Letters from the Shores of the Baltic Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1842 edition. Excerpt: ... that of selection. And not seldom was a fairhaired maiden weeded from among her companions, and transplanted with her spinning-wheel to our apartment, where, modestly pursuing her own vocations, she gave matter to mine. One day, to diversify the subject, a tall Estonian peasant was ushered in, bearing a note from a neighbouring family, wherein it appeared that, in consequence of some bantering questions and promises, they had sent the best-looking man the estate could boast to represent the physiognomy and costume of his class. And truly, as fine and good-looking a young man stood before us as needed to be seen. At first he returned our glance with rather more courage than a peasant here usually ventures to show, but, on being told his errand, blushed like a girl, and proceeded to place himself into the required position with a mauvaise honte which, it must be owned, was at first not limited to himself. He wore the regular peasant's costume, --his long hair falling on his shoulders; a coat made of undyed black wool down to his heels, with metal buttons and red leather frogs; and his feet clad in the national passeln, or sandals, of untanned cow's hide. After the first novelty was over he stood sensibly and respectfully enough; and, being shown his miniature fac-simile, and told that it would go to England, acknowledged it to be vegga illos, very beautiful. Half a rouble and a glass of brandy made him happy, and he took his leave in perfect good humour with himself and us. But a few days after, a disastrous sequel to this adventure reached our ears. Under the conviction that he had been subject to the spells of a sorceress, his lady-love cast him off for another; his fellows taunted and avoided him; while, added to this, the innocent...