“I intend to sell it to the governor’s lady. She at least has money, for I saw her at the chapel a few days since, and she was gaily dressed. I do not doubt she will pay me for the collar.”
At these words a bright flush came to the old man’s cheek, and his eye flashed with the fire of pride. The thought in his mind was—“And can I condescend to live upon the money that comes from the wife of the governor, the officer, the tool of the emperor, my oppressor? And shall my daughter, a descendant of Poniatowsky, be a slave to these cringing minions of power?” But he spoke not the thought aloud. A better and wiser feeling came over him, and kissing his daughter’s cheek, he went to his room, leaving his children together.
A long and serious conversation ensued between them, the result of which was a mutual determination to seek some employment, by which they could obtain the means of support for their parent and themselves. A few days after this had elapsed, when Alexis came home with an animated countenance, and finding his sister, told her of a scheme he had formed for himself, which was to join a party of fur hunters, who were about to set out for the northeastern regions of Siberia. Kathinka listened attentively, and, after some reflection, replied—“Alexis, I approve of your scheme. If our father assents to it, you must certainly go.”
“It seems to me that you are very ready to part with me!” said Alexis, a little poutingly.
“Nay, nay,” said the girl; “don’t be playing the boy, for it is time that you were a man. Think not, dear Alexis, that I shall not miss you; think not that I shall feel no anxiety for my only brother, my only companion, and, save our good parent, the only friend I have in Siberia.”
Alexis smiled, though the tear was in his eye. He said nothing, but, clasping Kathinka’s hand tenderly, he went to consult with his father. It is sufficient to say, that at last his consent was obtained, and in a few days the young hunter, by the active efforts of his sister, was equipped for the expedition. The evening before he was to set out, he had a long interview with Kathinka, who encouraged him to procure the finest sable skins, saying that she had a scheme of her own for disposing of them to advantage.
“And what is that precious scheme of yours?” said Alexis.
“I do not like to tell you, for you will say it is all a girl’s romance.”
“But you must tell me.”
“Indeed—I must? Well, if I must I will. Do you remember the princess Lodoiska, that was for some time in concealment at our house during the siege of Warsaw?”