The Circassian Chief: A Romance of Russia

rank, andbanished for slight political offences, are allowed comparative freedom,on their arrival at their place of destination. Many reside in citieswith their families, surrounded with most of the luxuries of Europe,though under the surveillance of the police. Yet what can compensatefor a banishment from their native land without the remotest hope orpower of returning thither?

  The promenade of the people of which we have spoken, is a wide tract,ornamented with noble trees, and furnished with all the means necessaryto promote the national amusements of the Russians. Thither hadresorted the easily pleased citizens to amuse themselves, to the utmost,after their busy occupations. Surrounded by their families and friends,seated on the turf, they were enjoying their tea, which was served outof large urns, placed before them on the ground; the joke and therefreshments passing merrily round. Here, a large concourse of idlersformed a circle round a party of mountebanks and jugglers; each feat ofdexterity receiving loud applause: there, a troop of Gipsy girls gainedequal admiration, as, in the mazy figures of the dance, they exhibitedtheir picturesque and graceful movements.

  It mostly happens that those of a higher station do not deign to becomespectators of these scenes, and restrict themselves to their ownpromenades; yet, there were a few whose curiosity, like of that our twofriends, had led them to this spot.

  Thaddeus was conversing with an acquaintance whom he accidentally met,while Ivan, standing a few paces from them, observed the approach of aband of dancing girls, and, among them, he recognised a face he couldnot easily forget, though the person was evidently not taking a part inthe exhibition. He could not be deceived in Azila, the Gipsy maiden.She passed close to him, and a slight momentary blush tinged her cheek,as beckoning to him, she separated from her companions. He followedher, until she stopped beneath a thick cluster of trees, which screenedthem from observation.

  "I fear you will think me bold, and forward in thus addressing you,"said she, "but I have urgent reasons for so doing. This day, I purposedseeking you out in another part of the city; when, having joined theband of dancers, with a view of meeting those whom I sought, withoutsuspicion, I saw you enter the gardens. Think not," and she blusheddeeply; "that I would exhibit myself to the gaze of the miserable slavesassembled to witness the performances of my companions. You willshortly understand more clearly the reasons which induce me to appearamong them; till then, judge not ill of me--but to my errand, for timepresses. Danger threatens under many shapes; and one whom you know, theCount Erintoff, has sworn to revenge himself on you, for your generousdefence of me. He seeks your life, and that of your friend; and thoughhe is too great a coward to hazard his own, he may employ others to dohis bidding. Be therefore constantly on your guard, yet without fear,for there are those who feel an earnest interest in your welfare, whowill watch over your safety, and have marked each movement of yours,since you arrived in Moscow."

  "I thank you, fair one, for your warning," answered Ivan; "but I fearnot the Count, or any plans he may form against me or my friend."

  "You know not," hastily rejoined Azila; "what means a man of hisvindictive, and dastard disposition would stoop to, for theaccomplishment of a vile purpose; and I entreat you to beware of him--but I have more to say. You are destined for nobler deeds than the lifeyou now lead affords, where you are dissipating your time and talents inpursuits totally unworthy of you. My boldness of speech may surpriseyou, and appear unmaidenly; but I know that I may trust you in what I amabout to impart. A great revolution in the affairs of this country isabout to take place; yet you--so fit to lead your countrymen, and to aidin their regeneration, are ignorant of the project. Sure I am, thatwere you once summoned to join in the noble work, you would stake all onthe glorious enterprise. One, on whom you may rely, will shortlycommunicate with you on the subject; oh! do not hesitate to follow hisadvice. The day of the regeneration of Russia is at hand! Thus much--but more I may not disclose; but think deeply on my words;--see, someone draws near, farewell for a time!"

  Ere Ivan had time to make any answer to this extraordinarycommunication, the speaker had escaped, and following her with his eye,he traced her, until she rejoined the party of dancing girls, whoshortly moved away from the spot.

  On returning in search of Thaddeus, he pondered on what he had justheard. "Extraordinary being that she is," thought he; "what secretmotive can so deeply interest her in my actions, and how can she becomeacquainted with plots and conspiracies of such deep import?"

  At first, he hesitated to mention the occurrence to his friend; but, ontheir return to the hotel, when he was rallied on account of his silentand meditative mood, he informed him of the warning he had received.

  Thaddeus laughed loud, as he expressed his opinion; "Truly, indeed, thisis an excellent excuse which the pretty Gipsy has discovered forrenewing her acquaintance with you; why, Ivan, I see through it all.She has fallen desperately in love with you, and would have told you so,had you given her the slightest encouragement, and the time been moreopportune."

  Ivan indignantly repelled the idea. "No, no!" he said, "her manner wastoo earnest--too respectful to bespeak any such inclination. Shenaturally feels gratitude for our aid in rescuing her from the power ofthat smiling faced ruffian, the Count Erintoff, and, in return, haswarned us of the revenge he meditates for our interference, and whichshe has, by some means, discovered. With regard to the more importantpart of her disclosure, I confide in you with an equal trust to that shehas reposed in me. I gather from her words that a plot is being laid tooverthrow the whole mighty fabric of this despotic government, which nowappears to stand on so immoveable a foundation."

  A laugh again burst from his friend, who replied, "Your vividimagination, my dear Ivan, carries you beyond the limits of probability;though I sincerely wish it were so; but I rather think that the prettymessenger's sole view, was to excite your curiosity, in order to gainanother interview."

  "Time will shew, Thaddeus," replied the other, "I differ entirely fromyou, and, until then, I will not give up the opinion I have formed ofAzila."

  Immediately on quitting the public promenade of the citizens, andpreviously to their return to the hotel, Thaddeus drove to a far distantscene. The aristocratic promenade of Pedroski leads through amagnificent forest; the grounds encompassing the venerable chateau arelaid out with perfect taste, and are ornamented with every variety oftree and shrub. Here they were among the votaries of rank and fashion;the elite of Moscow; vying with each other in the magnificence and styleof their equipages. Elegantly dressed ladies, reclined in theircarriages, and proud seigneurs covered with decorations, and followed bytheir attendants, galloped by with erect and haughty mien. Dashingyoung officers, in their brilliant uniforms, were displaying themselvesand their mettled steeds to their own satisfaction--if not to that ofothers.

  Whilst they were in earnest conversation, on the subject of Azila'swarning, a messenger arrived to summon Thaddeus home, on account of theillness of his father. He accordingly departed, leaving Ivan againalone. Left to his own thoughts, a heavy weight oppressed his spirits,for his mind dwelt forcibly on the mysterious import of Azila's words.At one moment, his calm reason warned him not to listen to the seductivearguments that might be used to induce him to join in an attempt, whichwould too probably lead to the utter destruction of all engaged in it;and, then again, his enthusiasm would be aroused, and he confessed theenterprise was well worthy of a severe struggle.

  He was alone in the hotel on the following day, when a noble of someconsideration, whom he had frequently met in society, was announced.

  The visitor, as soon as the servant had retired, looked cautiously roundthe room, and approaching the door, secured it. "I would be private,"he whispered, "and free from any chance of interruption, for I have acommunication of deep importance to make:--are we safe fromeaves-droppers?"

  "I believe so," answered Ivan, wondering to what grave matter suchcautious preliminaries would lead.

  "Can I trust to the most inviolable secrecy in what I am about
to say?"inquired the stranger guest; "but why do I ask, for I am satisfied thatI may."

  "Undoubtedly you may, Sir," proudly replied Ivan, "in anything notopposed to my honour."

  "Far from it," hastily rejoined the other. "Think not for a moment thatI would propose aught that would reflect disgrace on your name. Ipledge you my own word of honour; that all I require, in return for mydisclosure, is inviolable secrecy on your part; any step farther I leaveto your own judgment."

  "Speak on," answered Ivan, "whatever you may reveal, shall never pass mylips."

  "My confidence is fully confirmed," replied the guest, "or I should nothave visited you. You were last evening in the `Allee des Peuples' withyour friend, Stanisloff; you were there accosted by a Gipsy girl,