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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 25, 29 January 1881, Page 4

Matrenalvanovna, a Russian peasant girl of 22, has recently acquired considerable notoriety in her native land through the fact that under the monastic designation of "Father Michael," she succeeded in passing several months in the cloisters of Staraja L.dogo, without incurring the least suspicion on the part of her fellow monks, that she was other than she seemed to be. Forced hy her father to marry a person whom she detesied, she disappeared from ber home on the day succeeding her wed ding, and on search being made, her clothes, and two long ph. iis of her "black hair" were found near the WolchorT river, as well as a letter in her handwriting, stating that rather than Jive with her hu.bind, she had resolved to drown herself. Her relatives believing that she bad really committed suicide, forbore any further enquiry, end mourned for her as for one 'lead. Sbr, however, dressed in man's c othing, applied last March for admission to tho above-mentioned monastery, and was duly received int. tbe con fraternity on probation, taking the minor vows, and officiating aa coachman to the Prior. There is no knowing to what ecclesiastical dignities she might ove risen, had not an unkind Fortuoe decreed that a native of her own village should have been sent to Starajar Ladoga by hia master, for correction ar the bards of the brethren, hi. offence being inveterate drunkenness. Promptly recognised and denounced by th's indiscreet toper as Matrena Ivanovno, a friend of his youth, " Father Michael " wes banded over to the police. • uthoritiea by the iodignant monks. and is now waiting trial (or imposture upon a religious community.