage, I was
the only survivor. My brothers and sisters died in childhood.

Through the favor of a near relative of ours, Prince B---, himself
a Major in the Guards, I was enrolled Sergeant of the Guards in the
regiment of Semenofski. It was understood that I was on furlough
till my education should be finished. From my fifth year I was