CHAPTERXXI
ISeetheEmpress——MyConversationswithHer——TheValville——ILeaveZaiyaILeaveSt。PetersburgandArriveatWarsaw——ThePrincesAdamCzartoryskiandSulkowski——TheKingofPoland——TheatricalIntrigues——ByanickiIthoughtofleavingRussiaatthebeginningoftheautumn，butIwastoldbyMM。PaninandAlsuwieffthatIoughtnottogowithouthavingspokentotheempress。
\"Ishouldbesorrytodoso，\"Ireplied，\"butasIcan’tfindanyonetopresentmetoher，Imustberesigned。\"
AtlastPanintoldmetowalkinagardenfrequentedbyhermajestyatanearlyhour，andhesaidthatmeetingme，asitwerebychance，shewouldprobablyspeaktome。ItoldhimIshouldlikehimtobewithher，andheaccordinglynamedaday。
Irepairedtothegarden，andasIwalkedaboutImarvelledatthestatuaryitcontained，allthestatuesbeingmadeoftheworststone，andexecutedintheworstpossibletaste。Thenamescutbeneaththemgavethewholetheairofapracticaljoke。AweepingstatuewasDemocritus；another，withgrinningmouth，waslabelledHeraclitus；anoldmanwithalongbeardwasSappho；andanoldwoman，Avicenna；andsoon。
AsIwassmilingatthisextraordinarycollection，Isawtheczarina，precededbyCountGregoriusOrloff，andfollowedbytwoladies，approaching。CountPaninwasonherlefthand。Istoodbythehedgetoletherpass，butassoonasshecameuptomesheasked，smilingly，ifIhadbeeninterestedinthestatues。Ireplied，followinghersteps，thatIpresumedtheyhadbeenplacedtheretoimposeonfools，ortoexcitethelaughterofthoseacquaintedwithhistory。
\"FromwhatIcanmakeout，\"shereplied，\"thesecretofthematteristhatmyworthyauntwasimposedon，andindeedshedidnottroubleherselfmuchaboutsuchtrifles。ButIhopeyouhaveseenotherthingsinRussialessridiculousthanthesestatues？\"
IentertainedthesovereignformorethananhourwithmyremarksonthethingsofnoteIhadseeninSt。Petersburg。TheconversationhappenedtoturnontheKingofPrussia，andIsanghispraises；butIcensuredhisterriblehabitofalwaysinterruptingthepersonwhomhewasaddressing。CatherinesmiledandaskedmetotellherabouttheconversationIhadhadwiththismonarch，andIdidsotothebestofmyability。ShewasthenkindenoughtosaythatshehadneverseenmeattheCourtag，whichwasavocalandinstrumentalconcertgivenatthepalace，andopentoall。ItoldherthatIhadonlyattendedonce，asIwassounfortunateasnottohaveatasteformusic。AtthissheturnedtoPanin，andsaidsmilinglythatsheknewsomeoneelsewhohadthesamemisfortune。IfthereaderrememberswhatIheardhersayaboutmusicasshewasleavingtheopera，hewillpronouncemyspeechtohavebeenaverycourtier—likeone，andIconfessitwas；butwhocanresistmakingsuchspeechestoamonarch，andaboveall，amonarchinpetticoats？
TheczarinaturnedfrommetospeaktoM。Bezkoi，whohadjustcomeup，andasM。PaninleftthegardenIdidsotoo，delightedwiththehonourIhadhad。
Theempress，whowasawomanofmoderateheightandyetofamajesticappearance，thoroughlyunderstoodtheartofmakingherselfloved。
Shewasnotbeautiful，butyetshewassureofpleasingbyhergenialityandherwit，andalsobythatexquisitetactwhichmadeoneforgettheawfulnessofthesovereigninthegentlenessofthewoman。
Afewdaysafter，CountPartintoldmethattheempresshadtwiceaskedafterme，andthatthiswasasuresignIhadpleasedher。Headvisedmetolookoutforanotheropportunityofmeetingher，andsaidthatforthefutureshewouldalwaystellmetoapproachwhenevershesawme，andthatifIwantedsomeemploymentshemightpossibledosomethingforme。
ThoughIdidnotknowwhatemployIcouldaskforinthatdisagreeablecountry，IwasgladtohearthatIcouldhaveeasyaccesstotheCourt。WiththatideaIwalkedinthegardeneveryday，andherefollowsmysecondconversationwiththeempressShesawmeatadistanceandsentanofficertofetchmeintoherpresence。Aseverybodywastalkingofthetournament，whichhadtobepostponedonaccountofthebadweather，sheaskedmeifthiskindofentertainmentcouldbegivenatVenice。Itoldhersomeamusingstoriesonthesubjectofshowsandspectacles，andinthisrelationIremarkedthattheVenetianclimatewasmorepleasantthantheRussian，foratVenicefinedaysweretherule，whileatSt。
Petersburgtheyweretheexception，thoughtheyearisyoungertherethananywhereelse。
\"Yes，\"shesaid，\"inyourcountryitiselevendaysolder。\"
\"WoulditnotbeworthyofyourmajestytoputRussiaonanequalitywiththerestoftheworldinthisrespect，byadoptingtheGregoriancalendar？AlltheProtestantshavedoneso，andEngland，whoadopteditfourteenyearsago，hasalreadygainedseveralmillions。AllEuropeisastonishedthattheoldstyleshouldbesufferedtoexistinacountrywherethesovereignistheheadoftheChurch，andwhosecapitalcontainsanacademyofscience。ItisthoughtthatPetertheGreat，whomadetheyearbegininJanuary，wouldhavealsoabolishedtheoldstyleifhehadnotbeenafraidofoffendingEngland，whichthenkepttradeandcommercealivethroughoutyourvastempire。\"
\"Youknow，\"shereplied，withaslysmile，\"thatPetertheGreatwasnotexactlyalearnedman。\"
\"Hewasmorethanamanoflearning，theimmortalPeterwasageniusofthefirstorder。Instinctsuppliedtheplaceofsciencewithhim；
hisjudgmentwasalwaysintheright。Hisvastgenius，hisfirmresolve，preventedhimfrommakingmistakes，andhelpedhimtodestroyallthoseabuseswhichthreatenedtoopposehisgreatdesigns。\"
Hermajestyseemedtohaveheardmewithgreatinterest，andwasabouttoreplywhenshenoticedtwoladieswhomshesummonedtoherpresence。Tomeshesaid，——
\"Ishallbedelightedtoreplytoyouatanothertime，\"andthenturnedtowardstheladies。
Thetimecameineightortendays，whenIwasbeginningtothinkshehadhadenoughofme，forshehadseenmewithoutsummoningmetospeaktoher。
ShebeganbysayingwhatIdesiredshouldbedonewasdonealready。
\"AlltheletterssenttoforeigncountriesandalltheimportantStaterecordsaremarkedwithbothdates。\"
\"ButImustpointouttoyourmajestythatbytheendofthecenturythedifferencewillbeoftwelvedays，noteleven。\"
\"Notatall；wehaveseentothat。Thelastyearofthiscenturywillnotbecountedasaleapyear。Itisfortunatethatthedifferenceisoneofelevendays，forasthatisthenumberwhichisaddedeveryyeartotheepactourepactsarealmostthesame。AstothecelebrationofEaster，thatisadifferentquestion。YourequinoxisonMarchthe21st，oursonthel0th，andtheastronomerssaywearebothwrong；sometimesitiswewhoarewrongandsometimesyou，astheequinoxvaries。YouknowyouarenoteveninagreementwiththeJews，whosecalculationissaidtobeperfectlyaccurate；
and，infine，thisdifferenceinthetimeofcelebratingEasterdoesnotdisturbinanywaypublicorderortheprogressoftheGovernment。\"
\"Yourmajesty’swordsfillmewithadmiration，buttheFestivalofChristmas————\"
\"IsupposeyouaregoingtosaythatwedonotcelebrateChristmasinthewintersolsticeasshouldproperlybedone。Weknowit，butitseemstomeamatterofnoaccount。Iwouldratherbearwiththissmallmistakethangrievouslyafflictvastnumbersofmysubjectsbydeprivingthemoftheirbirthdays。IfIdidso，therewouldbenoopencomplaintsuttered，asthatisnotthefashioninRussia；buttheywouldsayinsecretthatIwasanAtheist，andthatIdisputedtheinfallibilityoftheCouncilofNice。Youmaythinksuchcomplaintsmatterforlaughter，butIdonot，forIhavemuchmoreagreeablemotivesforamusement。\"
Theczarinawasdelightedtomarkmysurprise。Ididnotdoubtforamomentthatshehadmadeaspecialstudyofthewholesubject。
M。Alsuwiefftoldme，afewdaysafter，thatshehadverypossiblyreadalittlepamphletonthesubject，thestatementsofwhichexactlycoincidedwithherown。Hetookcaretoadd，however，thatitwasverypossibleherhighnesswasprofoundlylearnedonthematter，butthiswasmerelyacourtier’sphrase。
Whatshesaidwasspokenmodestlyandenergetically，andhergoodhumourandpleasantsmileremainedunmovedthroughout。Sheexercisedaconstantself—controloverherself，andhereinappearedthegreatnessofhercharacter，fornothingismoredifficult。Herdemeanour，sodifferentfromthatofthePrussianking，shewedhertobethegreatersovereignofthetwo；herfrankgenialityalwaysgavehertheadvantage，whiletheshort，curtmannersofthekingoftenexposedhimtobeingmadeadupe。InanexaminationofthelifeofFredericktheGreat，onecannothelppayingadeservedtributetohiscourage，butatthesametimeonefeelsthatifithadnotbeenforrepeatedturnsofgoodfortunehemusthavesuccumbed，whereasCatherinewaslittleindebtedtothefavoursoftheblinddeity。Shesucceededinenterpriseswhich，beforehertime，wouldhavebeenpronouncedimpossibilities，anditseemedheraimtomakemenlookuponherachievementsasofsmallaccount。
Ireadinoneofourmodernjournals，thosemonumentsofeditorialself—conceit，thatCatherinetheGreatdiedhappilyasshehadlived。
Everybodyknowsthatshediedsuddenlyonherclosestool。Bycallingsuchadeathhappy，thejournalisthintsthatitisthedeathhehimselfwouldwishfor。Everyonetohistaste，andwecanonlyhopethattheeditormayobtainhiswish；butwhotoldthissillyfellowthatCatherinedesiredsuchadeath？IfheregardssuchawishasnaturaltoapersonofherprofoundgeniusIwouldaskwhotoldhimthatmenofgeniusconsiderasuddendeathtobeahappyone？Isitbecausethatishisopinion，andarewetoconcludethatheisthereforepersonofgenius？Tocometothetruthweshouldhavetointerrogatethelateempress，andaskhersomesuchquestionas:
\"Areyouwellpleasedtohavediedsuddenly？\"
Shewouldprobablyreply:
\"Whatafoolishquestion！Suchmightbethewishofonedriventodespair，orofsomeonesufferingfromalongandgrievousmalady。
Suchwasnotmyposition，forIenjoyedtheblessingsofhappinessandgoodhealth；noworsefatecouldhavehappenedtome。MysuddendeathpreventedmefromconcludingseveraldesignswhichImighthavebroughttoasuccessfulissueifGodhadgrantedmethewarningofa，slightillness。Butitwasnotso；Ihadtosetoutonthelongjourneyatamoment’snotice，withoutthetimetomakeanypreparations。Ismydeathanythehappierfrommynotforeseeingit？
Doyouthinkmesuchacowardastodreadtheapproachofwhatiscommontoall？ItellyouthatIshouldhaveaccountedmyselfhappyifIhadhadarespiteofbutaday。ThenIshouldnotcomplainoftheDivinejustice。\"
\"DoesyourhighnessaccuseGodofinjustice，then？\"
\"Whatbootsit，sinceIamalostsoul？Doyouexpectthedamnedtoacknowledgethejusticeofthedecreewhichhasconsignedthemtoeternalwoe？\"
\"Nodoubtitisadifficultmatter，butIshouldhavethoughtthatasenseofthejusticeofyourdoomwouldhavemitigatedthepainsofit。\"
\"Perhapsso，butadamnedsoulmustbewithoutconsolationforever。\"
\"Inspiteofthattherearesomephilosopherswhocallyouhappyinyourdeathbyvirtueofitssuddenness。\"
\"Notphilosophers，butfools，forinitssuddennesswasthepainandwoe。\"
\"Wellsaid；butmayIaskyourhighnessifyouadmitthepossibilityofahappyeternityafteranunhappydeath，orofanunhappydoomafterahappydeath？\"
\"Suchsuppositionsareinconceivable。Thehappinessoffuturityliesintheecstasyofthesoulinfeelingfreedfromthetrammelsofmatter，andunhappinessisthedoomofasoulwhichwasfullofremorseatthemomentitleftthebody。Butenough，formypunishmentforbidsmyfartherspeech。\"
\"Tellme，atleast，whatisthenatureofyourpunishment？\"
\"Aneverlastingweariness。Farewell。\"
Afterthislongandfancifuldigressionthereaderwillnodoubtbeobligedbymyreturningtothisworld。
CountPanintoldmethatinafewdaystheempresswouldleaveforhercountryhouse，andIdeterminedtohaveaninterviewwithher，foreseeingthatitwouldbeforthelasttime。
Ihadbeeninthegardenforafewminuteswhenheavyrainbegantofall，andIwasgoingtoleave，whentheempresssummonedmeintoanapartmentonthegroundfloorofthepalace，whereshewaswalkingupanddownwithGregorovitchandamaidofhonour。
\"Ihadforgottentoaskyou，\"shesaid，graciously，\"ifyoubelievethenewcalculationofthecalendartobeexemptfromerror？\"
\"No，yourmajesty；buttheerrorissominutethatitwillnotproduceanysensibleeffectforthespaceofnineortenthousandyears。\"
\"Ithoughtso；andinmyopinionPopeGregoryshouldnothaveacknowledgedanymistakeatall。ThePope，however，hadmuchlessdifficultyincarryingouthisreformthanIshouldhavewithmysubjects，whoaretoofondoftheirancientusagesandcustoms。\"
\"Nevertheless，Iamsureyourmajestywouldmeetwithobedience。\"
\"Nodoubt，butimaginethegriefofmyclergyinnotbeingabletocelebratethenumeroussaints’days，whichwouldfallontheelevendaystobesuppressed。Youhaveonlyonesaintforeachday，butwehaveadozenatleast。Imayremarkalsothatallancientstatesandkingdomsareattachedtotheirancientlaws。IhaveheardthatyourRepublicofVenicebeginstheyearinMarch，andthatseemstome，asitwere，amonumentandmemorialofitsantiquity——andindeedtheyearbeginsmorenaturallyinMarchthaninJanuary——butdoesnotthisusagecausesomeconfusion？\"
\"Noneatall，yourmajesty。ThelettersMV，whichweadjointoalldatesinJanuaryandFebruary，renderallmistakesimpossible。\"
\"Veniceisalsonoteworthyforitspeculiarsystemofheraldry，bytheamusingformunderwhichitportraysitspatronsaint，andbythefiveLatinwordswithwhichtheEvangelistisinvoked，inwhich，asI
amtold，thereisagrammaticalblunderwhichhasbecomerespectablebyitslongstanding。Butisittruethatyoudonotdistinguishbetweenthedayandnighthours？\"
\"Itis，yourmajesty，andwhatismorewereckonthedayfromthebeginningofthenight。\"
\"Suchistheforceofcustom，whichmakesusadmirewhatothernationsthinkridiculous。Youseenoinconvenienceinyourdivisionoftheday，whichstrikesmeasmostinconvenient。\"
\"Youwouldonlyhavetolookatyourwatch，andyouwouldnotneedtolistenforthecannonshotwhichannouncesthecloseofday。\"
\"Yes，butforthisoneadvantageyouhaveoverus，wehavetwooveryou。Weknowthatattwelveo’clockitiseithermid—dayormidnight。\"
TheczarinaspoketomeaboutthefondnessoftheVenetiansforgamesofchance，andaskediftheGenoaLotteryhadbeenestablishedthere。
\"Ihavebeenasked，\"sheadded，\"toallowthelotterytobeestablishedinmyowndominions；butIshouldneverpermititexceptontheconditionthatnostakeshouldbebelowarouble，andthenthepoorpeoplewouldnotbeabletorisktheirmoneyinit。\"
Irepliedtothisdiscreetobservationwithaprofoundinclinationofthehead，andthusendedmylastinterviewwiththefamousempresswhoreignedthirty—fiveyearswithoutcommittingasinglemistakeofanyimportance。Thehistorianwillalwaysplaceheramongstgreatsovereigns，thoughthemoralistwillalwaysconsiderher，andrightly，asoneofthemostnotableofdissolutewomen。
AfewdaysbeforeIleftIgaveanentertainmenttomyfriendsatCatherinhoff，windingupwithafinedisplayoffireworks，apresentfrommyfriendMelissino。Mysupperforthirtywasexquisite，andmyballabrilliantone。InspiteofthetenuityofmypurseIfeltobligedtogivemyfriendsthismarkofmygratitudeforthekindnesstheyhadlavishedonme。
IleftRussiawiththeactressValville，andImustheretellthereaderhowIcametomakeheracquaintance。
IhappenedtogototheFrenchplay，andtofindmyselfseatednexttoanextremelyprettyladywhowasunknowntome。Ioccasionallyaddressedanobservationtoherreferringtotheplayoractors，andIwasimmenselydelightedwithherspiritedanswers。Herexpressioncharmedme，andItookthelibertyofaskingherifshewereaRussian。
\"No，thankGod！\"shereplied，\"IamaParisian，andanactressbyoccupation。MynameisValville；butIdon’twonderIamunknowntoyou，forIhavebeenonlyamonthhere，andhaveplayedbutonce。\"
\"Howisthat？\"
\"BecauseIwassounfortunateastofailtowintheczarina’sfavour。
However，asIwasengagedforayear，shehaskindlyorderedthatmysalaryofahundredroublesshallbepaidmonthly。AttheendoftheyearIshallgetmypassportandgo。\"
\"Iamsuretheempressthinkssheisdoingyouafavourinpayingyoufornothing。\"
\"Verylikely；butshedoesnotrememberthatIamforgettinghowtoactallthistime。\"
\"Yououghttotellherthat。\"
\"Ionlywishshewouldgivemeanaudience。\"
\"Thatisunnecessary。Ofcourse，youhavealover。\"
\"No，Ihaven’t。\"
\"It’sincredibletome！\"
\"Theysaytheincredibleoftenhappens。\"
\"Iamverygladtohearitmyself。\"
Itookheraddress，andsentherthefollowingnotethenextday:
\"Madam，——Ishouldliketobeginanintriguewithyou。Youhaveinspiredmewithfeelingsthatwillmakemeunhappyunlessyoureciprocatethem。Ibegtotakethelibertyofaskingmyselftosupwithyou，butpleasetellmehowmuchitwillcostme。IamobligedtoleaveforWarsawinthecourseofamonth，andIshallbehappytoofferyouaplaceinmytravellingcarriage。Ishallbeabletogetyouapassport。Thebearerofthishasorderstowait，andIhopeyouranswerwillbeasplainlywordedasmyquestion。\"
IntwohoursIreceivedthisreply:
\"Sir，——AsIhavetheknackofputtinganendtoanintriguewhenithasceasedtoamuseme，Ihavenohesitationinacceptingyourproposal。AstothesentimentswithwhichyousayIhaveinspiredyou，Iwilldomybesttosharethem，andtomakeyouhappy。Yoursuppershallbeready，andlateronwewillsettlethepriceofthedessert。IshallbedelightedtoaccepttheplaceinyourcarriageifyoucanobtainmyexpensestoParisaswellasmypassport。Andfinally，Ihopeyouwillfindmyplainspeakingonamatchwithyours。Goodbye，tilltheevening。\"
Ifoundmynewfriendinacomfortablelodging，andweaccostedeachotherasifwehadbeenoldacquaintances。
\"Ishallbedelightedtotravelwithyou，\"saidshe，\"butIdon’tthinkyouwillbeabletogetmypassport。\"
\"Ihavenodoubtastomysuccess，\"Ireplied，\"ifyouwillpresenttotheempressthepetitionIshalldraftforyou。\"
\"Iwillsurelydoso，\"saidshe，givingmewritingmaterials。
Iwroteoutthefollowingpetition，——
\"YourMajesty，——Iventuretoremindyourhighnessthatmyenforcedidlenessismakingmeforgetmyart，whichIhavenotyetlearntthoroughly。Yourmajesty’sgenerosityisthereforedoingmeaninjury，andyourmajestywoulddomeagreatbenefitingivingmepermissiontoleaveSt。Petersburg。\"
\"Nothingmorethanthat？\"
\"Notaword。\"
\"Yousaynothingaboutthepassport，andnothingaboutthejourney—
money。Iamnotarichwoman。\"
\"Doyouonlypresentthispetition；and，unlessIamverymuchmistaken，youwillhave，notonlyyourjourney—money，butalsoyouryear’ssalary。\"
\"Oh，thatwouldbetoomuch！\"
\"Notatall。YoudonotknowCatherine，butIdo。Havethiscopied，andpresentitinperson。\"
Iwillcopyitoutmyself，forIcanwriteagoodenoughhand。
Indeed，italmostseemsasifIhadcomposedit；itisexactlymystyle。IbelieveyouareabetteractorthanIam，andfromthiseveningIshallcallmyselfyourpupil。Come，letushavesomesupper，thatyoumaygivememyfirstlesson。\"
Afteradelicatesupper，seasonedbypleasantandwittytalk，MadameValvillegrantedmeallIcoulddesire。IwentdownstairsforamomenttosendawaymycoachmanandtoinstructhimwhathewastosaytoZaira，whomIhadforewarnedthatIwasgoingtoCronstadt，andmightnotreturntillthenextday。MycoachmanwasaUkrainianonwhosefidelityIcouldrely，butIknewthatitwouldbenecessaryformetobeoffwiththeoldlovebeforeIwasonwiththenew。
MadameValvillewaslikemostyoungFrenchwomenofherclass；shehadcharmswhichshewishedtoturntoaccount，andapassableeducation；
herambitionwastobekeptbyoneman，andthetitleofmistresswasmorepleasinginherearsthanthatofwife。
Intheintervalsoffouramorouscombatsshetoldmeenoughofherlifeformetodivinewhatithadbeen。Clerval，theactor，hadbeengatheringtogetheracompanyofactorsatParis，andmakingheracquaintancebychanceandfindinghertobeintelligent，heassuredherthatshewasabornactress，thoughshehadneversuspectedit。
Theideahaddazzledher，andshehadsignedtheagreement。ShestartedfromPariswithsixotheractorsandactresses，ofwhomshewastheonlyonethathadneverplayed。
\"Ithought，\"shesaid，\"itwaslikewhatisdoneatParis，whereagirlgoesintothechorusortheballetwithouthavinglearnttosingordance。WhatelsecouldIthink，afteranactorlikeClervalhadassuredmeIhadatalentforactingandhadofferedmeagoodengagement？AllherequiredofmewasthatIshouldlearnbyheartandrepeatcertainpassageswhichIrehearsedinhispresence。HesaidImadeacapitalsoubrette，andhecertainlycouldnothavebeentryingtodeceiveme，butthefactishewasdeceivedhimself。A
fortnightaftermyarrivalImademyfirstappearance，andmyreceptionwasnotaflatteringone。\"
\"Perhapsyouwerenervous？\"
\"Nervous？notintheleast。ClervalsaidthatifIcouldhaveputontheappearanceofnervousnesstheempress，whoiskindnessitself，wouldcertainlyhaveencouragedme。\"
IleftherthenextmorningafterIhadseenhercopyoutthepetition。Shewroteaverygoodhand。
\"Ishallpresentitto—day，\"saidshe。
Iwishedhergoodluck，andarrangedtosupwithheragainonthedayImeanttopartwithZaira。
AllFrenchgirlswhosacrificetoVenusareinthesamestyleastheValville；theyareentirelywithoutpassionorlove，buttheyarepleasantandcaressing。Theyhaveonlyoneobject；andthatistheirownprofit。Theymakeandunmakeanintriguewithasmilingfaceandwithouttheslightestdifficulty。Itistheirsystem，andifitbenotabsolutelythebestitiscertainlythemostconvenient。
WhenIgothomeIfoundZairasubmissivebutsad，whichannoyedmemorethanangerwouldhavedone，forIlovedher。However，itwastimetobringthemattertoanend，andtomakeupmymindtoendurethepainofparting。
Rinaldi，thearchitect，amanofseventy，butstillvigorousandsensual，wasinlovewithher，andhehadhintedtomeseveraltimesthathewouldbeonlytoohappytotakeheroverandtopaydoublethesumIhadgivenforher。MyanswerhadbeenthatIcouldonlygivehertoamansheliked，andthatImeanttomakeherapresentofthehundredroublesIhadgivenforher。Rinaldididnotlikethisanswer，ashehadnotverystronghopesofthegirltakingafancytohim；however，hedidnotdespair。
HehappenedtocallonmeontheverymorningonwhichIhaddeterminedtogiveherup，andashespokeRussianperfectlyhegaveZairatounderstandhowmuchhelovedher。Heranswerwasthathemustapplytome，asmywillwaslawtoher，butthatsheneitherlikednordislikedanyoneelse。Theoldmancouldnotobtainanymorepositivereplyandleftuswithbutfeeblehopes，butcommendinghimselftomygoodoffices。
Whenhehadgone，IaskedZairawhethershewouldnotlikemetoleavehertotheworthyman，whowouldtreatherashisowndaughter。
ShewasjustgoingtoreplywhenIwashandedanotefromMadameValville，askingmetocallonher，asshehadapieceofnewstogiveme。Iorderedthecarriageimmediately，tellingZairathatI
shouldnotbelong。
\"Verygood，\"shereplied，\"Iwillgiveyouaplainanswerwhenyoucomeback。\"
IfoundMadameValvilleinahighstateofdelight。
\"Longlivethepetition！\"sheexclaimed，assoonasshesawme。
\"Iwaitedfortheempresstocomeoutofherprivatechapel。I
respectfullypresentedmypetition，whichshereadasshewalkedalong，andthentoldmewithakindlysmiletowaitamoment。I
waited，andhermajestyreturnedmethepetitioninitialledinherownhand，andbademetakeittoM。Ghelagin。Thisgentlemangavemeanexcellentreception，andtoldmethatthesovereignhandorderedhimtogivememypassport，mysalaryforayear，andahundredducatsforthejourney。Themoneywillbeforwardedinafortnight，asmynamewillhavetobesenttotheGazette。\"
MadameValvillewasverygrateful，andwefixedthedayofourdeparture。ThreeorfourdayslaterIsentinmynametotheGazette。
IhadpromisedZairatocomeback，sotellingmynewlovethatI
wouldcomeandlivewithherassoonasIhadplacedtheyoungRussianingoodhands，Iwenthome，feelingrathercurioustohearZaira’sdetermination。
AfterZairahadsuppedwithmeinperfectgoodhumour，sheaskedifM。RinaldiwouldpaymebackthemoneyIhadgivenfarher。Isaidhewould，andshewenton，——
\"ItseemstomethatIamworthmorethanIwas，forIhaveallyourpresents，andIknowItalian。\"
\"Youareright，dear，butIdon’twantittobesaidthatIhavemadeaprofitonyou；besides，Iintendtomakeyouapresentofthehundredroubles。\"
\"Asyouaregoingtomakemesuchahandsomepresent，whynotsendmebacktomyfather’shouse？Thatwouldbestillmoregenerous。IfM。
Rinaldireallylovesme，hecancomeandtalkitoverwithmyfather。
YouhavenoobjectiontohispayingmewhateversumIliketomention。\"
\"Notatall。Onthecontrary，Ishallbeverygladtoserveyourfamily，andallthemoreasRinaldiisarichman。\"
\"Verygood；youwillbealwaysdeartomeinmymemory。Youshalltakemetomyhometo—morrow；andnowletusgotobed。\"
ThusitwasthatIpartedwiththischarminggirl，whomademelivesoberlyallthetimeIwasatSt。Petersburg。ZinowiefftoldmethatifIhadlikedtodepositasmallsumassecurityIcouldhavetakenherwithme；butIhadthoughtthematterover，anditseemedtomethatasZairagrewmorebeautifulandcharmingIshouldendbybecomingaperfectslavetoher。Possibly，however，IshouldnothavelookedintomatterssocloselyifIhadnotbeeninlovewithMadameValville。
Zairaspentthenextmorningingatheringtogetherherbelongings，nowlaughingandnowweeping，andeverytimethatsheleftherpackingtogivemeakissIcouldnotresistweepingmyself。WhenI
restoredhertoherfather，thewholefamilyfellontheirkneesaroundme。Alasforpoorhumannature！thusitisdegradedbytheironheelofoppression。Zairalookedoddlyinthehumblecottage，whereonelargemattressservedfortheentirefamily。
Rinalditookeverythingingoodpart。Hetoldmethatsincethedaughterwouldmakenoobjectionhehadnofearofthefatherdoingso。Hewenttothehousethenextday，buthedidnotgetthegirltillIhadleftSt。Petersburg。Hekeptherfortheremainderofhisdays，andbehavedveryhandsomelytoher。
AfterthismelancholyseparationMadameValvillebecamemysolemistress，andwelefttheRussiancapitalinthecourseofafewweeks。ItookanArmenianmerchantintomyservice；hehadlentmeahundredducats，andcookedverywellintheEasternstyle。IhadaletterfromthePolishresidenttoPrinceAugustusSulkowski，andanotherfromtheEnglishambassadorforPrinceAdamCzartoryski。
ThedayafterweleftSt。PetersburgwestoppedatKoporietodine；
wehadtakenwithussomechoiceviandsandexcellentwines。Twodayslaterwemetthefamouschapel—master，GaluppiorBuranelli，whowasonhiswaytoSt。Petersburgwithtwofriendsandanartiste。Hedidnotknowme，andwasastonishedtofindaVenetiandinnerawaitinghimattheinn，asalsotohearagreetinginhismothertongue。AssoonasIhadpronouncedmynameheembracedmewithexclamationsofsurpriseandjoy。
Theroadswereheavywithrain，sowewereaweekingettingtoRiga，andwhenwearrivedIwassorrytohearthatPrinceCharleswasnotthere。FromRiga，wewerefourdaysbeforegettingtoKonigsberg，whereMadameValville，whowasexpectedatBerlin，hadtoleaveme。
IlefthermyArmenian，towhomshegladlypaidthehundredducatsI
owedhim。Isawheragaintwoyearslater，andshallspeakofthemeetinginduetime。
Weseparatedlikegoodfriends，withoutanysadness。WespentthenightatKleinRoop，nearRiga，andsheofferedtogivemeherdiamonds，herjewels，andallthatshepossessed。WewerestayingwiththeCountessLowenwald，towhomIhadaletterfromthePrincessDolgorouki。Thisladyhadinherhouse，inthecapacityofgoverness，theprettyEnglishwomanwhomIhadknownasCampioni’swife。ShetoldmethatherhusbandwasatWarsaw，andthathewaslivingwithVilliers。Shegavemealetterforhim，andIpromisedtomakehimsendhersomemoney，andIkeptmyword。LittleBettywasascharmingasever，buthermotherseemedquitejealousofherandtreatedherill。
WhenIreachedKonigsbergIsoldmytravellingcarriageandtookaplaceinacoachforWarsaw。Wewerefourinall，andmycompanionsonlyspokeGermanandPolish，sothatIhadadreadfullytediousjourney。AtWarsawIwenttolivewithVilliers，whereIhopedtomeetCampioni。
ItwasnotlongbeforeIsawhim，andfoundhimwellinhealthandincomfortablequarters。Hekeptadancingschool，andhadagoodmanypupils。HewasdelightedtohavenewsofFannyandhischildren。Hesentthemsomemoney，buthadnothoughtsofhavingthematWarsaw，asFannywished。Heassuredmeshewasnothiswife。
HetoldmethatTomatis，themanagerofthecomicopera，hadmadeafortune，andhadinhiscompanyaMilanesedancernamedCatai，whoenchantedallthetownbyhercharmsratherthanhertalent。Gamesofchancewerepermitted，buthewarnedmethatWarsawwasfullofcard—sharpers。AVeronesenamedGiropoldi，wholivedwithanofficerfromLorraincalledBachelier，heldabankatfaroatherhouse，whereadancer，whohadbeenthemistressofthefamousAfflisioatVienna，broughtcustomers。
MajorSadir，whomIhavementionedbefore，keptanothergaming—house，incompanywithhismistress，whocamefromSaxony。TheBarondeSt。
HeleinewasalsoinWarsaw，buthisprincipaloccupationwastocontractdebtswhichhedidnotmeantopay。HealsolivedinVillier’shousewithhisprettyandvirtuousyoungwife，whowouldhavenothingtosaytous。Campionitoldmeofsomeotheradventurers，whosenamesIwasverygladtoknowthatImightthebetteravoidthem。
ThedayaftermyarrivalIhiredamanandacarriage，thelatterbeinganabsolutenecessityatWarsaw，whereinmytime，atallevents，itwasimpossibletogoonfoot。IreachedthecapitalofPolandattheendofOctober，1765。
MyfirstcallwasonPrinceAdamCzartoryski，LieutenantofPodolia，forwhomIhadanintroduction。Ifoundhimbeforeatablecoveredwithpapers，surroundedbyfortyorfiftypersons，inanimmenselibrarywhichhehadmadeintohisbedroom。Hewasmarriedtoaveryprettywoman，buthadnotyethadachildbyherbecauseshewastoothinforhistaste。
HereadthelongletterIgavehim，andsaidinelegantFrenchthathehadaveryhighopinionofthewriteroftheletter；butthatashewasverybusyjustthenhehopedIwouldcometosupperwithhimifIhadnothingbettertodo。
IdroveofftoPrinceSulkouski，whohadjustbeenappointedambassadortotheCourtofLouisXV。Theprincewastheelderoffourbrothersandamanofgreatunderstanding，butatheoristinthestyleoftheAbbeSt。Pierre。Hereadtheletter，andsaidhewantedtohavealongtalkwithme；butthatbeingobligedtogoouthewouldbeobligedifIwouldcomeanddinewithhimatfouro’clock。
Iacceptedtheinvitation。
IthenwenttoamerchantnamedSchempinski，whowastopaymefiftyducatsamonthonPapanelopulo’sorder。Mymantoldmethattherewasapublicrehearsalofanewoperaatthetheatre，andI
accordinglyspentthreehoursthere，knowingnoneandunknowntoall。
Alltheactresseswerepretty，butespeciallytheCatai，whodidnotknowthefirstelementsofdancing。Shewasgreatlyapplauded，aboveallbyPrinceRepnin，theRussianambassador，whoseemedapersonofthegreatestconsequence。
PrinceSulkouskikeptmeattableforfourmortalhours，talkingoneverysubjectexceptthosewithwhichIhappenedtobeacquainted。
Hisstrongpointswerepoliticsandcommerce，andashefoundmymindamerevoidonthesesubjects，heshoneallthemore，andtookquiteafancytome，asIbelieve，becausehefoundmesuchacapitallistener。
Aboutnineo’clock，havingnothingbettertodo（afavouritephrasewiththePolishnoblemen），IwenttoPrinceAdam，whoafterpronouncingmynameintroducedmetothecompany。TherewerepresentMonseigneurKrasinski，thePrince—BishopofWarmia，theChiefProthonotaryRzewuski，whomIhadknownatSt。Petersburg，thePalatinOginski，GeneralRoniker，andtwootherswhosebarbarousnamesIhaveforgotten。Thelastpersontowhomheintroducedmewashiswife，withwhomIwasverypleased。Afewmomentsafterafine—
lookinggentlemancameintotheroom，andeverybodystoodup。PrinceAdampronouncedmyname，andturningtomesaid，coolly，——
\"That’stheking。\"
Thismethodofintroducingastrangertoasovereignprincewasassuredlynotanoverwhelmingone，butitwasneverthelessasurprise；andIfoundthatanexcessofsimplicitymaybeasconfusingastheotherextreme。AtfirstIthoughttheprincemightbemakingafoolofme；butIquicklyputasidetheidea，andsteppedforwardandwasabouttokneel，buthismajestygavemehishandtokisswithexquisitegrace，andashewasabouttoaddressme，PrinceAdamshewedhimtheletteroftheEnglishambassador，whowaswellknowntotheking。Thekingreadit，stillstanding，andbegantoaskmequestionsabouttheCzarinaandtheCourt，appearingtotakegreatinterestinmyreplies。
Whensupperwasannouncedthekingcontinuedtotalk，andledmeintothesupper—room，andmademesitdownathisrighthand。Everybodyateheartilyexcepttheking，whoappearedtohavenoappetite，andmyself，whohadnorighttohaveanyappetite，evenifIhadnotdinedwellwithPrinceSulkouski，forIsawthewholetablehushedtolistentomyrepliestotheking’squestions。
Aftersupperthekingbegantocommentverygraciouslyonmyanswers。
Hismajestyspokesimplybutwithgreatelegance。AshewasleavinghetoldmeheshouldalwaysbedelightedtoseemeathisCourt，andPrinceAdamsaidthatifIlikedtobeintroducedtohisfather，I
hadonlytocallateleveno’clockthenextmorning。
TheKingofPolandwasofamediumheight，butwellmade。Hisfacewasnotahandsomeone，butitwaskindlyandintelligent。Hewasrathershort—sighted，andhisfeaturesinreposeboreasomewhatmelancholyexpression；butinspeaking，thewholefaceseemedtolightup。Allhesaidwasseasonedbyapleasantwit。
Iwaswellenoughpleasedwiththisinterview，andreturnedtomyinn，whereIfoundCampioniseatedamongstseveralguestsofeithersex，andafterstayingwiththemforhalfanhourIwenttobed。
Ateleveno’clockthenextdayIwaspresentedtothegreatRussianPaladin。Hewasinhisdressing—gown，surroundedbyhisgentlemeninthenationalcostume。Hewasstandingupandconversingwithhisfollowersinakindlybutgravemanner。AssoonashissonAdammentionedmyname，heunbentandgavemeamostkindlyyetdignifiedwelcome。Hismannerswerenotawful，nordidtheyinspireonewithfamiliarity，andIthoughthimlikelytobeagoodjudgeofcharacter。WhenItoldhimthatIhadonlygonetoRussiatoamusemyselfandseegoodcompany，heimmediatelyconcludedthatmyaimsincomingtoPolandwereofthesamekind；andhetoldmethathecouldintroducemetoalargecircle。HeaddedthatheshouldbegladtoseemetodinnerandsupperwheneverIhadnootherengagements。
Hewentbehindascreentocompletehistoilette，andsoonappearedintheuniformofhisregiment，withafairperukeinthestyleofthelateKingAugustusII。Hemadeacollectivebowtoeveryone，andwenttoseehiswife，whowasrecoveringfromadiseasewhichwouldhaveprovedfatalifithadnotbeenfortheskillofReimann，apupilofthegreatBoerhaave。TheladycameofthenowextinctfamilyofEnoff，whoseimmensewealthshebroughttoherhusband。
WhenhemarriedherheabandonedtheMalteseOrder，ofwhichhehadbeenaknight。Hewonhisbridebyaduelwithpistolsonhorseback。
Theladyhadpromisedthatherhandshouldbetheconqueror’sguerdon，andtheprincewassofortunateastokillhisrival。OfthismarriagethereissuedPrinceAdamandadaughter，nowawidow，andknownunderthenameofLubomirska，butformerlyunderthatofStrasnikowa，thatbeingthetitleoftheofficeherhusbandheldintheroyalarmy。
Itwasthisprincepalatineandhisbrother，theHighChancellorofLithuania，whofirstbroughtaboutthePolishtroubles。ThetwobrotherswerediscontentedwiththeirpositionattheCourtwhereCountBruhlwassupreme，andputthemselvesattheheadoftheplotfordethroningtheking，andforplacingonthethrone，underRussianprotection，theiryoungnephew，whohadoriginallygonetoSt。
Petersburgasanattacheattheembassy，andafterwardssucceededinwinningthefavourofCatherine，thenGrandDuchess，butsoontobecomeempress。
ThisyoungmanwasStanislasPoniatowski，sonofConstanceCzartoryskiandthecelebratedPoniatowski，thefriendofCharlesIII。Asluckwouldhaveit，arevolutionwasunnecessarytoplacehimonthethrone，forthekingdiedin1763，andgaveplacetoPrincePoniatowski，whowaschosenkingonthe6thofSeptember，1776，underthetitleofStanislasAugustusI。Hehadreignedtwoyearsatthetimeofmyvisit；andIfoundWarsawinastateofgaiety，foradietwastobeheldandeveryonewishedtoknowhowitwasthatCatherinehadgiventhePolesanativeking。
Atdinner—timeIwenttothepaladin’sandfoundthreetables，ateachofwhichtherewereplacesforthirty，andthiswastheusualnumberentertainedbytheprince。TheluxuryoftheCourtpaledbeforethatofthepaladin’shouse。PrinceAdamsaidtome，\"Chevalier，yourplacewillalwaysbeatmyfather’stable。\"
Thiswasagreathonour，andIfeltit。Theprinceintroducedmetohishandsomesister，andtoseveralpalatinsandstarosts。Ididnotfailtocallonallthesegreatpersonages，sointhecourseofafortnightIfoundmyselfawelcomeguestinallthebesthouses。
Mypursewastooleantoallowofmyplayingorconsolingmyselfwithatheatricalbeauty，soIfellbackonthelibraryofMonseigneurZalewski，theBishopofKiowia，forwhomIhadtakenagreatliking。
Ispentalmostallmymorningswithhim，anditwasfromthisprelatethatIlearntalltheintriguesandcomplotsbywhichtheancientPolishconstitution，ofwhichthebishopwasagreatadmirer，hadbeenoverturned。Unhappily，hisfirmnesswasofnoavail，andafewmonthsafterIleftWarsawtheRussiantyrantsarrestedhimandhewasexiledtoSiberia。
Ilivedcalmlyandpeaceably，andstilllookbackuponthosedayswithpleasure。IspentmyafternoonswiththepaladinplayingtressetteanItaliangameofwhichhewasveryfond，andwhichI
playedwellenoughforthepaladintoliketohavemeasapartner。
InspiteofmysobrietyandeconomyIfoundmyselfindebtthreemonthsaftermyarrival，andIdidnotknowwheretoturnforhelp。
Thefiftyducatspermonth，whichweresentmefromVenice，wereinsufficient，forthemoneyIhadtospendonmycarriage，mylodging，myservant，andmydressbroughtmedowntothelowestebb，andIdidnotcaretoappealtoanyone。Butfortunehadasurpriseinstoreforme，andhithertoshehadneverleftme。
MadameSchmit，whomthekingforgoodreasonsofhisownhadaccommodatedwithapartmentsinthepalace，askedmeoneeveningtosupwithher，tellingmethatthekingwouldbeoftheparty。I
acceptedtheinvitation，andIwasdelightedtofindthedelightfulBishopKraswiski，theAbbeGuigiotti，andtwoorthreeotheramateursofItalianliterature。Theking，whoseknowledgeofliteraturewasextensive，begantotellanecdotesofclassicalwriters，quotingmanuscriptauthoritieswhichreducedmetosilence，andwhichwerepossiblyinventedbyhim。Everyonetalkedexceptmyself，andasI
hadhadnodinnerIatelikeanogre，onlyreplyingbymonosyllableswhenpolitenessobligedmetosaysomething。TheconversationturnedonHorace，andeveryonegavehisopiniononthegreatmaterialist’sphilosophy，andtheAbbeGuigiottiobligedmetospeakbysayingthatunlessIagreedwithhimIshouldnotkeepsilence。
\"IfyoutakemysilenceforconsenttoyourextravaganteulogiumofHorace，\"Isaid，\"youaremistaken；forinmyopinionthe’neccumvenarivoletpoematapanges’，ofwhichyouthinksomuch，istomymindasatiredevoidofdelicacy。\"
\"Satireanddelicacyarehardtocombine。\"
\"NotforHorace，whosucceededinpleasingthegreatAugustus，andrenderinghimimmortalastheprotectoroflearnedmen。Indeedothersovereignsseemtoviewithhimbytakinghisnameandevenbydisguisingit。\"
Theking（whohadtakenthenameofAugustushimself）lookedgraveandsaid，——
\"WhatsovereignshaveadoptedadisguisedformofthenameAugustus？\"
\"ThefirstkingofSweden，whocalledhimselfGustavus，whichisonlyananagramofAugustus。\"
\"Thatisaveryamusingidea，andworthmorethanallthetaleswehavetold。Wheredidyoufindthat？\"
\"InamanuscriptatWolfenbuttel。\"
Thekinglaughedloudly，thoughhehimselfhadbeencitingmanuscripts。Buthereturnedtothechargeandsaid，——
\"CanyouciteanypassageofHorace（notinmanuscript）whereheshewshistalentfordelicacyandsatire？\"
\"Sir，Icouldquoteseveralpassages，buthereisonewhichseemstomeverygood:’Coyamrege’，saysthepoet，’suadepaupertatetacentes，plusquanpocentesferent。\"
\"Trueindeed，\"saidtheking，withasmile。
MadameSchmit，whodidnotknowLatin，andinheritedcuriosityfromhermother，andeventuallyfromEve，askedthebishopwhatitmeant，andhethustranslatedit:
\"Theythatspeaknotoftheirnecessitiesinthepresenceofaking，gainmorethantheythatareeverasking。\"
Theladyremarkedthatshesawnothingsatiricalinthis。
Afterthisitwasmyturntobesilentagain；butthekingbegantotalkaboutAriosto，andexpressedadesiretoreaditwithme。I
repliedwithaninclinationofthehead，andHorace’swords:Temporaquoeram’。
Nextmorning，asIwascomingoutfrommass，thegenerousandunfortunateStanislasAugustusgavemehishandtokiss，andatthesametimeslidarollofmoneyintomyhand，saying，——
\"ThanknoonebutHorace，anddon’ttellanyoneaboutit。\"
Therollcontainedtwohundredducats，andIimmediatelypaidoffmydebts。SincethenIwentalmosteverymorningtotheking’scloset，wherehewasalwaysgladtoseehiscourtiers，buttherewasnomoresaidaboutreadingAriosto。HeknewItalian，butnotenoughtospeakit，andstilllesstoappreciatethebeautiesofthegreatpoet。
WhenIthinkofthisworthyprince，andofthegreatqualitieshepossessedasaman，Icannotunderstandhowhecametocommitsomanyerrorsasaking。Perhapstheleastofthemallwasthatheallowedhimselftosurvivehiscountry。Ashecouldnotfindafriendtokillhim，Ithinkheshouldhavekilledhimself。Butindeedhehadnoneedtoaskafriendtodohimthisservice；heshouldhaveimitatedthegreatKosciuszko，andenteredintolifeeternalbytheswordofaRussian。
Thecarnivalwasabrilliantone。AllEuropeseemedtohaveassembledatWarsawtoseethehappybeingwhomfortunehadsounexpectedlyraisedtoathrone，butafterseeinghimallwereagreedthat，inhiscaseatallevents，thedeityhadbeenneitherblindnorfoolish。Perhaps，however，helikedshewinghimselfrathertoomuch。
IhavedetectedhiminsomedistressonhisbeinginformedthattherewassuchathingasastrangerinWarsawwhohadnotseenhim。Noonehadanyneedofanintroduction，forhisCourtwas，asallCourtsshouldbe，opentoeveryone，andwhenhenoticedastrangefacehewasthefirsttospeak。
HereImustsetdownaneventwhichtookplacetowardstheendofJanuary。Itwas，infact，adream；and，asIthinkIhaveconfessedbefore，superstitionhadalwayssomeholdonme。
IdreamtIwasatabanquet，andoneofthegueststhrewabottleatmyface，thatthebloodpouredforth，thatIranmyswordthroughmyenemy’sbody，andjumpedintoacarriage，androdeaway。
PrinceCharlesofCourlandcametoWarsaw，andaskedmetodinewithhimatPrincePoninski’s，thesamethatbecamesonotorious，andwasafterwardsproscribedandshamefullydishonoured。Hiswasahospitablehouse，andhewassurroundedbyhisagreeablefamily。I
hadnevercalledonhim，ashewasnota’personagrata’tothekingorhisrelations。
Inthecourseofthedinnerabottleofchampagneburst，andapieceofbrokenglassstruckmejustbelowtheeye。Itcutavein，andthebloodgushedovermyface，overmyclothes，andevenoverthecloth。
Everybodyrose，mywoundwasboundup，theclothwaschanged，andthedinnerwentonmerrily。Iwassurprisedatthelikenessbetweenmydreamandthisincident，whileIcongratulatedmyselfonthehappydifferencebetweenthem。However，itallcametrueafterafewmonths。
MadameBinetti，whomIhadlastseeninLondon，arrivedatWarsawwithherhusbandandPicthedancer。Shehadaletterofintroductiontotheking’sbrother，whowasageneralintheAustrianservice，andthenresidedatWarsaw。Iheardthatthedaytheycame，whenIwasatsupperatthepalatin’s。Thekingwaspresent，andsaidheshouldliketokeeptheminWarsawforaweekandseethemdance，ifathousandducatscoulddoit。
IwenttoseeMadameBinettiandtogiveherthegoodnewsthenextmorning。ShewasverymuchsurprisedtomeetmeinWarsaw，andstillmoresoatthenewsIgaveher。ShecalledPicwhoseemedundecided，butasweweretalkingitover，PrincePoniatowskicameintoacquaintthemwithhismajesty’swishes，andtheofferwasaccepted。
InthreedaysPicarrangedaballet；thecostumes，thescenery，themusic，thedancers——allwereready，andTomatisputitonhandsomelytopleasehisgenerousmaster。Thecouplegavesuchsatisfactionthattheywereengagedforayear。TheCataiwasfurious，asMadameBinettithrewhercompletelyintotheshade，and，worsestill，drewawayherlovers。Tomatis，whowasundertheCatai’sinfluence，madethingssounpleasantforMadameBinettithatthetwodancersbecamedeadlyenemies。
IntenortwelvedaysMadameBinettiwassettleditawell—furnishedhouse；herplatewassimplebutgood，hercellarfullofexcellentwine，hercookanartistandheradorersnumerous，amongstthembeingMoszciuskiandBranicki，theking’sfriends。
Thepitwasdividedintotwoparties，fortheCataiwasresolvedtomakeastandagainstthenewcomer，thoughhertalentswerenottobecomparedtoMadameBinetti’s。Shedancedinthefirstballet，andherrivalinthesecond。Thosewhoapplaudedthefirstgreetedthatsecondindeadsilence，andviceversa。IhadgreatobligationstowardsMadameBinetti，butmydutyalsodrewmetowardstheCatai，whonumberedinherpartyalltheCzartoryskisandtheirfollowing，PrinceLubomirski，andotherpowerfulnobles。ItwasplainthatI
couldnotdeserttoMadameBinettiwithoutearningthecontemptoftheotherparty。
MadameBinettireproachedmebitterly，andIlaidthecaseplainlybeforeher。SheagreedthatIcouldnotdootherwise，butbeggedmetostayawayfromthetheatreinfuture，tellingmethatshehadgotarodinpickleforTomatiswhichwouldmakehimrepentofhisimpertinence。Shecalledmeheroldestfriend；andindeedIwasveryfondofher，andcarednothingfortheCataidespiteherprettiness。
XavierBranicki，theroyalPostoli，KnightoftheWhiteEagle，ColonelofUhlans，theking’sfriend，wasthechiefadorerofMadameBinetti。Theladyprobablyconfidedherdispleasuretohim，andbeggedhimtotakevengeanceonthemanager，whohadcommittedsomanyoffencesagainsther。CountBranickiinhisturnprobablypromisedtoavengeherquarrel，and，ifnoopportunityofdoingsoarose，tocreateanopportunity。Atleast，thisisthewayinwhichaffairsofthiskindareusuallymanaged，andIcanfindnobetterexplanationforwhathappened。Nevertheless，thewayinwhichthePoletookvengeancewasveryoriginalandextraordinary。
Onthe20thofFebruaryBranickiwenttotheopera，and，contrarytohiscustom，wenttotheCatai’sdressing—room，andbegantopayhiscourttotheactress，Tomatisbeingpresent。BothheandtheactressconcludedthatBranickihadhadaquarrelwithherrival，andthoughshedidnotmuchcaretoplacehiminthenumberofheradorers，sheyetgavehimagoodreception，forsheknewitwouldbedangeroustodespisehissuitopenly。
WhentheCataihadcompletedhertoilet，thegallantpostolioffered。
herhisarmtotakehertohercarriage，whichwasatthedoor。
Tomatisfollowed，andItoowasthere，awaitingmycarriage。MadameCataicamedown，thecarriage—doorwasopened，shesteppedin，andBranickigotinafterher，tellingtheastonishedTomatistofollowthemintheothercarriage。Tomatisrepliedthathemeanttorideinhisowncarriage，andbeggedthecoloneltogetout。Branickipaidnoattention，andtoldthecoachmantodriveon。Tornatisforbadehimtostir，andtheman，ofcourse，obeyedhismaster。Thegallantpostciliwasthereforeobligedtogetdown，buthebadehishussargiveTomatisaboxontheear，andthisorderwassopromptlyandvigorouslyobeyedthattheunfortunatemanwasonthegroundbeforehehadtimetorecollectthathehadasword。Hegotupeventuallyanddroveoff，buthecouldeatnosupper，nodoubtbecausehehadablowtodigest。Iwastohavesuppedwithhim，butafterthissceneIhadreallynotthefacetogo。Iwenthomeinamelancholyandreflectivemood，wonderingwhetherthewholehadbeenconcerted；butIconcludedthatthiswasimpossible，asneitherBranickinorBinetticouldhaveforeseentheimpolitenessandcowardiceofTomatis。
Inthenextchapterthereaderwillseehowtragicallythematterended。
CHAPTERXXII
MyDuelwithBranicki——MyJourneytoLeopolandReturntoWarsaw——IReceivetheOrdertoLeave——MyDeparturewiththeUnknownOneOnreflectionIconcludedthatBranickihadnotdoneanungentlemanlythingingettingintoTomatis’scarriage；hehadmerelybehavedwithimpetuosity，asifheweretheCatai’slover。Italsoappearedtomethat，consideringtheaffronthehadreceivedfromthejealousItalian，theboxontheearwasaverymoderateformofvengeance。
Ablowisbad，ofcourse，butnotsobadasdeath；andBranickimightverywellhaverunhisswordthroughthemanager’sbody。Certainly，ifBranickihadkilledhimhewouldhavebeenstigmatisedasanassassin，forthoughTomatishadaswordthePolishofficer’sservantswouldneverhaveallowedhimtodrawit，neverthelessI
couldnothelpthinkingthatTomatisshouldhavetriedtotaketheservant’slife，evenattheriskofhisown。Hewantednomorecourageforthatthaninorderingtheking’sfavouritetocomeoutofthecarriage。HemighthaveforeseenthatthePolishnoblewouldbestungtothequick，andwouldsurelyattempttotakespeedyvengeance。
Thenextdaytheencounterwasthesubjectofallconversations。
Tomatisremainedindoorsforaweek，callingforvengeanceinvain。
Thekingtoldhimhecoulddonothingforhim，asBranickimaintainedhehadonlygiveninsultforinsult。IsawTomatis，whotoldmeinconfidencethathecouldeasilytakevengeance，butthatitwouldcosthimtoodear。Hehadspentfortythousandducatsonthetwoballets，andifhehadavengedhimselfhewouldhavelostitnearlyall，ashewouldbeobligedtoleavethekingdom。Theonlyconsolationhehadwasthathisgreatfriendswerekindertohimthanever，andthekinghimselfhonouredhimwithpeculiarattention。
MadameBinettiwastriumphant。WhenIsawhershecondoledwithmeironicallyonthemishapthathadbefallenmyfriend。Sheweariedme；butIcouldnotguessthatBranickihadonlyactedatherinstigation，andstilllessthatshehadagrudgeagainstme。
Indeed，ifIhadknownit，Ishouldonlyhavelaughedather，forI
hadnothingtodreadfromherbravo’sdagger。Ihadneverseenhimnorspokentohim；hecouldhavenoopportunityforattackingme。Hewasneverwiththekinginthemorningandneverwenttothepalatin’stosupper，beinganunpopularcharacterwiththePolishnobility。ThisBranickiwassaidtohavebeenoriginallyaCossack，Braneckibyname。Hebecametheking’sfavoriteandassumedthenameofBranicki，pretendingtobeofthesamefamilyastheillustriousmarshalofthatnamewhowasstillalive；buthe，farfromrecognizingthepretender，orderedhisshieldtobebrokenupandburiedwithhimasthelastoftherace。Howeverthatmaybe，BranickiwasthetooloftheRussianparty，thedeterminedenemyofthosewhowithstoodCatherine’sdesignofRussianisingtheancientPolishconstitution。Thekinglikedhimoutofhabit，andbecausehehadpeculiarobligationstohim。
ThelifeIlivedwasreallyexemplary。Iindulgedneitherinloveaffairsnorgaming。Iworkedfortheking，hopingtobecomehissecretary。Ipaidmycourttotheprincess—palatine，wholikedmycompany，andIplayedtressettewiththepalatinhimself。
Onthe4thofMarch，St。Casimir’sEve，therewasabanquetatCourttowhichIhadthehonourtobeinvited。Casimirwasthenameoftheking’seldestbrother，whoheldtheofficeofgrandchamberlain。
AfterdinnerthekingaskedmeifIintendedgoingtothetheatre，whereaPolishplaywastobegivenforthefirsttime。Everybodywasinterestedinthisnovelty，butitwasamatterofindifferencetomeasIdidnotunderstandthelanguage，andItoldthekingasmuch。
\"Nevermind，\"saidhe，\"comeinmybox。\"
Thiswastooflatteringaninvitationtoberefused，soIobeyedtheroyalcommandandstoodbehindtheking’schair。Afterthesecondactaballetwasgiven，andthedancingofMadameCaracci，aPiedmontese，sopleasedhismajestythathewenttotheunusualpainsofclappingher。
Ionlyknewthedancerbysight，forIhadneverspokentoher。Shehadsometalents。HerprincipaladmirerwasCountPoninski，whowasalwaysreproachingmewhenIdinedwithhimforvisitingtheotherdancerstotheexclusionofMadameCaracci。Ithoughtofhisreproachatthetime，anddeterminedtopayheravisitaftertheballettocongratulateheronherperformanceandtheking’sapplause。OnmywayIpassedbyMadameBinetti’sdressing—room，andseeingthedooropenIstayedamoment。CountBranickicameup，andIleftwithabowandpassedontoMadameCaracci’sdressing—room。
Shewasastonishedtoseeme，andbeganwithkindlyreproachesformyneglect；towhichIrepliedwithcompliments，andthengivingherakissIpromisedtocomeandseeher。
JustasIembracedherwhoshouldenterbutBranicki，whomIhadleftamomentbeforewithMadameBinetti。Hehadclearlyfollowedmeinthehopesofpickingaquarrel。HewasaccompaniedbyBininski，hislieutenant—colonel。Assoonasheappeared，politenessmademestandupandturntogo，buthestoppedme。
\"ItseemstomeIhavecomeatabadtime；itlooksasifyoulovedthislady。\"
\"Certainly，mylord；doesnotyourexcellencyconsiderherasworthyoflove？\"
\"Quiteso；butasithappensIlovehertoo，andIamnotthemantobearanyrivals。\"
\"AsIknowthat，Ishalllovehernomore。\"
\"Thenyougiveherup？\"
\"Withallmyheart；foreveryonemustyieldtosuchanobleasyouare。\"
\"Verygood；butIcallamanthatyieldsacoward。\"
\"Isn’tthatratherastrongexpression？\"
AsIutteredthesewordsIlookedproudlyathimandtouchedthehiltofmysword。Threeorfourofficerswerepresentandwitnessedwhatpassed。
Ihadhardlygonefourpacesfromthedressing—roomwhenIheardmyselfcalled\"Venetiancoward。\"InspiteofmyrageIrestrainedmyself，andturnedbacksaying，coollyandfirmly，thatperhapsaVenetiancowardmightkillabravePoleoutsidethetheatre；andwithoutawaitingareplyIleftthebuildingbythechiefstaircase。
Iwaitedvainlyoutsidethetheatreforaquarterofanhourwithmyswordinmyhand，forIwasnotafraidoflosingfortythousandducatslikeTomatis。Atlast，halfperishingwithcold，Icalledmycarriageanddrovetothepalatin’s，wherethekingwastosup。
Thecoldandlonelinessbegantocoolmybrain，andIcongratulatedmyselfonmyself—restraintinnotdrawingmyswordintheactress’sdressing—room；andIfeltgladthatBranickihadnotfollowedmedownthestairs，forhisfriendBininskihadasabre，andIshouldprobablyhavebeenassassinated。
AlthoughthePolesarepoliteenough，thereisstillagooddealoftheoldleaveninthem。TheyarestillDaciansandSamaritansatdinner，inwar，andinfriendship，astheycallit，butwhichisoftenaburdenhardlytobeborne。Theycanneverunderstandthatamanmaybesufficientcompanyforhimself，andthatitisnotrighttodescendonhiminatroopandaskhimtogivethemdinner。
ImadeupmymindthatMadameBinettihadexcitedBranickitofollowme，andpossiblytotreatmeashehadtreatedTomatis。Ihadnotreceivedablowcertainly，butIhadbeencalledacoward。Ihadnochoicebuttodemandsatisfaction，butIalsodeterminedtobestudiouslymoderatethroughout。InthisframeofmindIgotdownatthepalatin’s，resolvedtotellthewholestorytotheking，leavingtohismajestythetaskofcompellinghisfavouritetogivemesatisfaction。
Assoonasthepalatinsawme，hereproachedmeinafriendlymannerforkeepinghimwaiting，andwesatdowntotressette。Iwashispartner，andcommittedseveralblunders。Whenitcametolosingasecondgamehesaid，——
\"Whereisyourheadto—night？\"
\"Mylord，itisfourleaguesaway。\"
\"Arespectablemanoughttohavehisheadinthegame，andnotatadistanceoffourleagues。\"
Withthesewordstheprincethrewdownhiscardsandbegantowalkupanddowntheroom。Iwasratherstartled，butIgotupandstoodbythefire，waitingfortheking。ButafterIhadwaitedthusforhalfanhourachamberlaincamefromthepalace，andannouncedthathismajestycouldnotdohimselfthehonourofsuppingwithmylordthatnight。
Thiswasablowforme，butIconcealedmydisappointment。Supperwasserved，andIsatdownasusualatthelefthandofthepalatin，whowasannoyedwithme，andchewedit。Wewereeighteenattable，andforonceIhadnoappetite。AboutthemiddleofthesupperPrinceGaspardLubomirskicamein，andchancedtositdownoppositeme。Assoonashesawmehecondoledwithmeinaloudvoiceforwhathadhappened。
\"Iamsorryforyou，\"saidhe，\"butBranickiwasdrunk，andyoureallyshouldn’tcountwhathesaidasaninsult。\"
\"Whathashappened？\"becameatoncethegeneralquestion。Iheldmytongue，andwhentheyaskedLubomirskiherepliedthatasIkeptsilenceitwashisdutytodothesame。
Thereuponthepalatin，speakinginhisfriendliestmanner，saidtome，——
\"WhathastakenplacebetweenyouandBranicki？\"
\"Iwilltellyouthewholestory，mylord，inprivateaftersupper。\"
Theconversationbecameindifferent，andafterthemealwasoverthepalatintookuphisstandbythesmalldoorbywhichhewasaccustomedtoleavetheroom，andthereItoldhimthewholestory。
Hesighed，condoledwithme，andadded，——
\"Youhadgoodreasonsforbeingabsent—mindedatcards。\"
\"MayIpresumetoaskyourexcellency’sadvice？\"
\"Inevergiveadviceintheseaffairs，inwhichyoumustdoevery—
thingornothing。\"
Thepalatinshookmebythehand，andIwenthomeandsleptforsixhours。AssoonasIawokeIsatupinbed，andmyfirstthoughtwaseverythingornothing。Isoonrejectedthelatteralternative，andI
sawthatImustdemandadueltothedeath。IfBranickirefusedtofightIshouldbecompelledtokillhim，evenifIweretolosemyheadforit。
Suchwasmydetermination；towritetohimproposingaduelatfourleaguesfromWarsaw，thisbeingthelimitofthestarostia，inwhichduellingwasforbiddenonpainofdeath。IWroteasfollows，forI
havekepttheroughdraftofthelettertothisday:
\"WARSAW，\"March5th，1766。5A。M。