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Updated: June 27, 2025
I forgot my sword, on purpose, and went back for it; I anticipated finding Marie alone. In truth she met me at the door and gave me my sword. "Adieu, Peter," she said, weeping, "they send me to Orenbourg. Be happy. Perhaps God will permit us to meet again; if not " She burst into tears. I folded her in my arms. "Adieu, my angel!"
It would be months, perhaps, before I could get through the Commission. Zourine bade me an affectionate adieu. I had no doubt that I was arrested for having left the fortress of Orenbourg without leave, and felt sure that I could exculpate myself. Not only were we not forbidden, but on the contrary, we were encouraged to make forays against the enemy.
Have not bold men succeeded before me and obtained the crown? Think what you please about me, but stay with me. What matters it whom you serve? Success is right. Serve under me, and I will make you a field-marshal, a prince. What say you?" "No," said I. "I am a nobleman. I have taken an oath to her majesty, the Empress; I can not serve with you. If truly you wish me well, send me to Orenbourg."
Arrived at Orenbourg, I presented myself at once to the General. He was a tall man, bent by age, with long hair quite white. An old, worn-out uniform, recalled the soldier of the times of the Empress Anne, and his speech betrayed a strong German accent. I gave him my father's letter. Reading my name, he glanced at me quickly.
I read again and again the solemn superscription: "To my Son, Peter Grineff, Principality of Orenbourg, Fortress of Belogorsk." I tried to discover by my father's writing his mood of mind when he wrote that letter. At last I broke that seal. I saw from the first lines that our hopes were crushed!
I kissed the young girl's hand, and left the room. "Adieu, Peter Grineff," said Accoulina. "Do not forget us. Except you, Marie has no support or consolation." Choked by emotion, I did not reply. Out on the square, I stopped an instant before the gibbet. With bare head I reverently saluted the loyal dead, and took the road to Orenbourg, accompanied by Saveliitch, who would not abandon me.
"My parents are dead. I came to present a petition to the Empress." "You are an orphan; you have to complain of injustice, or injury?" "Madam, I came to ask for a pardon, not justice." "Permit me a question: Who are you?" "I am the daughter of Captain Mironoff." "Of Captain Mironoff? of him who commanded one of the fortresses in the province of Orenbourg?" "The same, madam."
The severe old man took from the table an open letter, and read: "With regard to Ensign Griness, I have the honor to declare, that he was in the service at Orenbourg from the month of October, 1773, till the following February. Since then, he has not presented himself." Here the General said harshly: "What can you say now to justify your conduct?"
Chief, invested with the usurper's authority, in the fortress with this unhappy girl, he was capable of any crime. What ought I to do to deliver her? To set out at once for Orenbourg, to hasten the deliverance of Belogorsk, and to co-operate in it, if possible. I took leave of Father Garasim and Accoulina, recommending to them Marie, who I already looked upon as my wife.
I dined at the General's in company with his old Aid-de-camp. Severe German economy reigned at table, and I think the fear of having an occasional guest the more had something to do with sending me to a distant garrison. The next day I took my leave of the General and set out for Belogorsk. The fortress of Belogorsk is situated forty versts from Orenbourg.
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