The Circassian Chief: A Romance of RussiaKingston, William Henry Giles
History
The Circassian Chief: A Romance of Russia
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Caucasus -- History -- Juvenile fiction
"What words are these I hear?" cried the Baron, furiously.
"Disobedience to my orders: rebellion against the Emperor! Is it for
this I have brought you up--have educated you; and would have made you
wealthy and noble? I have treated you as my own son, and never wished
you to know that I was not your father. Who has dared to fill your mind
with such dreams? They shall richly repent their interference and
folly."
"She, who has escaped from the reach of your power," answered Ivan:
"she, Sir, who devoted her life to me, who was my only friend--my
mother!"
"What! have I been deceived, then, by the wit of a frail woman; and have
I been nourishing a young viper, for years past, within my bosom, that
now rises to sting me. I recall the offer I made to you. Begone, leave
my presence! and henceforth, let me see your face no more. From this
moment I discard you--I throw you off for ever; and beware, lest you
suffer as a traitor and rebel to the Emperor. Even now you should be
seized: you have uttered treason and sedition, which merit full
punishment. Before long, Siberia shall be your destination, where you
may proclaim such fantastic nonsense without fear of injuring any. But
with such pestiferous notions you shall no longer abide under my roof.
Begone, quit my presence, or I will send my slaves to drive you hence.
Am I to be thus bearded by a boy?--my offers despised?--no gratitude
shown for my paternal care and liberality! Begone! Again I say, I will
hear no reply."
Overwhelmed by so many various and contending emotions, Ivan could with
difficulty collect his thoughts, sufficiently, to determine how to act.
He felt that the Baron had, indeed, afforded him many advantages, and
had but just now made him what, at all events, appeared to be a generous
offer; although he had, at the same time, treated his mother with
cruelty and injustice, which might counterbalance all kindness shewn to
himself. His better feelings, however, conquered; and as he slowly
quitted the apartment, he turned, and was about to express them, when he
encountered the fierce look of the Baron, and saw that further discourse
would but increase his anger.
When left alone, the Baron, with furious gestures, paced the apartment.
"I would yet tame," he muttered to himself, "that proud and haughty
spirit, which, otherwise directed, might have fully answered to my
wishes. No, no, I will let him range at large; his means will soon be
exhausted, and I shall then find him returning to crouch at my feet.
Ah! that will satisfy my vengeance; and I may then do with him as I
list. He shall no longer remain here, nor return, until he comes a
suppliant before me."
Summoning his attendants, he exclaimed, "Let a horse be given to the
rebellious youth who has just left me, and you, Karl! take whatever
belongs to him from hence, and bear it wherever he lists. Henceforth he
returns here no more. Do you hear me, slaves? Depart, and obey my
orders!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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