Countess Helena, was occupied with two charming children, whose innocent prattle and childish gambols were insufficient to divert her attention from the important document drawn up by her brother.

At length, Count Adolph, laying down his pen, said in a tone of anxious impatience, "Julia, I can no longer conceal or contain my alarm. The list is now finished: I have no news from your brother Edmund, and I doubt not that the most serious obstacles alone have delayed his messenger. The despatch I received from him a fortnight ago, informed me of a movement of General Dwernicki which was expected directly to take place; and he promised me that on the 27th of March I might expect a messenger conveying directions how to act. Yesterday was the day,- but he has not yet arrived; and I fear either that he has lost his road during the tempest, or that he has been intercepted by the Cossack patrols from the corps of Rüdiger. The important moment is at hand; and yet, ignorant how to proceed, I must remain inactive at home, while my countrymen are shedding their blood for the freedom of our native land. Oh! I regret now that I did not accept the invitation of your brother to proceed to Warsaw, and I envy him his fortune in having taken part in the insurrection from its commencement."

66

My dear Adolph!" replied his wife, "your_noble heart, animated as it is by a pure feeling of patriotism, must not suffer itself to be impatient or envious. As in the field of battle it is necessary that there should be men with heads to plan and hearts to execute, so also at home, it is no less important that there should be found those who, impelled by no less noble an attachment to their country, will supply the army with men, provisions, arms and ammunition. To this sacred duty you have been faithful; you have performed what every true Pole is bound to do, nor can your own conscience reproach you. The time will soon come, when you also will fight at my brother's side in the national ranks, when you will fulfil the more congenial duty to which your ardour and ambition prompt you. As a woman, may tremble at the hour of your departure; but as a daughter of Poland I have no right to detain you, nor do I wish to possess it."

At this moment the door of the saloon was opened, and the servant in attendance announced the arrival of two strangers.

"Our messengers, doubtless; let them be introduced," exclaimed the Count, starting up.

"Zapolski, you are welcome!" he added, as the Lieutenant and John entered the saloon; "6 we have been anxiously looking for you;" and taking the despatches which the Lieutenant presented to him, he retired to a window and broke the seals with impatience.

The Countess and Helen now approached, and welcomed Zapolski to the castle, while they conducted him to a seat.

"You are wounded!" cried Helen in a tone of anxiety that betrayed a warmer feeling than perhaps she wished to confess even to herself. Your head is covered with blood."

Nay, not much," answered Zapolski, smiling faintly; "I may think myself fortunate, all things considered, that it is no worse; but while the Count reads his despatches, I will relate our adventure in the forest. On the 24th March, at six in the morning, I proceeded from the camp of Zamosc* with Sergeant Przyporski and our honest John here, who was appointed by your brother to take me under his especial protection, being better acquainted than myself with the labyrinths of road that leads to the castle of L. During three days, notwithstanding the vigilance of the Russian patrols stationed at all points, we succeeded in eluding them, and after the greatest fatigue and danger, riding day and night, and scarcely

* A fortress in Poland, near Volhynia

halting for refreshment, we entered this afternoon the mountains and woods of B- We were now confident of being able to reach the castle unmolested, when suddenly we were surrounded by a Cossack patrol consisting of sixteen, and were instantly attacked by these base clans of despot

.6m.

"Soon, however, the Polish sword, already accustomed to the taste of the oppressor's blood, opened for itself a free field. Sergeant Przyporski, by nis courage and uncommon strength, aided chiefly in the dispersion of these robbers, and we were masters of the day, when a Czerkie, concealing himself behind a tree, shot the brave fellow from his horse, and the rest of the hounds who had begun to fly, returned and attacked us with renewed impetuosity. As I was already wounded, John, like a true guardian, defended me manfully; and perhaps we should have have been overcome by the superiority of numbers and strength, had not Heaven, at this instant, sent two huntsmen to our aid; who, being at a short distance, and hearing the noise and explosion of arms, fortunately arrived in time to turn the scale of fortune. At the sight of the woodmen with guns, the Cossacks decamped, losing in their hasty flight from the scene of action one more, who was brought down by the shot of our deliverers. But enough of our petty adventure. I am the bearer to Count Adolph of General Dwernicki's orders, that the noblemen should arm themselves forthwith, and be ready to join him; and that all who are able to deceive the Russian vigilance should reinforce him without delay, and bring with them magazines of provisions for men and horses. The General will move on the first of April from the camp of Zamosc, where the stormy weather and the sickness of his soldiers have detained him so long; and will manage by stratagem to evade the detachment of General Kreutz, and come upon Volhynian ground. Count Edmund transmits his orders in these words; "All men from the castle of L, and the neighbouring estates, able to bear arms, are to be ready under the command of Count Adolph, whom he begs also to join the national banner, and that he will conduct them to the corps of General Dwernicki."

"I am infinitely obliged to my brother Edmund," said the Count as he approached, "for trusting me with his men; the invitation was hardly necessary, for I have long anxiously desired to be in the foremost ranks of the defenders of my country."

So saying, Adolph took the arm of the wounded Zapolski, and conducted him from the saloon to the chamber that had been prepared for him.

III.

It is now time that we should give a brief account of Count Edmund O, whose heroic example had excited his brother-in-law, Adolph, to an active participation in a struggle which was to burst asunder for ever the chains of Russian despotism, or to rivet them more firmly than before.

Count Edmund, having attained that age when, launching into a wider sphere, the soul reflects every new colour presented to it, and opens itselt to receive every fresh impression, remained centered in himself, insensible to illusions by which youth is too often deceived. A vague and undefined melancholy incited him to avoid that which is commonly pursued by others. In the midst of noisy and unprofitable society he was lonely and incomprehensible. As a patriot he suffered in his pride and in his sympathies. With a view to draw him out of this absorbing solitude, his family compelled him to travel ere he had yet completed his studies; but on his return home his melancholy and love of solitary meditation again returned, and the spectacle that presented itself of Muscovite tyranny rendering his stay in the capital intolerable, he retired to his estates. Such was his life, when the

revolution of the 29th November, 1830, opened the prospect of a brilliant career to his naturally active and ardent spirit. At the first signal Edmund felt his heart bound with impatience within him, and in an instant he was prepared to abide the issue at all hazards; and having entered the corps of General Dwernicki at the commencement of the war, he had distinguished himself in all the battles fought by that hero.

But the spark of patriotism was by this time fanned into a blaze that illuminated Poland from one extremity to the other, and his summons was scarcely needed to call his vassals to arm themselves in the defence of their country.

Scarcely had the first sunbeams touched the turrets of the castle of L, when couriers were dispatched to the several noblemen living far and near, to inform them of the message of General Dwernicki and of Count Edmund, respecting the duty they were called upon to perform ; and also to the surrounding estates, to summon to the field the brave and patriotic retainers of the latter.

In the castle yard Adolph reviewed the hastily collected peasantry, who had appeared at the first summons, and in a brief speech explained to them the cause of the appeal, and the duty which as Poles they owed to their country.

Long live our fatherland!" (Niech Zyie Oyczyzna !) - "we will lay down our lives for her deliverance !" was the simultaneous response of the animated peasantry. And now an unusual alacrity stimulated every inmate of the castle. Some were sent out to capture the wild horses in the Tabuny; others were busily employed in the armoury cleaning and preparing the arms for immediate use. The young recruits unaccustomed to arms were actively disciplined by old John, grey in battles, and by Count Adolph, who, present every where, communicated courage and energy to all. Some of the women of the castle were industriously preparing small national bannerst for the courageous volunteers; while others were occupied in the assortment of lint and linen for the wounded. Throughout the castle the same indefatigable spirit was at work, roused equally by the sacred love of country.

The countess herself was similarly occupied in one of the saloons. Sprung from one of the noblest and most ancient houses of Poland, and brought up in the school of virtue, she had from her earliest youth nourished the expanding germ of hereditary patriotism; and when she passed into the arms of her husband, she found in this her new home the same sentiment and the same examples. Before this great and absorbing political commotion had aroused her to another duty, her life had flowed on even and unruffled; and, in the fervour of youthful and innocent enjoyment, her thoughts had not hitherto been directed to her country's present condition; but the cannon of the 29th November awakened her from her dream of happiness. For a long time, indeed, she had been distinguished among her youthful companions for her national predilections, but since that memorable day, with what avidity did she treasure up all that she had learned of the ancient glory of Poland! How many burning tears had she shed at the narrative of her country's misfortunes, and the revolting despotism under which it groaned. At such recitals her eyes would flash with indignation; and now, when engaged on the embroidery of a banner destined to lead to battle the company under the command of her husband, she flattered her sanguine heart with hopes of success, and the speedy deliverance of her country from its oppressors.

Places where the wild horses are found are called by this name.

The Polish lancers have their lances ornamented with small banners of the na tional colours, crimson and white.

Apart from the hurried excitement which reigned in the castle of Lwere grief, suffering, and pain. The young and gentle Helen was seated near the restless bed of Zapolski, whose life had been pronounced to be in danger from loss of blood and the inflammation of his wounds; and with the tenderness and watchfulness of a sister she endeavoured to alleviate his pain, and to soothe his impatient and ardent spirit.

IV.

At an early hour on the 13th April, the day fixed for the departure of Count Adolph, a confused sound of mingled voices, and the trampling and neighing of horses were heard in the castle-yard. Volunteers of different ages, recruited under the command of Adolph, and bearing the banner of Count Edmund, waiting with an impatience natural to inexperienced soldiers the signal to march, received with assumed indifference the farewell embraces of their mothers, wives, sisters, friends and children.

In the spacious halls of the castle silence reigned. Count Adolph, impatient to reach the camp of Dwernicki as speedily as possible, and already prepared for departure, could not leave the scenes so dear to him without taking a farewell, perhaps a last one, of his devoted wife. With beating and prophetic heart he stood before the door which conducted to her apartment; and after a pause, with a noiseless step he entered the room, in which he expected to find her still sleeping, but it was deserted. The astonished Adolph, hastening with agitation through all the apartments and galleries without finding the object of his search, was at length directed by an anxious presentiment towards the castle chapel. As he listened at the door of the sacred place, his ear was struck with the sound of prayer, and recognising the voice of Julia, he approached her in silence. Long did he gaze with deep and fervent love upon this innocent being, kneeling and lost in prayer-this young creature so dear to his heart, and whom the duty of a Pole obliged him to leave, perhaps for ever. At length, the reverie into which he had fallen was broken by the earnest voice of Julia, who, still fancying herself alone, concluded her prayer in these words :"Oh! Almighty Being, who readest the hearts of thy creatures, thou seest my soul, and thou knowest all my desires; but if they are not in accordance with thy holy purposes, let not my will but thine be done! Be pleased, nevertheless, O Lord! to hear favourably the humble prayer of thy suppliant creature buried in the dust before thy majesty! Bestow thy blessing upon the Polish cause! Save our dear and unhappy fatherland! Break her chains, and lay bounds to the tyranny of the invading enemy! Keep in thy holy guardianship, my beloved Adolph: if, inflamed with the love of country, he rush into the midst of the enemy, guard his life so dear to me; turn away the dangers which menace his days, and deprive not my children so early of their father! Oh! God of my fathers! hear favourably my earnest prayer. Hear the prayer of a true daughter of Poland! If the heart of my Adolph should prove unfaithful to the true interest of his country....Oh! rather receive him to thy mercy!"

"Never shall it prove unfaithful!" interrupted Adolph, deeply affected: "witness that Power to whom you have appealed but now, and who likewise reads this heart, burning with the purest love of my country,— that I will be for ever true to our country's cause!"

"Dear Adolph! forgive my prayer," replied Julia: "I know your heart, and that you are one of the noblest of patriots; but sometin e strongest characters are subdued to human weakness. Not as a wite, ut as a Pole I have prayed to God, that in the moment of such weakness, if it should ever chance that irresolution enters your heart, he would rather take you to Himself, than allow you to stain the Polish name with dishonour. Adolph,

you go to fight for the freedom of our common Mother; I know that the fate of war is uncertain, and that in a short time I may remain with my orphans alone; but I will detain you no longer,- I desire not to weaken your courage with a woman's tears! Go, my husband, where honour and duty call every true Pole; be faithful to your country. Yet a few words more in other countries the days of chivalry are over, but not in Poland; with us a knight is still faithful to his arms and to his love; and even yet we retain the symbols of those former times."

So saying, she took a white scarf from her bosom, and would have given it to her husband; but the woman's affection overcame the courage of the Polish wife; burning tears gushed from her eyes, and for some minutes she yielded up her soul to weakness. At length, rousing her spirits, she bound the sword of Adolph with the scarf moistened by her tears. "Bear it always," she said," and when you advance to battle, look at this scarf, and remember that the wife who once wore it would not hesitate to give her ife for a cause which has already been consecrated by the blood of thousands."

Adolph, pressing her to his bosom, answered her with tears alone, and Kneeling before the altar, swore to defend the national banner unto death. But now the beams of the rising sun glancing through the chapel windows, warned him that it was time to commence the march. Julia was the first to terminate a scene so painful to both, and taking him with assumed gaiety by the hand, she conducted him to his sister and children.

Having taken an affectionate leave of Helen, still watching by the bed of the suffering Zapolski, and bestowed a hearty blessing upon his children, Adolph proceeded, accompanied by his wife, to the impatient soldiers. In a short speech, he impressed upon them the duty of Polish warriors, and Julia at its conclusion presented to the small corps a banner worked by her own hand, exhorting them never to forsake this ensign, which was to conduct them to battle. "Let your motto," said she, "be ever, Death or Victory!'-rather perish to the last man, than surrender the freedom of your country to the vengeance of the oppressors!" "Long live our fatherland! -our blood, our life, -we are ready to give them for her liberty.Long live Count Edmund and his honoured sister!--long live Count Adolph!"

While these enthusiastic shouts were yet vibrating in the air, the trumpet sounded the signal to march; and a hundred gallant horsemen, preceded by a hundred and fifty riflemen, issued from the gates of L

Julia, in spite of the remonstrances of her husband, mounted a spirited charger, determined to accompany the corps of volunteers a few miles on their march from the castle. Arrived at the place at which it was necessary she should leave them, with heroic calmness, although with a tearful eye, she bade farewell to her husband and his brave companions; imploring in silent prayer, that God might conduct them in safety to their appointed place, and cover their arms with glory.

In a few minutes they had passed from her view,- but she still stood gazing in the direction they had taken, long after they had been lost among the trees and rising mountains beyond. At length, the reverie into which she had fallen, composed equally of fear and hope- -fear for the life of her husband and her brother, and hope for the deliverance of her countrywas interrupted by the approach of her attendant with the horses, who informed her that he heard in the distance, and so far as he could judge, in the direction of the castle, frequent explosions and the voice of tumult; imploring her at the same time to leave the place forthwith, where it must be dangerous to remain.

But Julia, occupied with other and more absorbing thoughts, heeded not the advice of her attendant, but advanced deeper into the wood, following,