Page:Elizabeth, or, The exiles of Siberia (2).pdf/7

expression or dignity and tenderness, courage and softness, at once portrayed all the emotions of her soul, and seemed prophetie of her destiny. The young stranger was struck-he had never seen any thing like Elizabeth, nor imagined such a being as her. He enquired her father's name? “ Peter Springer," answered Elizabeth. " What!" exclaimed the stranger, "you are the daughter of the exile of the cabin of the lake! Tranquillize your mind—I do know your father-it is hardly an hour since I parted from him; he then turned to go home, and must by this have reached his dwelling." She could listen to no more, but hastened to the spot where she had left her mother with cries of joy. However, her mother was no longer there. She cow made the forests ring with the names of her father and mother, and happily, at length, voices were heard, hailing her from the borders of the lake. She quickly arrived safe at the threshold of the cabin, there she found her beloved parents, who extended their arms to her, and she threw herself into them. Explanations soon followed, and it appeared each returned home by different ways. Elizabeth now perceived the stranger was approaching. He was recognized by her father, who said to him, with deep regret, It is very late, M. Smoloff; and you well know I am prohibited from offering you an asylum for a single night.” “Smoloff!" exclaimed Elizabeth and her mother together, “our deliverer! is it indeed he whom we behold ?" Both fell at his feet. "Smoloff!" said Elizabeth, “ever since you saved the life of my father, three years ago, we have not passed one day without imploring for you the benediction of heaven!" “Ah! your prayers have been heard, since Providence has greeted me here," said Smoloff, "for the little that I have done merits not a reward like this." It was now late, and darkness had enveloped the whole forest. For Smoloff to attempt to return to Saimka so late at night was dangerous, and Springer could not refuse the rights of hospitality to his deliverer, notwithstanding