Marie; a story of Russian love by Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin
page 87 of 118 (73%)
page 87 of 118 (73%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
"Not long, Peter. I came yesterday. I have a letter for you." "Where is it?" I cried, delighted. "Here," replied Maxim, putting his hand in his bosom. "I promised Polacca to try and give it to you." He gave me a folded paper, and set off on a gallop. I read with agitation the following lines: "By the will of God I am deprived of my parents, and except you, Peter, I know of no one who can protect me; Alexis commands in place of my late father. He so terrified Father Garasim that I was obliged to go and live at our house, where I am cruelly treated by Alexis. He will force me to become his wife. He says he saved my life by not betraying the trick of passing for the niece of Accoulina. I could rather die than be his wife. I have three days to accept his offer; after that I need expect no mercy from him. O, Peter! entreat your General to send us help, and if possible, come yourself. MARIE MIRONOFF." This letter nearly crazed me. I rushed back to the city, not sparing the spur to my poor horse. A thousand projects flashed through my mind to rescue her. Arrived in the city, I hurried to the General's and ran into his room. He was walking up and down smoking his meerschaum. Seeing me he stopped, alarmed at my abrupt entrance. "Your Excellency, I come to you, as to my own father; do not refuse me; the happiness of my life depends upon it." "But what is it?" said the General; "what can I do for you?" |
|