Let us not remain a moment longer
in a house belonging to that barbarous Russian empress who has condemned
the noble Count Paulo as a criminal, and, robber-like, taken forcible
possession of his property!"
And, following the first impulse of her noble pride, the young maiden
took Marianne by the hand and drew her away.
"They, at least, shall not forcibly eject us," said she; "no, no, we
will go of our own free will, self-banished!"
"But where shall we go?" cried Marianne, wringing her hands.
"Where God wills!" solemnly responded the young maiden.
"And upon what shall we live?" wailed Marianne. "We are now totally
destitute and helpless. How shall we live?"
"We will work!" said Natalie, firmly. A peculiar calm had come over her.
Misfortune had awakened a new quality in her nature, sorrow had struck
a new string in her being; she was no longer the delicate, gentle,
suffering, unresisting child; she felt in herself a firm resolution, a
bold courage, an almost joyful daring, and an invincible calmness.
"Work! _You_ will work, princess?" whispered Marianne.
"I will learn it!" said she, and with a constantly quickened step they
approached the outlet of the garden.
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