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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Journal of Countess Françoise Krasinska, by 
+Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Journal of Countess Françoise Krasinska
+       Great Grandmother of Victor Emmanuel
+
+Author: Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
+Translator: Kasimir Dziekonska
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2011 [EBook #36660]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE JOURNAL OF COUNTESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jen Haines and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    THE JOURNAL OF COUNTESS
+    FRANÇOISE KRASINSKA
+    GREAT GRANDMOTHER OF VICTOR
+    EMMANUEL
+
+    TRANSLATED FROM THE POLISH
+    BY
+    KASIMIR DZIEKONSKA
+
+    EIGHTH EDITION
+
+    [Illustration]
+
+    CHICAGO
+    A. C. McCLURG & CO.
+    1907
+
+
+    COPYRIGHT,
+    BY A. C. McCLURG & CO.
+    A.D. 1895.
+
+
+
+
+    THE JOURNAL
+    OF
+    COUNTESS FRANÇOISE KRASINSKA
+    IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+
+
+    IN THE CASTLE OF MALESZOW,
+    _Monday, January 1, 1759_.
+
+One week ago--it was Christmas day--my honored Father ordered to
+be brought to him a huge book, in which for many years he has
+written with his own hand all the important things which have
+happened in our country; also copies of the notable pamphlets,
+speeches, manifestoes, public and private letters, occasional
+poems, etc., and having placed everything in the order of its
+date, he showed us this precious collection and read to us some
+extracts. I was much pleased with his idea of recording
+interesting facts and circumstances; and as I know how to write
+pretty well in Polish and in French, and have heard that in
+France some women have written their memoirs, I thought, "Why
+should not I try to do something of the kind?"
+
+So I have made a big copy-book by fastening together many sheets
+of paper, and I shall note down, as accurately as I am able,
+everything which may happen to me and to my family, and I shall
+also mention public affairs as they happen, as far as I may be
+acquainted with them.
+
+To-day is New Year's Day and Monday, a very proper season to
+begin something new. I am at leisure; the morning Service is
+finished, I am dressed and my hair is curled; ten is just
+striking on the castle clock, so I have two hours till dinner
+time. Well, I begin.
+
+I was born in 1742, so I am just past my sixteenth birthday. I
+received at the christening the name of Françoise. I have heard
+more than once that I am pretty, and sometimes looking in the
+mirror, I think so myself. "One has to thank God, and not to
+boast," says my gracious Mother; "it is He that hath made us
+and not we ourselves." I have black hair and eyes, a fair
+complexion and rosy cheeks. I should like to be a little taller,
+but they frighten me by saying I shall not grow any more. I am
+descended from the not only noble, but very old and illustrious
+family of Korwin Krasinski. God forbid I should ever tarnish the
+glorious name I am fortunate enough to bear! on the contrary I
+should like much to add to its fame, and I am often sorry I am
+not a man, as I should then have more opportunities.
+
+The Count, my honored Father, and the Countess, are so sensible
+of the grandeur of the Korwin Krasinski family, and they so often
+speak of it,--not only they, but our courtiers and our guests as
+well,--and it is thought by all to be such a great reproach not to
+know precisely about our ancestors, that we all have our heads
+full of that kind of information. I can recite the genealogy of the
+Krasinskis and the history of each of them as perfectly as my
+morning prayer, and I think that I should have more difficulty
+in telling the names of our Polish kings in chronological order
+than in telling those of my ancestors. The pictures of the most
+illustrious are in our hall,[1] but it would take too long to write
+about each of them. The first of whom we know anything was
+Warcislaus Korwin, from the old Roman family of Corvinus, who,
+in the eleventh century, came from Hungary to Poland and was
+appointed the Hetman (General-in-chief) of the army of King
+Boleslaus II.
+
+    [1] They are still in Count Adam Krasinski's palace
+        in Warsaw.
+
+Having espoused a noble lady of the name of Pobog, Korwin united
+his crest--a raven holding a ring--to that of the Pobogs--a hand
+grasping a sabre--and such is still our cognizance. His grandson
+was the first to take the name Krasinski, that is, _of Krasin_,
+from an estate bestowed upon him by the King as a reward for his
+bravery; and from that time forward many hetmans, castellans,
+woivodes,[2] bishops, etc., made the Krasinski name famous in
+Polish history.
+
+    [2] Governors of provinces.
+
+One of them, Alexander, in this very same Maleszow Castle where
+I am now quietly writing, resisted so bravely a great Tartar
+army, in one of its plundering excursions from Asia, that the
+chief was obliged to retreat; but before leaving, he sent to the
+valorous castellan, as a token of his admiration, the most
+precious thing he possessed,--namely, a clock, of very simple
+construction, it is true, but a great wonder at that time. This
+curious relic, this gift from an enemy,--and he a Tartar, more
+accustomed to take than to give,--is still preserved with great
+care in our family; I have seen it but twice in my life, my
+honored Father keeping it so carefully, and I am sure he would
+not exchange it for ten Paris clocks with all their chimes.
+
+This valiant ancestor of mine was killed in a war with Russia,
+and left no son. His nephew John built in Warsaw a magnificent
+palace in the Italian style, which is said to be more beautiful
+than the King's Castle; but I have not seen it, as I have never
+been in our capital.
+
+John's brother, Alexander, the castellan of Sandomir, was my own
+grandfather. His son, Stanislaus, the Staroste[3] of Nova Wies
+and Uscie, is my honored and beloved Father; he married Angela
+Humiecka, the daughter of the famous Woivode of Podole, my
+honored and beloved Mother. But, to my great sorrow, this line
+of the Krasinski family will become extinct with the Count, my
+Father, as he has four daughters, but no son: Basia (a pet name
+for Barbara) is the eldest; I am the second; then comes Kasia
+(Katherine); and Marynia (Mary) is the youngest.
+
+    [3] Honorary judge.
+
+The courtiers tell me often I am the handsomest, but I am sure I
+do not see it; we all have the bearing becoming young ladies of
+high station, daughters of a Staroste; we are straight as poplars,
+with complexions white as snow and cheeks pink as roses; our
+waists, especially when Madame ties us fast in our stays, can be,
+as they say, "clasped with one hand." In the parlor before guests
+we know how to make our courtesy, low or _dégagé_, according
+to their importance; we have been taught to sit quiet on the very
+edge of a stool, with our eyes cast down and our hands folded,
+so that one might think we were not able to count three or were
+too prim even to walk out of the room easily. But people would
+think differently if they saw us on a summer morning, when we
+are allowed to go to the woods in morning gowns and without
+stays, puffs, coiffures, or high-heeled shoes: oh! how we climb
+the steep hillsides, and run and shout and sing, till our poor
+Madame is quite out of breath from running and calling after us.
+
+As yet I and my two younger sisters have seldom left home:
+Konskie, the home of our aunt, the Woivodine[4] Malachowska,
+whom we visit twice a year; Piotrowice, where my honored Father,
+after his return from Italy, built a beautiful chapel, like the
+one in Loretto; Lisow, where stands our parish church,--these
+bound all our experiences in travelling. But Basia, as the
+eldest, has already seen a good part of this world: she has been
+twice to Opole, visiting our aunt, the Princess Lubomirska,
+Woivodine of Lublin, whom my Father loves and venerates as a
+mother rather than as an elder sister. Basia has spent also one
+year in the convent of the Ladies of the Visitation at Warsaw,
+and so, of course, she knows more than any of us: her courtesies
+are the lowest, and her manners the most stately.
+
+    [4] Wife of a woivode.
+
+My honored Parents are thinking now of sending me also somewhere
+to finish my education; I am expecting every day to see the
+carriage drive up to the door, and then my gracious Mother will
+tell me to sit beside her, and she will take me either to Warsaw
+or to Cracow. I am perfectly happy at home, but Basia liked the
+convent very much, so I hope that I shall; and then I shall
+improve in the French language, which is now indispensable for a
+lady; also in music and in dancing, and besides that I shall
+see a great town, our capital.
+
+As I have not seen many castles besides Maleszow, I cannot
+judge whether it is pretty or not. I only know that I like it very
+much. Some people think that our castle, with its four stories
+and its four bastions, surrounded with a moat full of water
+crossed by a drawbridge, and situated amidst forests in a rocky
+country, looks rather gloomy, but I do not think so at all. I am
+so happy here that I should like to sing and dance all day long.
+I hear my honored Parents complaining sometimes that they are
+not quite comfortable here. It is true that, although on each floor
+there are besides the parlor, six large rooms and four smaller
+ones in the bastions, we cannot all be accommodated on the same
+floor, as we are a very numerous family. The dining-rooms are on
+the first, the dancing hall on the second, and we girls have to
+occupy the third floor. My honored Parents are no longer young,
+and it fatigues them to go up and down every day, but for me
+these stairs are just my delight! Often, when I have not yet all
+my puffs on, I grasp the stair-rail and I am down in one second
+without my foot once touching the steps. Oh! it is such fun!
+
+It is true our many guests may sometimes be crowded a little in
+their sleeping rooms, but nevertheless, they visit us often, and
+I do not know that we could amuse ourselves better in a more
+spacious palace. I think the Maleszow Castle, if three times as
+large, could not be more magnificent; it is so gay and lively
+that the neighbors often call it little Paris. We are especially
+gay when winter comes; then the captain of our dragoons does
+not lift up the drawbridge until night, so many people are
+continually driving in and out, and our court-band has enough
+to do playing every day for us to dance.
+
+But I ought not to forget to speak about the retinue of our
+Castle, which, in accordance with the rank of my honored
+Parents, is very numerous and stately.
+
+There are two classes of courtiers,--the honorary and the
+salaried ones, all alike nobles, with the sword at their side.
+The first are about twenty in number; their duties are to wait
+in the morning for the Count's entrance, to be ready for any
+service he may require, to accompany him when visiting or
+riding, to defend him in case of need, to give him their voice
+at the Diet, and to play cards and amuse him and his guests.
+This last duty is best performed by our Matenko (Mathias), the
+fool or court jester, as the other courtiers call him; but he
+does not at all deserve that sobriquet, as his judgment is very
+correct and his repartees are very witty. Of all the courtiers
+he is the most privileged, being allowed to speak whenever he
+chooses and to tell the truth frankly.
+
+To the honorary members of our court belong also six girls of
+good family, who live on the same floor with us under the
+superintendence of our Madame, and also two dwarfs. One of the
+latter is about forty, but of the size of a four-year-old child;
+he is dressed as a Turk. The other, still smaller and very
+graceful and pretty, is eighteen years old, and they dress him
+as a Cossack. Sometimes, for sport, my honored Mother orders him
+to be put on the dinner table, and he walks about among the
+bottles and the plates as easily as if he were in a garden.
+
+The honorary courtiers receive no pay, almost all of them being
+the sons and daughters of rather wealthy parents, who send them
+to our castle for training in courtly etiquette. The men
+receive, nevertheless, provision for two horses, and two
+florins[5] weekly for their valets. These servants are dressed,
+some as Cossacks, some as Hungarians, and stand behind their
+masters' chairs at meals. There is no special dinner table for
+them, but they must be satisfied with what their masters leave
+on their plates, and you should see how they follow with a
+covetous eye each morsel on its way from the plate to the
+master's mouth! I do not dare to look at them, partly from fear
+of laughing, and partly out of pity.
+
+    [5] The Polish florin is worth twenty cents.
+
+The salaried courtiers are much more numerous. They do not
+come to our table, except the chaplain, the physician and the
+secretary. The marshal and the butler walk around the table
+watching if anything is wanted; they pour the wine into the
+glasses, often replenishing for the guests, but only on feast
+days keeping the glass full for the courtiers. The commissary,
+the treasurer, the equerry, the gentleman usher, the masters of
+the wardrobe, all dine at the marshal's table. To tell the truth,
+those who sit at our table have more honor than profit, for they
+do not always have the same kind of food that we have, although
+it comes from the same dish. For instance, when the meats are
+brought in, there will be on the dish game or domestic fowl on the
+top, and plain roast beef, or roast pork, underneath. Each course
+is brought on two enormous dishes, and it seems almost impossible
+such heaps could disappear; yet the last man served gets often
+but scanty bits of food, and whether there are four courses, as
+on week days, or seven, as on Sundays, or twelve, as on festivals,
+I do not remember having seen anything left on our table.
+
+The salaried courtiers receive quite high pay, from three
+hundred to a thousand florins annually, also provender for two
+horses each, and the livery for their valets; but then the Count
+expects them all to present themselves well dressed. When he is
+especially pleased with one of them he rewards him generously,
+and every year on the Count's birthday, rich presents in dresses
+and money are distributed.
+
+But this is not our whole retinue; there are also the
+chamberlains,--young boys from fifteen to twenty years of age,
+of noble families, who perform a kind of novitiate in our
+service. Their duties are to be always in attendance, to
+accompany our carriage on horseback, and to be ready for all
+kinds of errands; thus if my honored Parents have letters to be
+carried in haste, or presents or invitations to be sent, they
+always send the chamberlains. One of them, Michael Chronowski,
+will finish his novitiate on Epiphany, and then will come the
+ceremony of liberation, which I shall describe in its place.
+
+As for other people belonging to our retinue, it would be
+difficult to enumerate them; I am sure I do not know how many
+there are of musicians, cooks, linkboys, cossacks, hostlers,
+valets, chamberlains, and boy and girl servants. I know only
+there are five different dinner tables, and two stewards are
+busy from morning till night, giving out the provisions for the
+meals. Very often, especially when fresh supplies are brought
+in, my honored Mother is herself present in the storeroom; she
+also keeps the keys of the medicine closet, where spices,
+dainties, and sweet liquors are kept. Every morning the marshal
+brings to her the dinner and supper menu, which she, with the
+advice of my honored Father, either changes or approves.
+
+The arrangement of our day's occupation is as follows: we rise at
+six o'clock in summer, at seven in winter. All four of us sleep in
+the same room with Madame, and each has an iron bedstead with
+curtains around it. Basia, as the eldest, has two pillows and a silk
+coverlet; we, the younger, have but one pillow and a woollen blanket.
+Having said a French prayer with Madame, we begin our lessons at
+once. At first the chaplain taught us the catechism, and with our
+tutor we learned how to read and write in Polish; but now he teaches
+only my two younger sisters, for Basia and I study with Madame only.
+We learn vocabularies, dialogues, and anecdotes by heart from a
+text-book. At eight we go downstairs to wish our honored Parents
+good-morning and to have breakfast. Then we go to the chapel, where,
+after the mass, the chaplain reads Latin prayers, which we all
+repeat after him aloud. Returning to our room, we learn German
+vocabularies, we write letters and exercises, and Madame dictates
+to us the verses of a French poet, Malesherbes. We have a spinet and
+are taught to play upon it by a German teacher, who directs our
+orchestra; for this service he receives three hundred florins
+annually. We all study music and Basia plays not badly at all.
+
+When our lessons are over we put on wrappers and the coiffeur
+comes to dress our hair, beginning with the eldest. This is a
+long and often painful operation, especially when he is
+inventing some new coiffure. As my hair is the thickest and the
+longest (it drags on the floor when I am sitting before the
+dressing-table), it is on my head that he generally makes his
+experiments. It is true that he does make very beautiful and
+wonderful coiffures; for instance, the one I have to-day, is so
+pretty, having a _laisser aller_ effect: all my hair is lifted
+up very high; half of it is arranged in puffs on the top of the
+head, and the other half falls in loose curls on the neck and
+the shoulders; there must have been at least a half-pound of
+powder used in it. Our dressing takes two or three hours, during
+which Madame reads to us a new French book, the "Magasin des
+Enfants" by Madame Beaumont.
+
+At noon, at the Angelus bell, we go down to dinner, and then, our
+honored Parents allow us to remain with them for the rest of the
+day. We sit generally two hours at table; after that if the
+weather is favorable we take a walk; if not, we always have some
+needle-work on hand for our church in Piotrowice. We sit at our
+embroidery frames as long as we can see, and when the lights are
+brought in, we make netting or do some such light work. There are
+always many wax tapers burning in silver candelabra, and although
+they are rather yellow, being home-made from our own wax, they
+give a very bright light.
+
+Supper is at seven, and afterwards the evening is given to
+amusement. Sometimes we play cards, "Marriage" or "Drujbart,"
+and it is such fun to see the faces Matenko makes, according as
+he gets a seven or a trump!
+
+Once a week a chamberlain goes to Warsaw to bring the newspapers
+and letters, and then the chaplain reads aloud the "Gazette" and
+the "Courier." At times my honored Father reads the old
+chronicles to us; sometimes they are very dull, and sometimes
+very interesting. During the Carnival, there is seldom any
+reading, but there are games, music, and dances. I cannot
+imagine how they can amuse themselves better at the court in
+Warsaw; how can it be anywhere gayer than in our Maleszow?
+Still, I should like so much, if only out of curiosity, to have
+just a taste of that court life. But what do I hear? There is
+the noon bell! I must say the Angelus in haste, see if my
+coiffure is in order, and run downstairs, leaving for to-morrow
+all that I intended to write to-day.
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, January 2.
+
+Yesterday, I wrote about myself and my home; to-day I want to
+write about my country. I should not be a worthy Pole if I were
+not interested in what happens in my own land. People in our
+house talk much about Poland, and I have always listened
+attentively, but much more so since I resolved to write this
+journal.
+
+Our present king is Augustus III., Elector of Saxony, son and
+successor of Augustus II. On the seventeenth of this month, it
+will be twenty-five years since the Bishop of Cracow crowned him
+King of Poland and Lithuania.[6] It is said that he was rather
+indifferent to the Polish crown, when by his father's death the
+chance was opened to him; but he was persuaded to become a
+candidate by his wife, Marie Josephine, daughter of the German
+Emperor Maximilian. This royal lady was very much beloved by the
+Poles: she had a very good influence over the king, her husband,
+and never meddled with any court intrigues; she was charitable,
+beneficent, pious, a good wife and a good mother, and fully
+deserved to be called a model of feminine virtues. She died in
+Dresden two years ago, and I remember well the great sorrow
+caused by the news of her death. In all the churches there were
+grand funeral services, also in our Piotrowice, and all the poor
+people cried and lamented, having lost in her a real mother. She
+had fourteen children, of whom eleven are living: four sons and
+seven daughters.
+
+    [6] At the end of the fourteenth century these two
+        countries were united by the marriage of Hedvig,
+        queen of Poland, with the prince of Lithuania Jagellon.
+
+The king is said to be of a kindly but rather weak character,
+and he has the greatest confidence in his minister Brühl, who in
+reality is the ruler both of Poland and Saxony. It is said
+affairs are going all wrong in Saxony, and not much better in
+our country. I have often heard people say: "We need a Frederic
+the Great, with a strong head and an iron will;" and as our king
+is old, they are all looking forward and planning already for
+his successor. There are two prominent candidates for the
+throne: one is Stanislaus Poniatowski, who was educated in
+France, spent four years in Russia as the envoy of Poland, and
+there became the favorite of the Empress Catherine II. The other
+candidate is Duke Charles, twenty-six years old, the most
+beloved of the sons of our present king. People say he has a
+real gift for attracting all hearts to him; he is very handsome,
+very stately in figure, and very courteous in manner; and having
+spent almost his whole life in Poland, he knows our language
+perfectly. I have heard so much of his good qualities that my
+best wishes are for him, although Poniatowski is my countryman.
+
+This day will be a memorable one for Duke Charles. A few weeks
+ago he was elected Duke of Courland, which is a tributary of
+Poland, and to-day occurs the "investiture," that is, the giving
+possession. The king is so happy about the good fortune of his
+beloved son, that he is said to look ten years younger. What
+festivals there will be in Warsaw! How I should like to be there
+now, and to see the grand doings, but especially to see the
+royal prince. We shall, at least, drink his health here and cry,
+"Long life to Duke Charles!"
+
+
+     January 3.
+
+Yesterday, just when we were drinking to the health of the Duke
+of Courland, and our band was doing its best, and our company of
+dragoons were firing salutes,--at that very moment the chamberlain,
+who had been sent to Warsaw, returned with the news that on account
+of the indisposition of the duke, the ceremonies of the investiture
+had to be postponed. "Bad omen," said Matenko; "as the mitre slips,
+so the crown will slip." I felt like crying, but there was no time
+for that, as many guests were present; among others, the Woivode of
+Craclaw, Swidinski, with his nephew Father Albert, a Jesuit, whom
+my honored Parents like and respect greatly. Basia is his special
+favorite; he brought her a rosary and a prayer book,--"La Journée
+du Chrétien,"--and he spoke several times to her at supper. But then,
+Basia is the eldest; no wonder everybody pays most attention to her.
+
+
+     _Friday_, January 5.
+
+The Woivode and Father Albert are still here, and to-day the two
+sons of the former are expected. I am very anxious to know them,
+as they have both been educated in France, at Luneville, at the
+court of Stanislaus Leszczynski.[7] This nobleman, although his
+country has proved faithless to him, tries to be useful to it,
+and he has always some young Poles at his court, where they
+receive the best education. The sons of our first families court
+this great honor, and there is not a better recommendation for a
+young man than to say of him: "He has been brought up in the
+court of Luneville." He is sure then to be refined, to speak
+French well, and to dance the minuet gracefully; therefore all
+gentlemen brought up at that court are great favorites of the
+ladies. Oh! how curious I am to see these two!
+
+    [7] Stanislaus Leszczynski, surnamed the "most virtuous
+        of men," king of Poland before Augustus II., was
+        dethroned by the Saxon party. He had Lorraine
+        allotted to him, and is still remembered there as
+        the "good King Stanislaus." His daughter Maria was
+        married to Louis XV. of France.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, January 6.
+
+They arrived yesterday, but I cannot say they are quite as I
+expected, especially the elder, the Staroste of Radom. I thought I
+should see a fine young cavalier, like the Prince Cheri, so
+beautifully depicted by Madame de Beaumont, but the Staroste is not
+at all like him; first, he is not very young,--he is about thirty;
+then he is rather stout, and therefore, perhaps, he is not fond of
+dancing. As to his Parisian accent, I cannot judge about that, as
+he did not say one French word, but mixes his Polish and Latin
+quite as the old gentlemen do. His brother, who is a colonel in the
+king's army, pleased me a little more; he has, at least, a fine
+uniform. To-day, the ceremony of liberation of the Chamberlain
+Chronowski will take place. Besides that, as it is customary on
+Epiphany, they are baking an enormous cake with an almond in it,
+and whoever gets the almond will be the Twelfth Night king or
+queen. Oh! if it only came to me! A crown would be put on my head
+and I should have all the ordering of the dances; then what dancing
+there would be! Still, I think, there will be enough in any case,
+for many guests are expected. Our old butler, Peter, was muttering
+to himself this morning that around the church in Piotrowice there
+are said to be ever so many coaches and curricles. Poor man! he is
+expecting more work, so he grumbles; but I feel my heart jumping,
+and my feet are dancing already. How often in this world the same
+thing brings trouble to one and joy to another!
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 7.
+
+Well, yes, they did come, and many of them are still here. Old
+Peter has two wrinkles more on his forehead, but we amused
+ourselves royally. Basia, not I, was the queen, but it was just
+as well. When at the end of the dinner the cake was cut, Basia
+glancing at her piece became red as a pink, and Madame, sitting
+next to her, announced: "Mademoiselle Basia has the almond!"
+Then all the people cried, "Long live the queen!" and Matenko
+added, smiling: "The almond is here, the husband is near." Would
+it not be nice to have a wedding in our house!
+
+Decidedly I do not like the Staroste; he is so grave! Yesterday
+he danced the Polonaise only. He never looks at us girls, nor
+speaks a word to one of us; he converses with my honored Parents
+only, or plays cards, or reads the "Gazette;" so, really, I
+cannot find him very entertaining.
+
+But I am forgetting to speak about Michael Chronowski's
+liberation. Soon after dinner we went to the banquet hall with
+our guests, and all sat around in a large circle, my honored
+Father in the middle, on a higher chair. The folding doors were
+thrown open, and the marshal with other courtiers led in the
+young man, dressed no more in livery, but in a rich Polish
+costume. He knelt down before the Count, who gave him a light
+blow on the cheek in token that he has been novitiate boy here,
+then a sword was fastened to his side and his health was drunk
+in a cup of wine. The Count made him a present of a purse filled
+with gold, and of two horses which were already waiting in the
+courtyard for their new master. Invited to remain here as a
+guest till the end of the carnival, Chronowski accepted the
+invitation with gratitude, and having saluted my honored Parents
+and kissed the hands of all the ladies, was admitted to our
+society and danced with us the whole evening.
+
+
+     January 8.
+
+The prophecy of Matenko proved true, for Basia will be married
+before the carnival is over. Last night the Staroste Swidinski
+asked my honored Parents for her hand; they sent for her this
+morning, told her about it, and the betrothal will take place
+to-morrow. Basia came back in tears to our room, telling us that
+she dreaded the marriage, and would always regret her old home,
+but that it was not possible to refuse such a match, as both
+our honored Parents wished it, and told her she would be very
+happy. The Staroste is, they say, a most honorable man,
+religious, and of a kind disposition; his family is also old and
+very wealthy. His father has allotted him a large estate,
+"Sulgostow," with a beautiful palace, and the king has given him
+the appointment of staroste with the expectation of being soon
+named castellan. For a long time the Woivode and Father Albert
+had been planning this marriage, and they came here for the
+purpose of effecting it.
+
+And so we shall have a wedding here, in Maleszow Castle, on the
+25th of February, at the very end of the carnival. Will there
+not be dancing! Basia will become Madame Starostine; only, it is
+a pity we shall not be allowed to call her "Basia" any more. I
+am very sorry to have written about the Staroste as I did, but
+then it is not I that is to marry him, and if he pleases Basia,
+that is enough. She says she has always been afraid of young
+men, she likes serious ones better; and our honored Mother
+tells her that those make the best husbands. Perhaps so, but as
+for me ... well, it is of no use to think about it at present.
+
+Oh! but I must not forget: the investiture of Duke Charles will
+certainly take place in Warsaw to-day. Colonel Swidinski, who
+knows him personally, has not words enough to tell how charming
+he is. I wonder if I shall ever see him.
+
+
+     January 10.
+
+The betrothal took place yesterday. In the morning, when we came
+down, my honored Mother gave Basia a skein of tangled silk to
+wind.[8] The poor girl, with flushing cheeks, began the task,
+not daring to look up from her work, for she knew that all eyes,
+especially those of the Staroste, were fixed upon her; and
+besides, that mischievous Matenko was teasing her without end,
+making all the people laugh.
+
+    [8] An old Polish custom, by which a young girl was to
+        prove whether she was patient enough to meet the
+        trials of married life.
+
+After dinner, when she sat again before her winding-frame, the
+Staroste came near and asked in a voice loud enough for all to
+hear: "May I believe that your ladyship's will is favorable to
+my desires?" "The will of my honored Parents," answered Basia,
+with a trembling voice, "has ever been a sacred law to me." And
+that was the whole of the conversation between the betrothed.
+
+When the courtiers had left the room and we were alone with our
+guests, the Woivode and Father Albert arose, the former taking
+by the hand the Staroste, and standing before my honored Parents
+he thus addressed them: "For a long time my heart has been
+filled with the most sincere affection and profound veneration
+for the illustrious family of Korwin Krasinski; for a long time
+I have desired fervently that my modest name be united with your
+glorious one, and I cannot express the great satisfaction which
+I feel in knowing that your Grace is willing to grant me this
+favor. You have a most honorable daughter, Barbara; I have this
+son, Michael, who is my comfort and my pride; are you willing to
+renew to-day your promise to join this young pair for their
+lifetime? Here is the ring which I received on a like occasion
+from my honored Parents, in order to give it to my wife, who is,
+alas! no more in this world, but who still lives in my heart.
+Will you allow my son to offer it now to your daughter as a
+pledge of a closer tie?" Saying this he laid a costly diamond
+ring on a little silver tray which Father Albert was holding.
+The latter also made a speech, but he used so many Latin words
+that I could not make anything of it.
+
+My honored Father rose and answered: "I repeat now what I told
+you yesterday, that I consent to the marriage of my daughter
+with the most honorable Staroste; I give her to him with my
+sincere blessing, and I transfer to him all my rights as a
+Father." "I do the same, and with my whole heart," added my
+honored Mother. "Here is a ring, the most precious jewel in my
+house; my Father, the Woivode of Podole, received it after his
+victory over the Turks, from the hands of our late king,
+Augustus II. This was my betrothal ring, and I give it now to my
+eldest daughter, with a Mother's blessing, and with a prayer to
+the Almighty that she may be as happy as I have been." She then
+placed on the tray a ring with a very large diamond, which,
+being raised, disclosed the miniature of the late king.
+
+"Basia! come here, my girl," said my honored Father. She rose
+and advanced, but was so confused and trembling that I wonder
+how she ever reached the spot. Father Albert blessed the rings,
+and gave the first one to the Staroste, who, having kissed my
+sister's hand, placed the ring on her fourth finger; Basia, in
+her turn, gave him the ring with the portrait, and had her hand
+kissed once more. Then the Staroste fell at the feet of my
+honored Parents, thanking them, and calling God to witness that
+he would do all in his power to make their daughter happy; in
+the mean time the Woivode kissed the trembling Basia on the
+brow, while Father Albert and the colonel paid her many fine
+compliments.
+
+At the end my honored Father took a large cup, filled it with
+old Hungarian wine, and drank the young couple's health; and all
+the gentlemen did the same.
+
+The whole ceremony was so solemn and so touching that I could
+not keep back my tears. "Do not weep, Frances," said Matenko,
+who still remained in the room and for once was serious, "do not
+weep; in less than one year it will be your ladyship's turn." In
+one year? ... no, that would be too soon, but in a few years,
+perhaps....
+
+Everybody in the house is now paying so much attention to Basia!
+My honored Parents kissed her on the cheek when she wished them
+good-night, and all the people are congratulating her and
+recommending themselves to her, as many wish that she would take
+them to her new court.
+
+My honored Father brought out a bag containing a thousand
+ducats, which he gave my honored Mother for the trousseau, and
+during several hours they discussed together its details.
+To-morrow Mlle. Zawistoska, a very respectable woman, who has
+been brought up in our castle and will be Basia's lady's maid,
+is going with the commissary to Warsaw to make the necessary
+purchases.
+
+In our store-house there are four big trunks with silver plate,
+one for each of us. The Count ordered the one which is designed
+for Basia to be opened; examined each piece himself, and those
+which need repairs or alteration are to be sent to Warsaw.
+
+The letters to announce the approaching marriage are already
+being written, and the chamberlains will take them to all parts
+of Poland, to all relatives and friends, inviting them to the
+wedding. But the most stately of our courtiers, the equerry,
+will go to Warsaw with letters to the king, the royal princes,
+the primate, and the chief senators. In these missives the Count
+gives notice of his daughter's intended marriage, but sends no
+invitations, as the presence of those persons will depend upon
+their own pleasure. Oh! if one of them, for instance the Duke of
+Courland, should come here, what grandeur would be added to the
+wedding; but more probably they will send their envoys only,
+who, in that case, receive all the honors due to those they
+represent.
+
+The Staroste gave handsome tokens of remembrance to each of us
+sisters. I received a costly brooch with turquoises; Mary, a ruby
+cross; Kasia, a Venetian chain. Also he offered presents to my
+honored Parents, which they deigned to accept,--the Count, a golden
+cup; the Countess, a work-box, in which all the implements are of
+mother-of-pearl and gold. He did not forget even our Madame, who
+found this morning a lace shawl on her bed; so she also highly
+praises our Polish generosity.
+
+Last night we had a grand supper. The music was beautiful, the
+dragoons fired salutes, and the captain gave to the guard for a
+watchword the names Michael and Barbara.
+
+This morning there was given a great hunting-party, for Basia's
+good luck, and it was unusually successful; they brought home one
+boar, two deer, four hinds, and many hares. The boar was killed by
+the Staroste himself, who laid his trophy at Basia's feet. I have
+learned to-day what a brave man the Staroste is. My honored Father
+ordered for the hunters all the horses from the stables, and among
+others there was one, a great beauty, but very wild; even the
+equerry does not dare to ride him. The Staroste said, however, that
+he would try him, and notwithstanding all the remonstrances, he sat
+upon him with ease and held him with such a clever and strong hand
+that, in spite of all the animal's prancing and jumping, he rode
+three times around the castle. It was beautiful to see. Basia
+turned pale at first, but when she saw how he was able to manage
+the horse, and when loud bravos began to resound, then deep blushes
+covered her cheeks, especially when all eyes turned towards her.
+By this act the Staroste quite gained my favor; one who is so brave
+and so strong, can be pardoned even if he does not like to dance
+the minuet. The Count presented the horse to his future son-in-law,
+adding a rich equipment and a groom; he deserved it.
+
+To-morrow the Woivode and the Staroste are going away, in order
+to prepare the Sulgostow house for its new mistress.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 20.
+
+During more than a week I have not opened my diary, for we are
+very busy. The afternoons and evenings are spent with our
+guests, and the mornings are given to work, as each sister
+wishes to make something with her own hands for Basia's
+trousseau. I am embroidering a dishabille with flowers in
+lace-stitch, and I have to get up very early in the morning and
+work even by candle-light in order to be ready in season. Mary
+is making a very pretty scarf; it will have an arabesque
+embroidered on fine muslin in dark silks and gold; Kasia is
+knitting a cover for the dressing table; so all the lessons are
+put aside, and even Madame de Beaumont is forgotten.
+
+From the early morning, my honored Mother is busy, unlocking the
+trunks, the drawers, and the cupboards,--taking out linen,
+silks, furs, carpets, rugs, curtains, etc. She has many things
+still remaining from her own trousseau, and many others bought
+later, as during all these years she has been gathering all
+kinds of beautiful things for our marriage outfits; really they
+are well worth seeing. Sometimes she deigns to call me to assist
+her, and it is quite touching to see her anxiety to do right by
+each of us; she divides all these treasures in four portions,
+and sometimes she even asks my honored Father and the chaplain
+to give their opinion whether the shares are quite of equal
+value.
+
+A tailor and a furrier have come from Warsaw, and there is so
+much to be done that they will not have finished for a month.
+Fortunately, almost all the linen is ready, our sewing-girls
+having worked upon it for these last two years, and now they
+are marking it with blue cotton.
+
+Basia wonders what she will do with all the new dresses they are
+making for her; until now we had never more than four at the
+same time, two dark woollen ones for every day, and two white
+ones, one in cotton for Sundays, another in batiste for great
+occasions. But my honored Mother says that what is good enough
+for a young girl would not be proper for a married lady.
+
+Basia has wound the tangled silk with such patience that,
+although green, it has not in the least changed its color; even
+Matenko acknowledges that she is fit to be married. She is now
+knitting from that silk a purse for the Staroste by my honored
+Mother's direction.
+
+The equerry and the chamberlain are gone with the invitations.
+On the 8th of January the investiture of the royal prince took
+place at last. The night before, my uncle the Prince Lubomirski,
+Woivode of Lublin, who is also the marshal to the royal prince,
+gave a great ball; other festivals, dinners, and balls followed
+for more than a week. The new duke made a speech in the Polish
+language, which pleased immensely; he is now treated quite as a
+crowned prince. In the "Courier" there is a full account of the
+ceremonies. It is very interesting; I should like to copy it
+here, but I have not the time.
+
+
+     January 25.
+
+The Staroste arrived last night, and this morning Basia found on
+her work-table two large silver baskets with oranges and
+bonbons, which she distributed among us and our court ladies.
+Our work is progressing rapidly and my _négligé_ is half done.
+
+Basia will be provided with feather-beds from her own household,
+for to each of us daughters has been allotted for many years a
+certain number of geese and swans. There is among the servants a
+poor, stupid girl who is not able to do anything but pluck the
+feathers, and each of us has a separate barrel for feathers and a
+bag for down. Basia, out of her share, will have two feather-beds,
+eight big pillows filled with goose-down, and four small ones of
+swan's-down. The pillows will be made of red silk, and the cases of
+Holland linen lawn embroidered.
+
+
+     February 2.
+
+The Staroste stayed nearly a week and departed yesterday; the
+next time he will not go away alone, but Basia will go with him.
+It seems to me quite impossible that she will leave us and go
+alone with a man! Basia's friendship and esteem for the Staroste
+grows every day, although he never speaks with her; all his
+conversation is with my honored Parents, and all his attentions
+are paid to them. They say it ought to be so in an honorable
+courtship, for is there a better way of gaining the heart of the
+daughter than by pleasing the Parents?
+
+The wedding will be in three weeks; we shall have new dresses as
+well as the court ladies; all these will be Basia's gift.
+
+Many of the invited guests have already replied that they are
+coming, but the king and the royal princes will send only their
+envoys. It is doubtful, also, if my aunt, the Princess Woivodine
+of Lublin will be able to come, but she is much pleased with
+Basia's choice, and she wrote a beautiful letter with her
+blessing,--which made my honored Father very happy.
+
+I am hurrying with my embroidery, but I must rise early and work
+by candle-light, for my honored Mother is so gracious toward me
+that she often wants my help and service. Before this, only
+Basia, as the eldest, was so fortunate, but now, my honored
+Parents want me to have some practice in order to take her place
+when the Staroste takes her away. Twice already I have had the
+key of the medicine closet intrusted to me, and I really think
+since then I have grown more serious.
+
+
+     February 12.
+
+The preparations for the wedding are going on, and our visitors
+begin to arrive. Almost all the guest-rooms are already
+occupied, and the farm-house, the parsonage, even the better
+peasant-cottages will be wanted for the later comers. The cooks
+and the confectioners are already preparing all kinds of
+delicacies and sweetmeats for the coming event.
+
+To-day the beds have been sent to Sulgostow and two enormous
+chests with mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains, etc. The
+bedsteads are of carved oak with blue covers, curtains, and
+canopies; on the four corners there will be bunches of blue and
+white ostrich-feathers. Almost every moment Basia has good
+reason for embracing the hands and the feet of our honored
+Parents, they are so generous toward her. The Count is writing
+with his own hand, in a large book, the contents of the
+trousseau, beginning with these words:--
+
+"Inventory of the wedding outfit which I, Stanislaus Korwin
+Krasinski, Staroste of Nova Wies, etc., etc., and Angela, born
+Humiecka, my honored wife, are giving to our eldest and beloved
+daughter Barbara, promised in marriage to the honorable Michael
+Swidinski, Staroste of Radom; and imploring for this daughter of
+ours the favor of Heaven, we bestow upon her our parental
+blessing, _in nomine Patri et Filii et Spiritu Sancto_. Amen." I
+should like to copy here the whole inventory, but first, I have
+no time, and secondly, I expect to receive a trousseau like this
+sometime myself, and what is still better, such a blessing of my
+own.
+
+
+     February 20.
+
+Three days more and then the wedding. The Staroste arrived
+yesterday; Basia shook like a leaf when the chamberlain brought him
+into the parlor. To-day we are expecting the Woivode, Father
+Albert, the colonel and the Woivodine Granowska, sister of the
+Staroste, with her husband. Basia is entering into a fine
+family,--all religious and worthy people. The trousseau is quite
+finished, and what has not already been sent to Sulgostow is packed
+in trunks, of which Mademoiselle Zavistoska has the keys. Besides
+this mademoiselle, Basia will take with her two young girls, her
+goddaughters, well trained in all kinds of needle-work, and as
+companion, one of the six damsels who have been brought up with us.
+When I am married I shall take still more; I have already solemnly
+promised three girls that they shall go with me; one of them is the
+daughter of our Peter. In his grateful joy, the old man bowed to my
+feet, and for the first time his forehead was free from wrinkles.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, February 22.
+
+The wedding will be to-morrow. Our guests are numberless, and all
+the envoys are here. The king's envoy is the Secretary Borch; that
+of the Duke of Courland, his confidant the Castellanic[9]
+Kochanowski, a very handsome and polite cavalier; the proverb is
+right: "As the master, so the valet." I cannot possibly describe
+all the others; they arrived, as if by appointment, at the same
+hour yesterday, and their entrance was quite imposing. Before every
+one of them our dragoons presented arms, while the cannons were
+firing and the music playing. The greatest honors were shown to the
+king's envoy; the Count, having been informed of the hour of his
+arrival, was waiting with head uncovered on the drawbridge, and all
+our guests, courtiers, and servants stood in a double row up to the
+entrance door. As soon as the secretary stepped on the bridge they
+all shouted "Vivat!" and bowed low in salutation.
+
+    [9] Son of a castellan.
+
+To-day, in the presence of the whole company, and before
+appointed witnesses, the marriage contract was written, but I do
+not know what it contains, as I have not understood a single
+word of it. I know only that the bride received many beautiful
+presents: from the Staroste three strings of oriental pearls;
+from the Woivode a rich diamond cross and an aigrette with
+diamond pendants; from the colonel an enamelled watch and chain;
+from Father Albert many relics; and from each relative a
+souvenir. Basia can hardly believe that all these riches belong
+to her; until now, her only jewel, besides her betrothal ring,
+was a small ring with the picture of the Holy Virgin on it, and
+I am sure Basia will not discard her old friend for all the
+costly jewels which she now receives.
+
+The maid has just brought my _négligé_, washed and pressed; it
+looks very nice. There are twenty-five different kinds of
+lace-stitch in it; I am sure it will be becoming to Basia.
+
+
+     _Shrove Tuesday_, February 26.
+
+All is over, and as Matenko says, "with a hundred horses one
+could not catch Mademoiselle Barbara any more;" she is Madame
+Starostine. I have much to tell.
+
+Yesterday, very early in the morning, we rode to our parish
+church in Lisow, where the bride and the bridegroom went to
+confession and to communion. As it was cold the bride wore a
+white cloak of brocade silk, lined with white fox fur, and on
+her head a long lace veil.
+
+When we returned breakfast was served, and soon afterwards the
+dressing of the bride commenced; twelve noble ladies headed by
+my honored Mother undertook that important task. The dress was
+of white satin, with watered silk stripes, a frill of Brabant
+lace with silver ornaments at the bottom, and a long train; a
+rosemary bouquet fastened the front of the corsage. On her head
+the bride wore a rosemary wreath held in place by a gold circlet
+on which was engraved the date of the wedding and good wishes in
+rhyme. According to the old Polish custom, my honored Mother
+fastened in the wreath a ducat with the date of Basia's
+birth-year, and a bit of bread for good luck; she also added to
+the above a lump of sugar in order to sweeten the married life,
+which they say has many difficulties. No jewels were allowed,
+for it is said that for each precious stone worn on the wedding
+day, one has to pay afterwards with a vial of tears. As it is,
+Basia has wept enough, so that her eyes are red and swollen.
+
+A little in advance, the bridesmaids went downstairs; we were
+twelve, all dressed in white, and the eldest of us was not more
+than eighteen. The bridegroom with twelve groomsmen met us at
+the door of the parlor, and there we found all the guests
+assembled. An enormous tray was carried behind us, heaped with
+bouquets of rosemary and orange sprays, each tied with a white
+ribbon, which were destined for the young ladies and bachelors
+present at the wedding. To fasten on these bouquets, each
+bridesmaid had a certain number of gold and silver pins, and
+great care was to be used in distributing the different values
+according to the rank of each person. The elderly ladies have
+been teaching us for a long time about the method we should
+follow in order not to cause offence by giving the priority to
+persons of lesser rank, and we were sure we understood the
+lesson perfectly; but as soon as we were in the hall, everything
+was forgotten. At first, we began our task very gravely, then we
+went on with a smile, and finally we broke into laughter; many
+and many mistakes were committed, but all were pardoned, and
+our gaiety was so contagious that soon the married people and
+even the elderly ladies and venerable gentleman,--none of whom
+have any right to wear flowers on a wedding day,--all wanted a
+bouquet. The first heap disappeared; they brought a second tray
+full, and a third one; we had no more gold or silver pins, and
+had to use the ordinary ones, but they were received just as
+well. At the end everybody looked happy; all had their bouquets,
+and the room was like a garden.
+
+But no, I am mistaken, not everybody was happy,--Matenko stood
+sad in a corner; although a bachelor he had received no flowers,
+and he looked as if he did not belong to the wedding party. I
+stepped up to him, and he said in a low, grieved voice: "I do
+not wonder that the other young ladies have not thought of
+me,--but Miss Frances, whom I have known as a baby, whom, for so
+many years, I have played with and amused, that she should
+forget me! Well, I will not come to her wedding, even if she
+marries a king's son!" I knew that I blushed half pleased, but
+was still more vexed at my forgetfulness.
+
+I ran to the dressing-room, but there was not one bouquet left,
+for my honored Mother, hearing how the flowers were being
+appropriated in the hall, took the remaining ones for the ladies
+who were dressing the bride and for herself. The greenhouses
+were too far off to send there, and I wanted, at any price, a
+bouquet for poor Matenko. Suddenly a happy thought came to my
+mind: I caught a piece of white ribbon and returning hastily to
+the parlor, took off my bouquet and gave half of it, with the
+golden pin, to Matenko. He was so pleased! "Franulka," he
+exclaimed, "you are as kind as you are handsome! I am sometimes
+a prophet; remember, young lady, what I have said to you.... I
+shall keep these flowers till your wedding day, and who knows
+with what title I shall address you when giving them back?" How
+strange! Notwithstanding all the distractions of the day, his
+words are still ringing in my ears; and here I am writing about
+myself, when I ought to think only about Basia.
+
+To return to the wedding: the folding doors were thrown open and
+Basia entered timidly, surrounded by the elderly ladies. The
+bridegroom approached and took her by the hand, and the two
+knelt down before my honored Parents, asking them for their
+blessing; then they went with the same request to us, to all the
+relatives, guests, and the whole household present, and there
+was not one person who did not bless them with his whole heart
+and with tears in his eyes.
+
+The chapel door opened. Father Albert put on a lace surplice, and
+standing before the altar, called upon us to draw near. The
+Secretary Borch as the king's representative, and the Castellanic
+Kochanowski, led the bride; Mademoiselle Malachowska and I, as
+first bridesmaids, were directed to lead the bridegroom. All the
+other people went behind us, two by two, in such deep silence that
+one could hear the rustle of the silk dresses, even the tinkling of
+the diamond aigrettes in the ladies' coiffures.
+
+The altar was glittering with lights; a carpet woven with golden
+threads covered the steps, and on the highest were two red
+velvet cushions with the coats of arms of the two families,
+embroidered in gold.
+
+The young pair knelt down; the bridesmaids were placed on the
+right side of the altar; the groomsmen on the left; I held a
+small gold tray with the wedding rings on it, my honored Parents
+stood behind Basia, the Woivode behind the Staroste. The castle
+band in the choir played "Veni Creator," after which Father
+Albert recited an allocution, almost the whole in Latin, and
+then he began to read the words of the marriage vow. Basia,
+although in tears, repeated distinctly enough: "I, Barbara, take
+you, Michael, for my wedded husband," etc., but the Staroste
+pronounced the words much louder. After the rings were exchanged
+the married pair fell down at the feet of my honored Parents
+and the Woivode's, and were blessed again.
+
+Then the marshal gave a sign; the band in the choir and the
+Italian singers fetched from Warsaw began a triumphal march,
+accompanied by the discharge of cannons outside, and when this
+was all over, and silence re-established, the Count pronounced a
+fine and very moving exhortation, at the end of which Basia fell
+again at his feet, sobbing; she tried to speak, but not a word
+could she utter.
+
+After mutual embracings, salutations, and congratulations,
+Father Albert sprinkled us with holy water, and presented a
+cross with relics to be kissed. But he made a mistake, giving it
+first to Madame the Castellan Jordan before Madame Kochanowska,
+mother of the duke's envoy. Fortunately, my honored Mother
+noticed the error, and begged the latter lady to lead the
+bridegroom from the altar, and thus happily all unpleasantness
+was avoided. The bride was attended by the king's envoy, and
+again, two by two, we returned from the chapel. Soon afterwards
+the dinner was announced. The tables in the banquet-hall were
+arranged so as to form the letter B; in the centre stood the
+result of the fortnight's invention and labor of our French
+confectioner,--an ell[10]-high pyramid representing the temple of
+Hymen, where, amidst all kind of ornaments, allegorical figures,
+and inscriptions, were the coats of arms of the two families.
+There were also many other devices on the table, in silver
+baskets, vases, epergnes, porcelain figures, etc.; it was so
+crowded that our little dwarf could not have easily walked on
+the table this time. It would not be possible to enumerate all
+the courses of the dinner, and as for the wine which was drunk,
+I wonder if the butler himself could give an account. Besides
+other wines, they drank at that dinner a barrel of wine which
+was called "Miss Barbara's wine," which the Count, according to
+the Polish custom, brought from Hungary in the year of Basia's
+birth, and which had been kept for her wedding day. Each of us
+has such a barrel. Then they began the toasts: first for Poland,
+then for the young pair, then for the king, the Duke of
+Courland, the royal princes, the primate, the master of the
+house, the ladies, etc., each accompanied with loud shoutings,
+hurrahs, breaking of the glasses, with the music of the band and
+the firing of cannons; altogether there was such a tumult that I
+think there will not be a greater one on doomsday.
+
+    [10] Two feet.
+
+After dessert was served, and we thought it was time to leave the
+table, the Count gave a sign to the marshal, who brought in a black
+leather box with brass ornaments, which I had never seen before. My
+honored Father opened it and took out a golden cup embossed with
+precious stones and shaped like a raven; then rising, he announced
+with great solemnity that this cup was a souvenir from the time of
+the Corvins of Rome, and it had not been taken from its box since
+the day of his own wedding. The butler placed before him a bottle
+covered with mould, containing, as they said, wine a hundred years
+old. The Count poured out the whole into the cup, and lifting it
+cried: "Good luck to the young pair!" The hurrahs began anew, the
+music was louder than ever, the cannons fired, every man drank that
+toast in one draught, and after that we rose from the table.
+
+The daylight was gone already. The lady-guests went to change
+their dresses, but the bride and the bridesmaids remained in the
+same toilets. About eight o'clock the dances began. The bride
+opened the ball with the king's envoy, and during the whole
+evening danced in the first set. At first there were grave
+polonaises, minuets, and contra-dances, but by and by, the
+gaiety increasing, we had the mazourkas and the cracoviaks. The
+Castellanic Kochanowski dances the cracoviak like an angel; and
+according to the custom, when he was in the first set he sang
+impromptu verses, very witty and apropos.
+
+At midnight the music stopped and the "Cap" ceremony began. A
+stool was placed in the middle of the room, the bride sat down,
+and the bridesmaids began to undo her hair, singing in plaintive
+voices the old song: "Ah! we are losing you, Basia." Then my
+honored Mother removed the rosemary wreath and the Woivodine
+Malachowska put in its place a big lace cap. It seemed Basia was
+costumed for fun, and I should have laughed had not her eyes
+been overflowed with tears. The cap is very becoming to her,
+which they say is a sign that her husband will love her very
+much. I am sure he will; he could not help it, she is so good.
+
+When this ceremony was over the bride was ordered to dance the
+"drabant" with the king's envoy, in honor of the reigning
+family, who introduced that dance in our country; after that,
+the music played again a very solemn polonaise, and the bride
+danced it with all the gentlemen present, one after another,
+beginning with the Woivode Swidinski, and ending with my
+honored Father, who, having once paced the ballroom with her,
+led her to the Staroste and gave her to him, not only for that
+dance, but for her whole lifetime.
+
+This was the end of that night's entertainment for us girls; my
+honored Mother ordered us to go to bed, and the elder ladies
+took the bride to the apartment reserved for the young couple.
+Other married and elderly people followed them, and I was told
+there were still more speeches in giving away the bride,
+returning of thanks from the bridegroom, new toasts, and all,
+that lasted very late into the night.
+
+I slept wonderfully after all the excitement, and my feet are so
+rested that I am quite ready for to-night's ball. I danced
+mostly with the duke's envoy, the Castellanic Kochanowski, who
+returned from Luneville one year ago, and since then has been
+with the duke. He speaks very highly of his master; judging from
+the confidant, the other must be really a wonder.
+
+I have not seen Basia yet, or rather Madame Starostine, as my honored
+Parents order us to call her. It seems so strange not to have her in
+our room. I have inherited her bed, her work-table, and all the rights
+of the eldest daughter. They will call me now "Mademoiselle Staroste,"
+not simply "Mademoiselle Françoise," or "Franulka," as they did until
+now. It is a very little compensation, but still....
+
+We shall begin the dances very early to-night, as it is the last
+Tuesday before Lent, so we have to stop at midnight.
+
+
+     _Ash Wednesday_, February 27.
+
+Ash Wednesday, what a pity! no more dancing till next Carnival.
+Our guests begin to depart: the king's envoy is gone, the young
+married couple are going the day after to-morrow, and we shall
+accompany them as far as their home, for the house-warming. The
+Staroste invited no guests but his relations, as big parties are
+not proper in Lent. I am very anxious to see the new home of my
+dearest sister; I cannot get accustomed to call her "Madame
+Starostine," but it would not be proper to speak to her
+otherwise, as even my honored Parents always call her so. She
+grew very grave from her wedding day; the cap she is wearing and
+the robes with long trains make her look several years older;
+she is sad and speaks very little; I am sure she grieves to
+leave her home, and to go away with a man whom she knows so
+little. It must be awful!
+
+
+     _Saturday_, March 9.
+
+Last night we returned from Sulgostow. I had a lovely time, but
+it is a pity not to have Madame Starostine back with us. Last
+Friday, before we started, she went very early to our parish
+church in Lisow, where she hung the half of a golden heart as a
+token that the half of her own heart will remain here. When she
+came back home she went around the whole castle, as if wishing
+to say good-bye to each corner, then she took her farewell of
+all the people in the household, and had a kind word for
+everybody.
+
+When we were finishing a hasty breakfast, we heard loud
+crackings of the whip, and a chamberlain entered announcing that
+everything was ready for the journey. The Staroste looked at his
+wife, and whispered that it was time to set out. She fell then,
+sobbing, at the feet of my honored Parents, thanking them for
+all their favors that she had received during the eighteen years
+of her life, asking their pardon for all the offences she might
+have committed, and telling them that she wished nothing more
+than to be henceforth as happy as she had been. For the first
+time in my life I saw the Count crying; oh! how they blessed
+her! it did one's heart good to hear it, and there was not a
+person in the room whose eyes were dry.
+
+We went to the bridge, but the captain ordered it to be lifted, and
+refused to let the bride go away until the Staroste gave him a ring
+as a token that he would bring her back again. The carriages of the
+Staroste were splendid,--a closed carriage painted yellow, lined with
+red damask, with seats for two persons, a landau with four seats, a
+coach, and several curricles. The horses were beautiful, especially
+six white ones drawing the yellow carriage in which the young couple
+were seated by themselves; behind them came the carriages with the
+women, and we came last. Madame Staroste sobbed so loud that we
+could hear her. Many courtiers and peasants followed the carriage,
+crying and blessing her. She gave them all the money she had with
+her, and the Staroste threw silver pieces bountifully.
+
+At each halting-place where we stopped everything was prepared
+for our arrival: the floors were covered with rugs, the tables
+laid, and the waiters dressed in livery. On the following
+evening we reached Sulgostow. The Woivode and Father Albert
+started on ahead of us, in order to receive the bride in her new
+home. At the frontier of the property the peasants stopped the
+carriage of the young pair and offered bread and salt; one of
+the oldest men made a speech, followed by loud shouts of "Long
+live!" and when we entered the gate a company of hussars, whom
+the Staroste keeps in his court, fired salutes. Before the
+entrance door, the Woivode stood, with the whole court, and all
+of them gave the heartiest welcome to their new mistress. When
+we entered, the Staroste brought his wife a big bundle of keys,
+placing thus the whole house under her direction. From the
+following morning Madame Starostine took the management, and it
+was really wonderful how everything seemed easy to her and went
+smoothly; but, as the eldest of us, she was accustomed for many
+years to assist my honored Mother in her household duties.
+
+Sulgostow looks quite different from Maleszow. It is a palace,
+not a castle, but still it is very grand and gay; the retinue is
+numerous, the house well provided, and, what is best, all the
+people seem so very happy to have my sister there.
+
+For the first time in my life I tasted coffee in Sulgostow. My
+honored Parents do not like this fashionable beverage, which
+was introduced recently to Poland; they say that it spoils the
+complexion, so it is never served in our house. But the people
+in Sulgostow like it exceedingly, and the Staroste begged
+permission for me to drink a small cup of it.
+
+It was rather melancholy to come back, although the Castellanic
+Kochanowski, who accompanied us on horseback, tried his best to
+entertain me. The young man has been invited to Sulgostow, as a former
+comrade of the young Swidinski at Luneville, but he is much younger
+than they are. In society they call him a "charmer," and really he
+deserves the title; what then must be the duke, his master!
+
+I have had no time yet to look about me in Maleszow, as we
+arrived late in the evening, and the first thing I did to-day
+was to begin to write, but I am sure it will seem very sad here
+for a time.
+
+
+     March 12.
+
+I guessed right, it is desolate without my dearest sister; the
+castle seems void as if she had taken away all the life with
+her. My honored Parents also miss her very much, for she, as the
+eldest daughter, was more with them, and she was so clever! I
+try my best to take her place, but I know neither how to fill
+the Count's pipe as well as she did, nor to assort the colors
+for my honored Mother's embroidery. And then she was so
+thoughtful, never forgetting anything,--just the reverse of me.
+We talk of her constantly. To-day a chamberlain will be sent to
+Sulgostow with compliments and inquiries about my dear sister's
+health, and there was almost a fight among the young men, all of
+them wanted so much to go.
+
+The Castellanic has departed, and for the last three days we
+have had no visitors but two begging friars from a neighboring
+convent.
+
+I have laughed but once. My honored Mother had distributed all
+of Basia's dresses among our waiting-ladies and maids, and last
+Sunday, as by a tacit understanding, each of them appeared
+wearing a part of Basia's former attire: one had a skirt,
+another a cape or a waist, etc. Matenko looked around and sighed
+heavily. "What is the matter?" we asked. "I am grieved," he
+answered, "to see the property of the late Miss Barbara so
+scattered." We began to laugh, but were reproved by the Count,
+who quoted the old proverb: "Quiet at table as in church."
+
+Something quite new and unexpected happened to me yesterday.
+When we came down at noon, I saw the Castellanic Kochanowski,
+who was standing with the Count in a window's embrasure, talking
+so eagerly that he did not see us entering. I could not hear
+their conversation, but my ear caught the last words, spoken
+with some emphasis by my honored Parent: "Yes, sir, you will
+soon hear about the final resolution." Having said this he
+whispered a word to my honored Mother, who made a sign to the
+marshal and gave him a secret order. The dinner was served, the
+Castellanic sat opposite to me, and then I observed how
+elegantly he was dressed,--a velvet coat all embroidered, a
+white satin waistcoat, lace frills at his shirt, lace ruffles,
+and a coiffure as fresh as from a bandbox. He never was so
+lively and brilliant, and he mixed such beautiful French with
+his Polish, and looked really charming. The dinner was longer
+than usual; we waited a while for the roast, and when they
+brought it in, I saw my Castellanic changing his color and
+growing pale. I looked at the dishes; I saw a goose with black
+gravy,[11] and then I guessed all.
+
+    [11]It was a generally observed custom to serve a goose
+        with dark gravy as a polite but positive answer that
+        the proposal of marriage was not accepted. A pumpkin
+        put in the carriage of the young man when he was
+        leaving had the same meaning. Until now the saying
+        "He received a pumpkin," or "He was treated to a
+        goose fricassee," is often used.
+
+I did not dare to lift my eyes; queer thoughts were whirling in
+my head. I remembered the lively cracoviaks and graceful
+minuets, the elegant seat on horseback, the fine French
+conversation, the beautiful compliments, and I felt a pang in my
+heart. I had not the courage to touch the dish; my honored
+Parents refused it also, and but for the end of the table the
+dishes would have been untouched. Matenko was the first to help
+himself, and looking at his plate said aloud: "Well, it is
+rather a hard morsel, but still, it will be digested." I thought
+that was disagreeable of him.
+
+It seemed to me that we stayed ages at table. Finally the Count
+gave the sign to rise, and as we were saying our "benedicite" I
+saw the Castellanic stealing away, and he did not appear again.
+
+When the courtiers had withdrawn, my honored Parents called me
+from my work, and the Count spoke thus: "Mademoiselle, to-day
+the Castellanic Kochanowski asked for your hand. Although his
+lineage is noble and ancient, and his fortune considerable,
+nevertheless we did not think it was a suitable match. First,
+the Castellanic is very young; he has no position of his own,
+and is called only by the title of his deceased father;
+secondly, he did not set about the matter in the proper way. He
+asked no notable person to speak for him,--he came by himself,
+made his declaration at once, and wanted an immediate reply,
+which he received unreservedly. We do not doubt, Frances, that
+you are of the same opinion." Having said this, without waiting
+for my answer, he bade me return to my work.
+
+Well, thinking it over, certainly I am of the same opinion as my
+honored Parents, as well by duty as by my own conviction; but to
+be quite sincere, I do not find fault with the Castellanic
+because he is young and spoke for himself, but because he is
+nothing by himself. A "castellanic"? that is not enough for me,
+and I do not think a castellan would be too much. In any case, I
+have not the slightest desire to be married yet, I am happy as I
+am; for several days after our return from Sulgostow I felt
+rather sad, but now I feel merry again and life is before me.
+Marriage puts an end to all expectations; a married woman knows
+who she is and who she shall be until her death, and I like so
+much to dream! When I sit at my embroidery frame, or at my
+netting, my thoughts are always travelling far and fast; all the
+things I have ever read come back to my mind; I share the fate
+of all the heroines of Madame de Beaumont, Madame de La Fayette,
+and Mademoiselle de Scudéry; and it seems to me that I am
+destined to adventures similar to theirs. Basia often scolded me
+for these fancies, but her habits of thought were quite
+different from mine. She often told me that she never brooded
+over her future, and never thought of the husband to come,
+except at her prayers,--for it must be said that with the
+beginning of the sixteenth year, by the direction of our honored
+Mother, we have to add to our every-day prayer the request for a
+"good husband." Basia thought it was a very right thing to ask
+God that the one who is to take the place of our Father and
+Mother, and with whom we have to live till our death, should be
+good, but it never occurred to her to wonder what he would be,
+and where and when she should meet him. She always said: "There
+will be time enough to think of him when he comes." And she was
+right; she got such a good and sensible man. She wrote to my
+honored Parents that, but for being homesick for Maleszow, she
+would be the happiest woman in this world. One can see that she
+loves the Staroste more and more, and that she is quite
+satisfied with her lot. Who knows? perhaps I should also be
+happy in such a position. In any case, my honored Parents were
+right in refusing the Castellanic; I am very sorry that the poor
+fellow has been disappointed, but I hope that, as Matenko says,
+he will digest the hard morsel.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 17.
+
+Yesterday, when we were just going to supper, there arrived quite
+unexpected but very agreeable guests: my aunt the Princess
+Woivodine of Lublin and her husband. They could not come to the
+wedding, for the Woivode, being the Duke of Courland's marshal,
+was obliged to remain in Warsaw; but as the duke is now away, they
+came here to offer their congratulations. The arrival of such
+eminent guests gave new life to our castle. The Count is overjoyed;
+he loves and worships his sister. They have not been here for five
+years; in the mean time I have grown from a child to a young lady,
+and they were very much astonished at the change. Really, they
+spoke so much about my comeliness that I felt quite shy and
+uncomfortable. The Prince Woivode said quite seriously that, if I
+appeared in Warsaw, I should eclipse Mademoiselle Wessel, Madame
+Potocka, and the Princess Sapieha,--the three belles of Warsaw. The
+princess said that I need only hold myself more erect, to be more
+dignified, and to have more worldly polish, and then I should be
+perfect. Never in my life have I heard such compliments, and I was
+never aware that I was so handsome. I observed how my honored
+Father's countenance brightened at hearing these praises, but as
+for my gracious Mother, she called me this morning to her room and
+admonished me severely not to give credit to all these fine words,
+which she said were only court civility.
+
+I am sure they are making plans for me. I should like so much to
+know about it. I was so excited that I could not sleep well last
+night, dreaming most extraordinary things. It is true that I
+heard many curious and amusing things which the prince and his
+wife related. My honored Parents wanted me to leave the room
+with my sisters as usual at nine, but the Prince Woivode pleaded
+for me to stay till the end of the evening; thus I heard all
+about Warsaw, the court, the balls, and the festivals attending
+the investiture of the duke, and many praises of this prince,
+who I hope will one day be the King of Poland. I felt happy; he
+is my hero, and I am sure he will be a great man. Shall I ever
+meet him?
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, March 19.
+
+The Prince Woivode and his wife departed half an hour ago. They
+wanted to set out yesterday, but the Count ordered the wheels to be
+taken from their carriages, and persuaded them that it was not safe
+to begin a journey on Monday, which is known as an unlucky day.
+During the whole time they were very gracious to me, and advised my
+honored Parents to send me to a boarding-school in Warsaw, in order
+to finish my education. For some time a French lady, Madame
+Strumle, has conducted a school for young ladies in Warsaw; before
+this they were educated in convents only. This school has a great
+reputation. The daughters of the first families are sent there to
+study and to be taught good manners, and the Prince Woivode thinks
+I should there acquire all the accomplishments which I lack. But my
+honored Parents prefer the Ladies of the Visitation, and certainly
+a convent is the most proper place. Well, I do not know how all
+this will end, but I feel uneasy and absent-minded; I do not
+understand what I am reading; my work is not so well done as
+before; I feel as if something extraordinary were going to happen.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 24.
+
+We are going to Warsaw! We are going the day after to-morrow. I
+do not know yet where I shall be placed, but in any case I shall
+not come back soon, as my gracious Mother ordered all my clothes
+to be packed, and two of her dresses were made over for me. My
+honored Parents were unexpectedly called to Warsaw on business
+about an inheritance from our cousin Vincent Krasinski, who died
+childless and left a great fortune. They take me with them and I
+feel so very happy! As we have to stop at Sulgostow, I shall see
+my dearest sister. She has just returned from a very agreeable
+trip, having visited with the Staroste all his relations,
+friends, and neighbors; she was welcomed and admired everywhere.
+Now she will stay at home, and is very much pleased with that
+prospect. She is going to be a perfect house-keeper; the old
+Woivode Swidinski wrote about her with such enthusiasm and
+gratitude that both my honored Parents cried with pleasure over
+the letter. Such tears are a blessing!
+
+
+     WARSAW, _Sunday_, April 7.
+
+I can hardly believe that I am in that celebrated school of
+Madame Strumle; I entered it yesterday. It was not very hard
+work to persuade my honored Father to abandon the prospect of a
+convent for me, as he relies much on the Princess Woivodine's
+judgment, and I must say I am glad of it, as, in the secret of
+my heart, I did not care much for the convent.
+
+On our way to Warsaw we stopped at Sulgostow. Madame Starostine
+looks gay and happy, and how she welcomed us! She remembered
+everything my honored Parents liked; all their favorite dishes
+and delicacies were prepared; everything appeared to be there
+for their own pleasure; and she seemed so happy to serve them in
+her own house! I heard my honored Mother saying to the Staroste
+that the marriage made Basia better than ever. "No," he
+answered, "such she was from the beginning when I received her
+from your hands. God bless her!" One can see how dearly he loves
+her; and she respects him and obeys him as if he were her
+Father. She manages her house perfectly, and knows how to
+receive guests, and what to say to everybody; she is quite an
+accomplished woman. My honored Parents were not very willing to
+go away from Sulgostow, but I must confess I was very anxious to
+get to Warsaw, and I welcomed the letters which made us proceed
+on our journey. I was right to be anxious about my coming here,
+for here I shall become an accomplished woman. I want to be
+distinguished. Therefore I will not lose one moment, and
+henceforth I will not think of the future or dream of it, but
+will study hard and learn all that I can.
+
+Yesterday my honored Mother took me to the Cathedral, where I
+went to confession and communion, and prayed that the knowledge
+that I shall get here may do me good and honor.
+
+When I feel a little more at home here I will write about everything.
+Now I am bewildered. I was accustomed to see around me well-known
+faces and rooms, but here I know nobody; everything seems strange.
+
+
+     _Friday_, April 12.
+
+I am getting acquainted with my new home. I like Madame Strumle
+very much. She is a very dignified lady, and very gracious to
+me. Certainly it is not as grand and lively here as in Maleszow,
+but still it is comfortable and even gay. Some things seem to me
+strange, but amusing and quite new. For instance, there are no
+valets, not one man-servant in the house; dinner is brought and
+served by women! We are about twenty young girls, all from the
+best families and all very young. My honored Parents, after
+having visited the school, were well satisfied that young girls
+could not be better cared for and instructed in a convent.
+Madame carries the key of the entrance door in her own pocket;
+nobody can come in or go out without her knowledge, and but for
+the few old teachers, one could forget how the face of a man
+looks. No male cousins, not even brothers, are allowed to pay
+their visits. Once the dancing teacher asked leave for the young
+Potockis, who are at the Jesuit college, to come here and
+practise the contra-dances with their sisters, but Madame
+Strumle would not hear of it. "Those gentlemen," she said, "are
+the brothers of two of my pupils, but not of the others, so I
+cannot allow them to come."
+
+I have a teacher for the French language, another for German,
+others for dancing, drawing, artistic embroidery, and music. There
+is a beautiful harpsichord; not a spinet as in Maleszow,--it has
+five and a half octaves. Some of the young ladies can play
+polonaises, not only by ear but from a music-book. The teacher
+assures me that in less than six months I shall be able to do as
+well,--it is true that I had a little instruction in Maleszow. I
+am now only drawing some small patterns for embroideries, but
+before the end of my education, I must learn enough to be able to
+paint with colors a dead tree, on one branch of which is a wreath
+of flowers with the initials of my honored Parents, to whom I shall
+offer my work as a token of gratitude for the education I have
+received. The young Princess Sapieha, who has been here for one
+year, is just painting such a tree, and I feel quite jealous of her
+skill whenever I look at her work. What a fine effect mine will
+have when hung in our parlor hall!
+
+The dancing-master, besides the minuets and contra-dances, is
+showing us how to walk and to courtesy; until now I knew only one
+way of courtesying, but I hear there are several varieties,--one
+before the king; another before the royal princes, still another
+for other dignitaries or their wives.
+
+I asked to be taught first the courtesy for the duke: some day,
+perhaps, I shall salute my hero.
+
+My gracious Mother came once to see me. They are having much
+trouble with the affairs of the inheritance.
+
+The lessons and studies take all my time from morning till
+night, but I do not complain, for I want to learn much. I must
+say that on the first days I felt a little bewildered; the
+incessant scoldings and admonitions, the iron cross which was
+put on my back to hold me erect, the machine in which we have to
+stand for an hour, in order to make our feet straight,--all this
+was not quite to my taste.
+
+After Basia's departure, I grew to be quite a young lady; the
+proposal of the Castellanic, the compliments and the whisperings
+of the Prince Woivode made my thoughts travel far away,--I began
+to think I was quite a personage; but here I am again treated
+like a child. Madame Strumle even ordered me to stop the prayer
+for obtaining a good husband, and to ask for good knowledge
+instead. Really, one cannot think of anything else here.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, April 28.
+
+I have not opened my journal for two weeks, but the days are
+going on each so like the others that I have nothing to relate,
+and I am thinking now what I shall write down to-day. My honored
+Parents will leave soon. The Princess Woivodine deigned to pay
+me a visit, and found that I stood straighter; Madame is very
+kind, my comrades very agreeable; that is all I know. Really, I
+hardly believe I am in Warsaw, for I know much less about public
+affairs than I knew in Maleszow, and I see none of the grand
+persons whom I sometimes met there. My eyes have not once beheld
+the king. The duke is away, and they do not expect him back
+soon.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, June 9.
+
+If I were to pass my whole life in school, my journal would soon
+be ended. There is nothing to write about; and it is a pity, for
+I may forget the Polish language. I never use it but when
+writing my diary or letters to my honored Parents or talking to
+my little maid; on all other occasions I use French.
+
+They say that I have made great progress in my studies, and the
+Princess Woivodine, who has not seen me for one month, finds
+that I have grown much and that I have now a very good carriage.
+Really, I am the tallest of all the girls in the school, and my
+waistband does not measure quite an ell.
+
+Now when the weather is so beautiful, the sky so blue and the
+trees green, I feel often a kind of sadness coming over me. I
+wish I were a bird! I would then spread my wings and fly away,
+far away from the cage. But there is no help for it; I must stay
+here on Bednarska Street, the ugliest in all Warsaw, they say.
+But next year, if God grants me life, things will be different.
+
+
+     _Friday_, July 26.
+
+I see that when one is busy the days pass quickly, even in
+school. I could not believe my eyes when looking now in the
+calendar, in order to put the date in my journal, I found out
+that for seven weeks I had not opened my book. But this day
+will be forever memorable to me: I received this morning, for
+the first time in my life, a letter addressed directly to me.
+The dearest and kindest Madame Starostine gave me that surprise,
+and wrote my full name on the envelope. So now they know at the
+Post-office that there is a "Mlle. la Comtesse Françoise
+Krasinska" in Warsaw. I felt like dancing for joy when I
+received that letter, and I will keep it with its envelope as an
+eternal souvenir.
+
+Madame Starostine is in good health, very happy, and so gracious
+as to send me out of the income from the garden, which the
+Staroste leaves to her own disposal, four golden ducats with
+which I may do just as I please. It is the first money I have
+ever owned, and it seems to me that I could buy all Warsaw with
+it. I have been planning ever so many ways to spend it: first, I
+wished to give a golden ring as a keepsake to each of the young
+ladies, my school-mates, but Madame told me that I had just
+money enough to buy four rings and no more. Then I wanted to
+get for Madame a mantle in blond lace, and again I was told
+that it would cost fifty ducats at least. Finally I decided
+thus: I shall send one ducat to the Cathedral, in order to have
+a Mass said before the miraculous image of Christ, with the
+desire that the affairs of my honored Parents turn out according
+to their wishes, and also that Madame Starostine be always as
+happy as she is now. The second ducat I shall change into small
+coin and distribute among the house servants; and with the other
+two ducats I shall give a little banquet next Sunday. There will
+be ices, cake, also coffee which we never taste here. Madame has
+already given me permission to use my money in that way, but the
+young ladies know nothing about the surprise. May the Lord grant
+his best benediction on Madame Starostine for the great pleasure
+she has given me.
+
+My education is progressing rapidly. I am playing several
+quadrilles and minuets from a book. In a few weeks I shall begin to
+paint the dead tree with the garland, and I am also embroidering,
+in cross-stitch, a hunter with his gun and a dog. I read much, and
+write from dictation, or copy whole pages from French books, and I
+begin to talk in French more easily than in Polish. As for dancing,
+the teacher says that there is not in Warsaw a better dancer than
+I; but perhaps he flatters me.
+
+Sometimes I go to see the Prince Woivode and the princess, but
+only in the morning when they are alone. I always hear very
+agreeable things about myself, especially from the Prince
+Woivode, who wishes me out of school; but the princess and also
+my honored Parents say that I must wait until winter. Alas! it
+is only July. Will that winter ever come?
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, December 24.
+
+Winter has come and the moment for leaving school is near. What
+a different kind of life I shall soon begin! Only God knows when
+I shall return to Maleszow, for the Prince Woivode and the
+princess graciously urged my honored Parents to let them keep
+me for the winter and bring me out in society. The permission
+was granted and so I shall stay in Warsaw. I am rather sorry to
+leave Madame Strumle and the young ladies, but the joy of
+becoming acquainted with that world of which I have so often
+heard and dreamt, is still stronger than my regrets. I shall
+soon see the king and the royal princes, as I shall be presented
+at court; the Duke of Courland is expected soon.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, December 28.
+
+This day begins a new life for me. In the morning the Princess
+Woivodine came to take me away, and in her presence I said
+good-bye to Madame Strumle and my school-mates. I could not help
+crying, although I have been wishing so long for that moment. On
+our way we stopped at church, but I could not pray; my thoughts
+were too wandering.
+
+I am settled now. My relations live on the street called the
+"Faubourg de Cracovie." Their palace is not very large, but
+extremely handsome and elegant; from the rear the view extends
+over a large garden to the river Vistula. I am occupying a
+pretty room which must be especially agreeable in summer,
+because there is a balcony leading into a little garden; on one
+side are the apartments of the princess, on the other is my
+maid's room.
+
+A tailor has already been to take my measure and he seemed
+surprised at the smallness of my waist. He will make several
+dresses for me, but I do not know what they will be; the
+princess ordered them herself, and she inspires me with such
+awe, not to say fear, that I do not dare to ask her about
+anything. The Prince Woivode intimidates me less, although he is
+a man; he has gentle manners and seems to like me. I regret that
+he is not here at present; he went to meet the Duke of Courland
+at the frontier.
+
+To-morrow we are going to pay visits. The princess will
+introduce me to all the first families here. I feel a little
+afraid and nervous.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, December 29.
+
+I have three good things to write to-day. The Duke of Courland
+arrived yesterday; the Prince Woivode returned with him and
+greeted me as if I were his own daughter, and the visits are
+over. In some houses such as the primate's, the French and
+Spanish envoys', and some others, the princess only left small
+cards with her name and title on them.
+
+Among the visits I remember best was the one to the Princess
+Lubomirska, _née_ Princess Czartoryska, the sister-in-law of the
+Woivode. She is the leading woman among the young set, and
+affects everything French. I observe that here the more
+fashionable the house, and the younger the hostess, the more one
+hears French; as the old men sprinkle their conversation with
+Latin, so the young do with French. But in the salon of Madame
+Woivodine of Russ, the conversation was only in Polish. She is
+an elderly and very stately lady, and she pleased me immensely.
+I met there her only son, a fine cavalier, who paid me many
+agreeable compliments, and I think I enjoyed that visit most.
+
+I enjoyed also the visit at Madame Poniatowska's, the widow of
+the Castellan of Cracow. She is a very remarkable woman and
+talks with great eloquence. She was giving a reception on that
+day, in honor of her son Stanislaus who had returned from St.
+Petersburg, and of whom it is said secretly that he may become
+King of Poland. I watched him intently, but I cannot say that he
+pleased me, although I acknowledge that he is handsome, and has
+grand manners, I should say royal.
+
+Another good visit was at Madame Rzevuska's, where we found her
+husband, the Woivode of Podolie. I was very glad to see him, as
+I had often heard from my honored Father about his adventures
+when a child; how he was brought up among peasant boys and
+tramped barefoot as they do, and thus grew tough and fearless.
+He is over fifty now, but looks young and vigorous. He is said
+to be also extremely learned. The Prince Woivode told me that
+he writes beautiful tragedies.
+
+We went also to Madame Bruhl's, the wife of the minister and
+special favorite of the king; although he is neither liked nor
+respected by anybody, she is received everywhere, and called
+upon, as she is a very refined lady. Our next call was upon
+Madame Soltyk, the widow of the Castellan of Sandomir. She
+introduced us to her son Stanislaus, a boy of nine years, but
+gallant as a young cavalier; the elderly ladies were not yet
+seated, when he brought a chair for me, paying me a compliment,
+and Madame Castellan said that he was always enraptured with
+pretty faces and black eyes. She also was very enthusiastic
+about my looks, and to tell the truth, everywhere they spoke
+about my beauty,--sometimes in a whisper, but I heard it as
+well. But then I never have been dressed so beautifully, even at
+Basia's wedding. I had a dress of white brocade with wide
+flounces of gauze, a court train of turquoise blue, and pearls
+in my hair.
+
+I should have been quite satisfied with those visits, if I had
+met the Duke of Courland anywhere. I started from home with that
+hope, but I was disappointed. After his long absence he spends
+his days now with his father, and has not yet been seen out of
+the royal castle. It is quite natural; I myself have been so
+often homesick for my honored Parents, especially when in
+school. But soon the carnival will begin; there will be balls
+and assemblies without end. The duke goes everywhere, and he
+likes dancing very much, the Woivode says, so I am sure to meet
+him.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 1, 1760.
+
+My wishes have been fulfilled, how much fulfilled! Not only have
+I seen the duke, but I talked with him; I not only talked with
+him but ... but will it not be too bold to write down that which
+I would not dare to whisper to anybody, what I do not dare to
+believe myself, what perhaps I only dreamed of? Well! no, I did
+not dream, I am sure of that; I always know very well when I
+please any one. And then is there anything extraordinary, since
+God has made me handsome, and everybody acknowledges it, that
+the duke looked at me with the same eyes as other people? The
+same eyes?--was there not in his eyes something more than in
+others?...
+
+But everything ought to be set down in order. Yesterday morning the
+Princess Woivodine had me called to her and spoke thus: "To-night,
+as on the last night in the year, there is generally a ridotto,
+which means a masked ball. All the best people, even the king and
+the royal princes go to it; and you, mademoiselle, will come with
+us, dressed as the 'Goddess of the Sun.'" I was delighted and I
+kissed the princess' hand. Soon after dinner they began to dress me
+in a costume quite different from the usual, being without powder
+or hoops. The princess told me very earnestly that although such a
+dress was not decent at all, and that a woman would ruin her
+reputation if she wore it on any other occasion, still she hoped
+that by the expression of my face, and my demeanor, I would make
+up for the deficiency of my costume. Obeying her instructions I
+tried to look very dignified, and I think I succeeded, for I heard
+people at the ball asking, "Who is that queen in disguise?" Now,
+when I think of it I feel uneasy; perhaps in that costume I was
+prettier than on other days.... In any case I certainly looked
+quite different. My hair, thoroughly cleansed from powder, fell in
+loose curls over my neck and shoulders; my dress of white gauze was
+clasped with a golden band at the waist; on my breast I wore a
+golden sun, and over my head a long, flowing veil, which enveloped
+me like a cloud. I did not recognize myself when after dressing I
+was allowed to look in a mirror. Perhaps others would not recognize
+me as I am now....
+
+The ballroom was almost full when we entered. I felt dizzy,
+seeing such a crowd of people, so diversely and handsomely
+dressed, with and without masks, in ordinary and extraordinary
+costumes. I did not know which way to turn my eyes, and what to
+look at first.
+
+Suddenly a murmur arose in the crowd. Some voices said, "The
+Duke of Courland," and surrounded by a group of handsome and
+richly dressed young men, there he was. I knew him at once,
+although his costume did not differ much from those of the
+others; but his stature, his large blue eyes, extremely soft,
+and his charming smile made him different from every body else.
+I gazed at him as long as he did not see me, but when our eyes
+once met I could not look at him any more, for I always met his
+glance. I saw him inquiring about me,--and of whom? Of the
+Prince Woivode! I noticed the pleasant smile when he learned who
+I was, and he at once approached the princess, greeting her in a
+most charming voice. After the first compliments were over, the
+princess took my hand, and introduced me as her niece.
+
+I do not know at all how I bowed, but I fear it was not that
+special courtesy which the dancing-master taught me. Neither do I
+know what the duke said to me; I only remember that he opened the
+ball with the princess, and danced the second polonaise with me.
+Then when he talked, to my great surprise, I answered without any
+embarrassment. He inquired about my honored Parents, about Madame
+Starostine, and her wedding. I wondered how he knew so well about
+everything, when I recollected that the Castellanic Kochanowski was
+his favorite. The good boy has not only "digested the goose with
+the black gravy," but he gave the duke the best report of us all.
+"He praised you much, but not half enough," said the duke. I heard
+many other nice things during that dance and the following ones,
+for the duke invited me for almost all the minuets and quadrilles,
+and talked to me all the time.
+
+When at midnight they fired the cannon as a sign of the
+beginning of the new year, he said to me, "I shall forever
+remember this night; it is not only a new year, it is the
+beginning of a new life for me." And how many clever comparisons
+about my costume! (Only, it does not sound as well in any other
+language as in French.) "It was not the gold on my breast which
+was the sun, but rather my eyes; their glance lighted an eternal
+fire in the heart, etc., etc." Finer compliments could not be
+found in the novels of Mademoiselle de Scudéry or Madame
+Lafayette.
+
+Can all that be only sham, courtly civility? It is a pity I
+cannot ask anybody about it, but I am afraid of the princess,
+and I cannot ask the Prince Woivode; it would not be proper to
+talk about those things to a man. I feel too much left to
+myself; one week ago I was a school-girl among books and
+teachers, and to-day I am playing a part in the world of which I
+know nothing. But in about ten days Basia is coming here; she is
+so wise she will enlighten me. I am so very happy thinking that
+she will come. I have not seen that dearest sister of mine for
+three quarters of the year, but I know that she is more and
+more happy, more and more beloved by her husband.
+
+When shall I see the duke again? Will he recognize me in my
+every-day dress?
+
+
+     _Friday_, January 3.
+
+I have seen the duke, I have seen him twice, and I am laughing
+now at that childish anxiety I had, wondering if he would
+recognize me. Why, I should always know him, no matter how well
+disguised he might be.
+
+I just finished writing my journal on New Year's day, when the
+Prince Woivode came to my room. "Françoise," he said, "you
+surpassed all our expectations; your demeanor at the ball
+yesterday was perfect, and it pleased generally, even the most
+notable persons. I have just returned from the Castle, where we
+went with the senators and ministers to pay our New Year's
+compliments to his Majesty. His Royal Highness the Duke of
+Courland approached me, and declared that he had never seen
+anybody like you, and that if it were not for the etiquette of
+the court, which requires him to spend the New Year's day with
+the king, he would come to pay you his respects in person." I
+felt my cheeks growing red when I heard these flattering words,
+but the prince seemed not to notice it, and went away leaving me
+with my thoughts.
+
+And so I shall meet the duke, not only at the balls, but in this
+very house! "He has never seen anybody like you." These words
+are still sounding in my ears, as if somebody were repeating
+them constantly.
+
+I was so gay at dinner that the princess had to reproach me
+several times. After dinner we went again to pay some visits,
+but we left the carriage only twice, as all the people were out
+for the same purpose. We met in the streets, the carriages
+stopped, sometimes several of them at one time, and cards were
+exchanged amid much laughing, noise, and confusion. In the
+evening it was still gayer when the pages and the torch-bearers
+were moving about with their lights and brilliant uniforms.
+There were even several accidents, but we fortunately arrived
+safe. We returned home quite late. I went to sleep at once,
+being very tired, but queer dreams flitted through my head.
+
+The following day at noon, when I sat with the princess in the
+drawing-room, beginning a new piece of work on the frame, the
+chamberlain announced: "His Royal Highness the Duke of Courland."
+The princess rose quickly, and hastened to meet him at the
+entrance. I, in the first moment wanted to run away, but my wish to
+see him was still stronger than my timidity, and I stayed. As soon
+as he entered he approached me and inquired about my health. I
+answered distinctly, although I felt very much embarrassed, and
+when he sat near my working-frame, I had sufficient command of
+myself to thread at once some very fine needles with rather coarse
+silk, in spite of my trembling hands.
+
+He praised my skill; stayed about half an hour, and although he
+talked most with the princess, still he found an opportunity to
+say many amiable things to me. I could thus ascertain that my
+different dress did not change me in his eyes. He departed
+saying that he hoped to see us the same evening at the ball. I
+heard then that the Marquis d'Argenson, the French ambassador,
+was giving a ball to which I was to go.
+
+What a reception it was! Why, Basia's wedding was nothing in
+comparison. And how highly educated are all these people in
+Warsaw! Whenever they open their mouths it is to compliment, but
+the duke's compliments surpass them all. He could not talk with
+me as much as at the _bal-masqué_, neither did I answer as
+boldly. But then I was no longer the Goddess of the Sun, and
+besides, it always happened that somebody was standing near us
+as if to listen to what we were saying. I do not like it; it is
+not nice, especially in well-bred people, to be inquisitive.
+
+The princess is in high spirits; she was the only elderly lady
+with whom the duke danced last night. The Prince Woivode is
+more gracious to me than ever, but he seems to avoid any
+questions from me or counselling me in any way. I look forward
+with growing impatience to my dear sister's coming.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 5.
+
+During the whole of yesterday, the duke, the balls, all my
+dreams, everything went from my mind; all my thoughts were with
+my sister, although I have not seen her yet. She arrived
+yesterday morning and was taken suddenly ill. The princess
+hastened at once to her house, but I was not allowed to go. I
+spent the whole day in the most dreadful anxiety, and sent to
+three churches to have masses said. At last, after midnight the
+princess returned with the news that Basia was as well as could
+be expected, and that she had a little daughter. This morning I
+begged on my knees to be allowed to go there, but they said it
+would not be proper, and that I should have to wait several
+weeks. The Staroste came here for one moment, very happy to be a
+father. The little girl is, they say, beautiful. If they would
+only let me see her! She will be named Angela in honor of my
+gracious Mother.
+
+This morning the duke sent his congratulations and best wishes
+for the little grand-niece. Oh! I am longing to see my sister.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 8.
+
+Basia is still in bed, but the news from her and her little
+daughter is the best.
+
+I have seen the duke once only; he was away hunting with the
+king, but yesterday he appeared unexpectedly and stayed over an
+hour. How good he must be, and how he loves his father! He spoke
+about the late queen, his mother, with tears in his eyes. One
+can see also that he loves Poland, and that he has a most noble
+and valiant heart. Everything I ever heard of him is true; he is
+not praised even enough; one cannot well describe the charm of
+his voice, his sweet smile, and the look of his blue eyes, so
+deep and so soft! I do not wonder that the Russian empress was
+charmed with him,--that he carried away the hearts of the
+Courland people; and I shall not be surprised if after his
+father's death, Poland calls him to the throne. And he likes
+me!... Sometimes I think that it cannot be. Still, yesterday his
+eyes told me that so plainly; and not only his eyes, but some of
+his words too, and the Prince Woivode also seems to think so.
+
+The princess made me feel a little sad when, at table, she said,
+with some meaning, it appeared to me, that "many women have
+already pleased the duke" and that the last one he sees always
+seems to him the most beautiful. But how childish I am! how
+should that trouble me?
+
+Am I the only pretty woman in this world? In my eyes the three
+Warsaw belles, Mademoiselle Wessel, the Countess Potocka, and
+the Princess Sapieha are without any comparison more handsome
+than I. And what is more, they know how to enhance their beauty,
+which is an art quite unknown to me. The duke says that that is
+my great charm, but it seems to me that my complexion is quite
+eclipsed by theirs. Especially at the ball in the French
+embassy Madame Potocka was ravishing, and the duke danced with
+her twice. Well, what right have I to be displeased with that?
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 12.
+
+I ought to be quite pleased now! At the ball of the Woivode of
+Russ, last Thursday, the duke danced only with me. On Friday he
+called here again. Yesterday he sent us by his aide-de-camp an
+invitation for a new Italian opera, "Semiramide," given in the
+court theatre, and there he devoted himself exclusively to me.
+There I was also presented to the king, who was very gracious
+and inquired about both my honored Parents. Still more, the
+Staroste came here an hour ago announcing that the duke wished
+to stand godfather to the little Angela, and desires me to be
+the godmother,--me, nobody else; he insisted upon that.
+
+The christening will be magnificent, in the royal Collegiate
+Church. There were to be more couples invited to assist, but
+out of respect to the duke the honor will be left solely to
+him; the others will only be witnesses of the ceremony. Many
+of the most distinguished persons will be invited. The whole
+of Warsaw will talk about the affair, and certainly the
+"Courier" will describe it, and our two names will stand there
+together.
+
+What will Madame Strumle and the young ladies in the school say
+to that, and my honored Parents, and all the people in Maleszow,
+and the good Matenko? I am sure he will say that it is because
+of his predictions.
+
+Oh, that Matenko! how often his words come to my mind. He is
+responsible for all my troubles; but for his hints no foolish
+notions would have entered my head. As it is, I do not feel two
+days alike: sometimes the happy thoughts crowd around me, life
+seems full of hope, and I hardly know that there is an earth
+under my feet; then suddenly everything seems to fade, and my
+heart feels heavy and so sad!
+
+For instance, to-day when I was so enraptured at the news of
+the christening, the princess mentioned,--I do not know
+why,--that the law of the Church forbids the godparents to marry
+each other, and I shuddered.
+
+But what makes me feel really happy is that at last I shall see
+my dearest sister. After the christening we go to her house.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 15.
+
+The ceremony took place yesterday and I have seen Basia, who
+looks beautiful, although she has grown a little thin and pale.
+She is always as good as an angel, and as happy as a queen.
+
+The duke begged that the little girl be named after me, but
+Basia was firm in her first purpose; and she was right, for this
+honor was due to our gracious Mother. Thus the little girl was
+christened "Angela;" she is a dear little thing, and she cried
+during the whole ceremony, which is a good sign that she will
+live to be aged. It was the first time in my life that I stood
+as godmother; I did not know how to hold the baby, so the duke
+had to help me. It seemed so queer to stand with him before the
+altar surrounded by so many people, and to write down my name
+next to his in the large book. Perhaps it was to this event that
+Matenko's predictions referred.
+
+Everybody is congratulating me on the great honor which befell
+me. The duke is still more attentive than before, and a little
+more familiar; he calls me "my beautiful partner," and the
+little girl is always "our little Angela." He presented handsome
+gifts to Madame Starostine and to me, and threw handfuls of gold
+among the attendants and the poor in the church.
+
+I for my part could not do so much, but the little embroidered
+christening robe, my gift to Angela, has cost me more than a few
+hours' work.
+
+But I forget to speak about an important affair. The topic of
+conversation in Warsaw has for some time been a hunting party
+which the Prince Jerome Radzivill, the Hetman of the Lithuania
+army, is preparing for the pleasure of the king and the duke.
+He is spending thousands in order to make a grand display, and
+has had the game brought from the forests of Lithuania, over 500
+miles away. The fête will be to-morrow; the weather is fine and
+the sleighing excellent. The duke wished to drive his "partner,"
+and it shall be so. The four Warsaw belles--for I am counted now
+as the fourth--will go in one sleigh, and the duke will be our
+driver. All four will have costumes alike, but of different
+colors,--long velvet coats, tight at the waist, trimmed with
+sable, and small caps with fur to match. The Countess Potocka
+has selected blue, the Princess Sapieha dark green, Mademoiselle
+Wessel marroon, and I shall wear dark crimson.
+
+It is a pity Basia will not see all this, but she is so happy
+with her little Angela that she does not care for anything else.
+
+
+     _Friday_, January 17.
+
+I have never in my life seen anything so magnificent as this
+hunting party. We started at nine o'clock in the morning. One
+could not possibly count all the horses and sleighs which were
+assembled before the king's castle, but ours was the handsomest
+of all, and we followed first after the king. The duke, in a
+hunting costume of green velvet, looked superb!
+
+We had a long drive far beyond the Church of the Holy Cross, to
+Ujazdow. There, coming down the hill on which is built the city
+of Warsaw, is a large field usually planted with wheat.[12] This
+field was enclosed by a fence with a gate, ornamented with
+escutcheons, devices, and inscriptions. In the middle stood an
+iron kiosk into which the king and the duke entered. Near the
+kiosk was a space covered with bear-skins for the most notable
+men, and further on, an amphitheatre with an iron railing for
+the ladies. The whole place looked like a forest, for except a
+space left around the kiosk, the ground was covered with big
+pine-trees planted for the occasion. In the background, one saw
+the hills covered with a throng of spectators.
+
+    [12]That place is now Lazienki, with a park and a
+        charming little palace built by the last Polish
+        king, Stanislaus Poniatowski, for his summer
+        residence.
+
+As soon as we arrived and took our seats the trumpets and the
+horns gave the signal, and the hunters of the Prince Radzivill
+let the wild beasts loose from the enclosure. There were bears,
+deer, wild boars and wolves; the trained dogs chased them toward
+the kiosk, and one cannot describe the howling and the roaring
+of the wild animals, the barking of the dogs, the shrieking of
+the ladies, and all the noise which ensued. The king himself
+shot three wild boars; the duke killed much game, and fought a
+bear with the spear, a proof of great strength and skill. The
+skin of that bear was presented to me for a rug.
+
+The hunt lasted until four o'clock in the afternoon; we had a
+lunch served to us during that time. There were perhaps a
+hundred hunters and game-keepers of the Prince Radzivill, all
+dressed in red livery and armed with guns and pikes.
+
+This entertainment was given in honor of the anniversary of the
+coronation of the king; for the same purpose there will be a
+ball to-night given by the Marshal of the Crown, Bielinski.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, January 18.
+
+The ball was splendid. The duke was very gay and happy, as on
+that day he received a diamond-star order from the king. I
+danced a great deal and my feet are aching; but I am sorry that
+I spoke of it, for now I shall have to stay at home and rest for
+ten days. The princess fears that the incessant dancing and late
+hours will injure my health; really, my cheeks have become
+rather pale.
+
+We received letters from Maleszow. My honored Mother deigned to
+write to me herself, recommending earnestly that I be prudent
+about my health and that I take the greatest care of my
+reputation, so as to give no cause for the slightest reproach
+for frivolity. She says that I ought not to believe all the
+compliments I may hear, that often a young girl is called a
+belle through some passing fancy, not because her beauty really
+deserves it; and that it sometimes spoils her whole life, for
+her head is turned, her expectations aim too high, and she may
+be forsaken and laughed at in the end. I am sure that will never
+be the case with me. My ambition may be ever so high, but nobody
+shall know about my disappointment if it comes. Still I could
+not help crying when I read that letter; I carry it with me and
+often read it over. Happy is the young girl who never leaves her
+parents' home! I often regret the old Maleszow Castle.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 29.
+
+At last the ten days of my retirement are over. There were four
+balls during that time, and one of them a _bal-masqué_, where I
+was to appear in a Scotch quadrille with the three other belles.
+But no entreaties of the duke or others could make the princess
+relent; when she has said anything she never changes her
+decision.
+
+I was sorry to miss the balls, but no one looking at me would
+have guessed it. It is true that the duke came here often, and
+praised my patience and courage so much that it was a great
+comfort. The hours spent in his company are delightful. He talks
+about Saint Petersburg, or Vienna, where he also spent some
+time; he describes the good people in Courland; and he always
+knows how to put in a word the meaning of which, I think,
+escapes all other ears but mine.
+
+How well he knows the bad affairs of our country! It is only
+through respect to his father that he does not dare to speak
+about them openly. What a good king he would make! The princess
+says that his extreme amiability has a particular aim,--to gain
+partisans for the future,--and that if he were elected king, he
+would perhaps not even look at us. I do not believe it. I can
+see plainly that the princess is not in favor of him; she would
+like rather to see a Lubomirski on the throne.
+
+To-night there will be an entertainment at the Ladies Canonesses'; a
+very agreeable house and much frequented. This order was founded by
+the Countess Zamoyska, in imitation of the Ladies' Chapter House of
+Remiremont in Lorraine. It is said that it originated from the pity
+the countess felt for a young girl of a noble family, who was to be
+married in spite of her dislike and even despair. She was an orphan
+and had no inclination for the convent life, but her high birth
+forbade her accepting a situation, so she was obliged to marry,
+merely for a home. In order to give a shelter to other homeless
+Polish girls, where they could lead a Christian life and be free
+to marry according to their liking, the countess bought Maryville,
+a large building once belonging to the Jesuits, and had it altered
+into small apartments, with a common dining-room and large
+reception-parlors; she endowed it and also completed an adjoining
+chapel, erected by the Queen Mary Kasimir, the wife of John Sobieski,
+in memory of his victory over the Turks near Vienna in 1685.
+
+There are eleven canonesses and the abbess. In order to be
+elected, the young girls must be fifteen years old, and prove
+their nobility for six generations on both parents' sides. They
+are addressed with the title of "Madame."
+
+
+     _Ash Wednesday_, February 19.
+
+Thank God, the carnival is over! I see that one can grow tired
+even with entertainments. There have been so many during the
+last weeks that I felt in a continual whirl. I could do nothing,
+nor think of anything else but dresses, visits, assemblies, and
+other festivities. At first such a life seems amusing, but by
+and by one feels disheartened, and in my life I have never known
+such tedious hours as those I passed in the last fortnight. And
+yet so many people think that I am so very happy, and they envy
+me.
+
+How beautiful the Countess Potocka looked at the ball last
+night, dressed as a sultana! She was the queen of the ball, and
+danced the whole evening. I danced only the first polonaise; I
+hurt my foot and refused all the invitations. Toward the end the
+duke came to ask me for a dance, but I did not care to dance
+then. Thank God, the carnival is over!
+
+
+     _Saturday_, February 29.
+
+A few words in haste: I am going unexpectedly to Sulgostow.
+There was nothing said about it yesterday when the Staroste and
+Basia came to take their leave, but this morning the Prince
+Woivode came to my room and said that my sister and her husband
+begged me to go with them; that I shall have a good rest there
+and probably see my honored Parents, so I ought to go. I believe
+that all the prince's advice tends to my good, so I did not
+hesitate, but I am sorry the duke does not know anything about
+it. Perhaps he will not mind it at all; perhaps he will not even
+notice it, as there are so many pretty women in Warsaw; and the
+Countess Potocka, she does not go away.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 15.
+
+I returned two days ago. My diary was forgotten here in my desk, so
+I could not write in Sulgostow. I was away a fortnight, but it seemed
+much longer. My honored Parents are expected in Sulgostow in a few
+days, but the Prince Woivode, who came for me, did not want to wait
+even a few hours; we were almost flying on the road, with fresh
+horses waiting at each station, and we reached Warsaw in one day.
+The duke came the following morning; he looked pale, almost ill. He
+gave me to understand that it was my sudden departure, without saying
+good-bye, which made him feel so badly. He said almost bitterly that
+"a friend deserves better treatment." I am sorry now that I went
+away, and to be sincere, I was sorry for it more than once during
+that fortnight, but the Prince Woivode says that it was for the best.
+I must confess that often I do not understand him at all, but I obey
+him blindly, for I feel that he is interested in my future. The
+princess greeted me very graciously.
+
+In Sulgostow I spent most of the time petting the little Angela,
+and embroidering a cushion for the Christ's chapel, in order to
+propitiate Heaven in a certain direction, which I do not dare
+to name here. I worked assiduously; it seemed to me that every
+stitch made the fulfilment of my wishes nearer, and now my work
+is finished.
+
+They celebrated with great magnificence the anniversary of
+Basia's wedding in Sulgostow. How many changes in this one year!
+
+
+     _Thursday_, March 19.
+
+Yesterday was one of the most pleasant days I can remember. The
+duke was as gay and charming as at the beginning of our
+acquaintance. He came here first in the morning, but only for a
+moment, as he was going to a hunt with the king; then in the
+evening, when we did not expect him at all, he ran in,--I think
+he walked, as no carriage was heard,--and he stayed a few hours.
+He is freer now to leave the castle, as his two brothers, Albert
+and Clement, are in Warsaw, and they keep the king company.
+
+The Duke Clement is said to be very good and religious, and he
+is to enter the Church. It is quite right that the king, having
+several sons, wishes to give one of them to the service of God,
+but it is as well that it was not the lot of the Duke of
+Courland.
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, March 24.
+
+Although it is Lent, I have a delightful time; the duke runs in
+as often as he can leave the Castle. He says that he rests here
+from the etiquette of the court. But to-morrow will be the end
+of all the worldly pleasure. The princess has a few rooms kept
+for her in the Convent of the Holy Sacrament, and every year,
+before Easter, she secludes herself for eight days in order to
+be well prepared for confession. All the ladies do the same, and
+I naturally shall accompany the princess. During eight days we
+shall see only priests and nuns; we shall read only religious
+books, and work for the Church or the poor.
+
+
+     _Holy Thursday_, April 2.
+
+Our retirement is over, Easter confession is made, and I feel so
+free in my mind and so quiet in my heart! I had an excellent
+confessor, Father Bodue; he is all the fashion, as he is French,
+but even in spite of fashion I would always choose him for my
+director. He is a saint, and he is so wise! We had many and long
+conversations with him. He knew so well how to speak to my heart
+and make it humble and full of contrition, he was so convincing
+when speaking of the voidness of the things of the world and the
+dangers of it, that really there were moments when I wanted to
+leave everything and become a sister of charity in his hospital.
+I was just pacing my little cell thinking earnestly about it,
+when my maid entered and whispered that she saw one of the
+duke's hunters passing near the convent. My devout thoughts were
+thus scattered and I could not grasp them again.
+
+Still, Father Bodue told me also that one can be saved as well
+in the world when living virtuously, and that such a life is
+still more meritorious, as it is more difficult. Why, then,
+should I shrink from it?
+
+I really regret that this week is over, although we lived in
+perfect seclusion. To-day we shall see everybody, as we are
+going to the Castle for the ceremonies of Holy Thursday.
+
+
+     _Friday_, April 10.
+
+Easter is over. I cannot say that those days were unpleasant,
+but the quietude of thought and heart of one week ago, they are
+mine no more. Moreover, my conscience has more than one thing to
+reproach me for, so soon after my most earnest resolves!
+
+For instance, that as early as Holy Thursday I was guilty of a
+dreadful piece of vanity! Was such a thing ever heard of?
+
+It occurred thus: when I was to put on my mourning-dress, as is
+the custom in holy week, the princess entered my room followed
+by two maids carrying a magnificent gown of white satin with a
+long transparent veil, a wreath of white roses for my hair, and
+a bouquet for my corsage. I was amazed, but the princess
+explained that on Holy Thursday after Mass, said in the chapel
+of the Castle, the king and all the assemblage go to a large
+room where twelve poor men are sitting at table, and the king,
+in imitation of Christ's humility, washes their feet and serves
+them at dinner. During this ceremony, one of the society young
+ladies is to make a collection for the poor. The king himself
+appoints the young lady; this time he named me, and promised to
+give the collected money to Father Bodue for his hospital, which
+is being built. I felt overcome with joy hearing this, but it
+was not because of the poor or Father Bodue; it was simply
+vanity. I saw myself, not in a heavy black and unbecoming dress,
+but clad in white, I alone among all the other women,--and thus
+the handsomest of all! It was wicked, but my conscience feels
+better now for having confessed it here.
+
+The collection was extremely successful; I had over five
+thousand ducats. The Prince Charles Radzivill alone, saying "My
+love![13] one has to give something to such a fair lady," tossed
+down five hundred gold pieces, so that the tray bent.
+
+    [13]The Prince Charles Radzivill had the habit of
+        beginning each sentence with the exclamation "My
+        love!" and therefore he himself was generally
+        called, "the Prince My-love." He was the wealthiest
+        magnate of Lithuania. After the dismemberment of
+        Poland, when all his estates were confiscated, he
+        emigrated to Paris and there bought the whole street
+        between his palace and the market, in order, as he
+        said, that his Polish cook might not lose his way.
+        That street, near the Louvre, has still the name of
+        "Rue Radzivill."
+
+At first I felt rather timid, my knees were shaking at each low
+courtesy which I had to make before every person, but by and by
+I grew bolder, and on that day the lessons of my dancing-master
+proved to be really useful. The marshal of the court accompanied
+me telling the names of the persons we were approaching, and
+when the tray grew too heavy he emptied it into a bag carried by
+the king's page.
+
+My ears were filled with compliments. The duke told me that it was
+fortunate that I begged for money, not for hearts, as every man would
+have to give me his. "I would never ask for such a thing," I answered;
+"for who would value a heart begged for?" He seemed pleased with my
+answer,--I wonder how he could imagine that I should think otherwise.
+A woman to beg for a heart--even of the king himself,--why! it would
+be a shameful, base thing. To accept it, when it is offered to her,
+earnestly and honorably, that is another thing.
+
+But again my thoughts are wandering. To return to my narrative;
+the ceremony of the washing of the feet was very touching. I
+have still before my eyes the king as he was bending over the
+feet of the poor old men, and as he stood behind their stools at
+dinner. Moreover, our Augustus III., although no longer young,
+is very handsome and stately, and everything he does is done in
+a proper manner. The Duke Charles is quite the likeness of his
+father.
+
+On Good Friday, we went, dressed in deep mourning, to visit the
+Holy Sepulchre. We were in seven churches, saying in each of
+them five Paters and five Aves in honor of the five wounds of
+Christ; in the cathedral I knelt one hour before the holy
+Sacrament.
+
+On Saturday evening there was a grand "Resurrection Service" in
+the cathedral; the music by the court orchestra was admirable.
+
+The Easter table in our house was sumptuous, and until yesterday
+the tables remained covered with all kinds of meat and pastry.[14]
+Who would have thought one year ago, when, on the third day after
+my arrival at the boarding-school, I was sitting at the poor Easter
+table feeling very melancholy--who would have guessed then that one
+year later I would eat an Easter egg with the Duke of Courland?
+
+    [14]The Easter dinner, or the "consecrated meal," is
+        still a special feature in Poland, and an elaborate
+        affair even among the poorer people. During several
+        days meat and pastry are prepared, and on Holy
+        Saturday the tables are set, with the symbolical
+        lamb in the middle, and every dish garnished with
+        sprays of boxwood. Then a priest is summoned, who
+        puts on a white surplice, and saying the appointed
+        prayers he sprinkles the table with holy water.
+
+        In the villages on Easter morning the peasants bring
+        baskets with eggs, bread, cheese, and perhaps a
+        sausage, to church, and standing in two rows have
+        them consecrated.
+
+        At noon the dinner begins with hot bouillon served
+        in cups; all the other dishes are cold. But first of
+        all, the lady of the house, holding a plate of
+        hard-boiled eggs cut in pieces, presents them to
+        every one in turn, wishing a "glad Alleluia." The
+        table sometimes stays covered several days, hot
+        dishes being added to succeeding dinners, and the
+        pastry lasts sometimes several weeks, by some
+        mystery remaining as fresh as on the first day.
+
+        The children always have their own table, with
+        miniature dishes ornamented with boxwood, a lamb in
+        candy, colored eggs, etc. They would never forget to
+        have them consecrated, and the little girls very
+        earnestly play the hostess, partaking of the eggs
+        with their own guests.
+
+        In olden times, the Polish houses tried to surpass
+        each other in setting the most sumptuous Easter
+        tables. In an old manuscript is found the following
+        description of a festival given by Prince Sapieha,
+        in the sixteenth century.
+
+        In the middle of huge tables stood a lamb of candies
+        and marzipan, which were distributed "only to
+        ladies, dignitaries, and church men." Around it,
+        representing the seasons of the year, stood four
+        wild boars, each stuffed with hams, sausages, and
+        turkeys. The prince's chef showed wonderful skill in
+        roasting those boars whole. Then came twelve deer,
+        also roasted whole, and stuffed with a variety of
+        game: hares, woodcocks, partridges, hazel-hens,
+        etc.; these were for the twelve months of the year.
+        Around the table, numbering the weeks of the year,
+        were fifty-two mazourkas, that is, large square
+        cakes stuffed with all kinds of fruit, and three
+        hundred and sixty-five babas, for the days of the
+        year; each was one ell high and on their iced
+        surfaces were various inscriptions, mottoes,
+        proverbs, and witty verses, which the invited guests
+        took pleasure in deciphering.
+
+        In the way of beverages there were: first, four
+        antique silver tankards with wine from "King
+        Batory's time" (that is, one hundred years old);
+        then twelve silver pitchers of old Tokai; then
+        fifty-two silver barrels of Spanish, Italian, and
+        Cypress wines, and three hundred and sixty-five
+        bottles of Hungarian wine. For the household there
+        were 8,760 quarts, as many as there are hours in one
+        year, of home-made mead. The invited guests feasted
+        during one whole week. As soon as the morning
+        service was over they surrounded the tables, and the
+        entertainment lasted till midnight; the prince's
+        court band played lively airs, and the young people
+        were never tired of dancing, nor the elderly ones of
+        talking of "the good old times," sipping the
+        Hungarian Malmsey, and drinking to the health of the
+        prince.
+
+He seemed to have grown thin; it is perhaps because of the long
+fast. We also have not had any meat for forty days, and neither
+butter nor milk during the holy week; everything was cooked with
+oil, and on Friday we fasted the whole day. I did not mind it at
+all, but for a man it must be different. Yesterday I was looking
+anxiously at him: I thought he would not notice it, as he was
+talking with the Prince Woivode, but he thanked me afterwards
+for my solicitude. I felt quite ashamed; how careful a young
+girl ought to be, not only of her words, but even of her eyes!
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, April 15.
+
+We leave Warsaw to-morrow. The Prince Woivode and his wife are
+going to their estate "Opole," and they take me with them. My
+honored Father wrote a letter to the princess saying that she
+may keep me as long as she is not tired of me. I hope that will
+never be; I endeavor to please her as well as I can, and I feel
+the greatest awe of her. If I ever live to be old I wish to have
+her dignity of demeanor; even the duke is afraid of her.
+
+I am glad that I am not yet going to Maleszow. I have it in my
+head that I ought not to return there just as I was, and if I
+arrived now there would be no change. No change? Oh! yes, there
+is a great change, but not the one I mean. Yet, things cannot
+stay long as they are now, something must take place. Will it be
+yes, or no? I shall not be surprised if it is yes, and in the
+other case--well, I will not bend my head, even if my heart
+break. It sounds like riddles, but if when I think of him I am
+afraid that some one may guess my thoughts, how could I write
+more plainly? As it is I have already said too much; it is
+better to stop and put my book under lock and key.
+
+
+     OPOLE, _Wednesday_, April 24.
+
+We have been here for nearly a week; the place is pretty, but I do
+not feel very cheerful, and nothing seems to go right. The trees
+ought to become green, but they are as black as in mid-winter; it
+ought to grow warm, and it is still cold. I wanted to begin some
+embroidery, but I have not the necessary silks; I wished to play,
+but the harpsichord is most dreadfully out of tune, and they have
+to send to town for the organist. There is a large library, but the
+princess has the key of it, and I am afraid to ask her for it. The
+prince has bought some new French books, the works of Voltaire, the
+most celebrated author in France; he paid, before my eyes, six
+golden ducats for a few volumes, and not very large ones; but the
+princess does not allow me to read them. What is still worse, there
+arrived, just fresh from Paris, a novel which is all the rage, the
+"Nouvelle Héloïse," written by a certain M. Rousseau. I took the
+book eagerly in my hand, but the author says in the introduction,
+"No mother will allow her daughter to read this book," and the
+princess most sternly forbade it to me.
+
+I had still another disappointment yesterday; the physicians in
+Warsaw ordered the princess to ride horseback for her health; she
+laughed at them, saying that she would never do it, but the Prince
+Woivode believed their advice good, and he bought a beautiful mare,
+quite gentle, which was brought here. The princess very reluctantly
+consented to ride a little in the garden, but I, who am not afraid
+of horses, was just dying to learn how to ride, and I said so
+yesterday. I got a terrible scolding; the princess said that such
+an exercise would be quite indecent for a young lady, and I had to
+give up all my plans,--such beautiful plans, of riding and hunting
+with--well, with some one.
+
+There are many people coming here to pay their respects to the
+prince, who is the Woivode of this province, but they are not
+very interesting. The one person whom I like to see is the
+Prince Martin Lubomirski, the first cousin of the Woivode, but
+much younger, and whom I have already met in Warsaw. He owns
+the earldom of Janow, which is not far from here, and he has
+invited us very eagerly to pay him a visit; I hope we shall go.
+The princess always finds something to censure in him, but I
+like him very much; he talks most agreeably, and is a great
+friend of the Duke of Courland.
+
+
+     JANOW, _Friday_, May 1.
+
+We have been here two days, and the Prince Martin announced from
+the very first that he would not let us go away soon. I do not
+think there can be found anywhere a host more generous, gay, and
+hospitable than the Prince Martin. The princess says that he
+sows his money broadcast as though he expected it to grow. He
+has now a new scheme on foot: they are cutting a road through a
+beautiful forest near the castle,--from my window I can see the
+magnificent trees fall under the axes of at least a hundred
+workmen,--and at the end of the road they are building a small
+palace, but in such haste that it seems to grow under one's
+eyes. There is a wager between the Prince Martin and the Prince
+Woivode that the building will be ready in four weeks, and I am
+sure the younger prince will be the winner. The whole forest is
+to be enclosed with a hedge and serve as a preserve. Men have
+been sent to distant places to bring deer and bears, besides the
+game which is found around here. There is some mystery about all
+that hasty work; I wonder what it is!
+
+This place is beautiful indeed. The old and majestic castle
+stands upon a hill above the Vistula, and commands a most
+admirable view over picturesque villages, forests, and the
+winding river. The halls and rooms are innumerable, the
+furniture rich and elegant, and the gallery of portraits is said
+to be the finest in the country. But my room seems to me the
+most charming of all; it is in a high tower, and it makes me
+feel like the heroine of a novel. From each of the three windows
+is a different view, each beautiful, but I sit most near the
+window looking towards the little palace, the progress of the
+work going on there interests me so very much. On the walls of
+my room is Olympus painted in fresco. "Venus lui manquait, mais
+il la possède maintenant," said Prince Martin, gallantly, when
+he brought me in.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 3.
+
+I rose before the sun, and I must have looked like a ghost when
+I glided through the large halls, on my way to the gallery of
+portraits.
+
+The Prince Martin, following the example of our ancestors, who
+kept with great care the pictures of their most illustrious
+members, and the memory of their great deeds, determined to
+gather all such souvenirs of the Lubomirski family in one room.
+He brought from Italy a skilful painter, also called in the help
+of a very learned man, who knew all about the Polish history,
+and after long researches and debates the plan was carried out
+in 1746; as the inscription above the door testifies. The
+princess says it is a pity that all these portraits and pictures
+are not painted in oil on canvas instead of "in fresco," as
+they never can be removed, and it is more difficult to take care
+of them. In any case the gallery, as it is now, is superb.
+
+Yesterday after dinner our host brought us in and explained the
+meaning of the large paintings, relating the facts and the
+anecdotes about them. It was so interesting that I decided to
+get up very early this morning, before the house was awake, and
+come here alone to look again at the pictures, and write about
+some of them.
+
+The first picture represents the three brothers Lubomirski,
+young and handsome men, who in the presence of the king, and
+many lords and witnesses, are dividing the inheritance of their
+father. Two scriveners are writing the deed upon a roll of
+parchment, and this document, dating from 1088, was the first
+historical title-deed known in Poland; it is still in existence,
+and the family are very proud of it.
+
+After that picture, comes a row of portraits of stately men and
+great warriors, which I must pass over. Then I see a painting
+representing a chapel, where, before a miraculous image of the
+Virgin, a baby is being weighed, and the other scale is covered
+with gold pieces. One Prince Lubomirski, being childless, made a
+vow that if a son were born to him he would offer to the Church
+its weight in gold, and he kept his promise.
+
+Farther on, I see a nun on her deathbed, with a halo round her
+head; sick people touch her garments and are healed; it was
+Sophy Lubomirska, who in the sixteenth century was renowned for
+her sanctity.
+
+On the other wall is represented an amusing scene: Among young
+damsels at work stands a pretty little girl in a very uncomfortable
+position, as her foot is tied to the leg of the table. Her aunt,
+who has punished her thus for some mischief, is sternly looking at
+her. But the naughty little Christina has grown to be a young lady,
+and in the following picture we see her kneeling before the altar
+in her room, her beautiful eyes full of ecstasy; she has just
+pricked her finger with a golden needle, and gathering her blood on
+a pen, she writes down her determination always to lead a saintly
+life. She kept her word; married to Felixe Potocki, she was as
+famous for her virtues as for her beauty. All her accomplishments,
+her rare talent for music, her great skill in handiwork, were given
+to God's service. She adorned His churches, composed and sang
+verses to His glory, founded several convents, and her charitable
+deeds were innumerable. Her own confessor wrote her life and called
+her a saint.
+
+Next come the portraits of her two brothers. First, Stanislaus,
+an eminent writer, surnamed the "Polish Solomon," is surrounded
+with books, and Fame crowns him with a laurel wreath. The
+second, Jerome, famous for his valor, is represented with the
+King Sobieski, when after the victory near Vienna they are
+examining the flag of Mahomet, captured from the Turks; in the
+distance the Polish army can be seen occupying the Turkish
+camps.
+
+Then I stop at a large picture representing a very exciting
+adventure. In a forest covered with snow, a man is fighting with
+a bear, who seems to have the better of him, when from behind a
+woman in a hunting costume approaches, and holds two pistols to
+the animal's ears; in the background a horse is seen running
+away with a sleigh. The story runs thus: A Princess Lubomirska,
+who was very fond of horses, was returning one day from a
+hunting party, with only one servant, when an infuriated bear
+sprang upon them. The frightened horse threw over the little
+sleigh and ran away with it, and the two people were left to the
+fury of the beast. The faithful servant having only said, "Your
+Grace, remember my wife and children," threw himself forward to
+meet the bear, who was advancing on his hind legs, and give his
+mistress time to run away. But the courageous Pole did not leave
+the brave man to perish; drawing two pistols from her belt, she
+stepped from behind and shot the bear on the spot.
+
+But I hear the Prince Martin talking to his dogs, which he loves
+and pets as if they were children; his greyhounds are famous in
+the whole country. It is time to stop and run back to my tower.
+
+
+     _Thursday_, May 14.
+
+We went to Opole, and returned here again, urged by Prince
+Martin to see the villa finished; he won the wager. I asked him
+to-day why he wanted another house, and he answered smiling,
+"For your ladyship's sake." What does he mean?
+
+
+     _Saturday_, May 16.
+
+The duke is here! And, oh!--I can hardly believe it,--he loves
+me! He loves me so much that he could stay no longer without
+seeing me, and the two princes, to please him, thought to build
+the villa and to give hunting parties, in order to bring him
+near the object of his affection. It is fortunate that it was
+dark when he appeared yesterday. Everybody would have seen how
+I blushed, and he himself might have read in my eyes more joy
+than I ought to have shown. How will all this end? Until now I
+feigned not to understand the hidden meaning of his words. I
+tried most carefully to conceal my feelings toward him; shall I
+be able to do it any longer, especially here, where I shall see
+him so often,--live almost under the same roof?
+
+I cannot express the state that my heart and head are in. I see
+before me either a destiny so grand that I am afraid to think of
+it, or so dark and miserable that I shiver. What ought I to do?
+I would rather die than ask the princess; she said, not later
+than to-day, that the woman who would believe in the love of the
+duke would be simply mad, and that his wife would be most
+unhappy. The Prince Woivode visibly shuns any confidence.
+
+
+     May 18.
+
+I am betrothed. Is it really true? I, Frances Krasinska, I shall
+be Duchess of Courland, and perhaps one day something more!
+
+To-day we went to the little palace. The princess made a false
+step mounting the stairs, and was obliged to stay in the room
+with her companion, and we four went to the park. The Prince
+Martin stopped to show the Woivode some preparations for the
+hunt, but the duke said he preferred to walk, and took my arm.
+He was silent for awhile, which seemed strange, as he generally
+talks a great deal. At last he asked me if I would never be
+willing to understand for whom and for what he had come here. I
+tried to answer, calmly, that I knew him to be a lover of
+hunting, and that there promised to be great sport. Then he put
+aside all metaphors, and said plainly that he came for my sake,
+"and to find his whole life's happiness." I was stunned, it came
+so suddenly; but I composed myself and said: "Monsieur le Duc,
+are you forgetting who you are, and what you may be one day? You
+must look for a wife among the royal daughters." "You are my
+queen!" he exclaimed; "you, who first by your beauty have
+charmed my eyes, and afterwards by your modesty and virtues have
+won my heart. I am used to having women run to me as soon as I
+have spoken one word. But you, although you loved me perhaps
+more than any one of them, you shunned me; I could only guess
+what you were feeling. You are worthy of the first throne in the
+world. If I wish to be one day King of Poland, it is in order to
+put a crown on that beautiful brow of yours." How can I believe
+that all that was not merely a dream!
+
+I stood silent; no words could pass my lips. Then the two
+princes drew near us. "I take Heaven and you for witnesses,"
+said the duke, turning to them, "that I will never marry any
+other woman but the Countess Françoise Krasinska. For reasons
+easily understood, I wish my decision kept secret until the
+time comes, and I am sure of your loyalty and discretion." The
+princes saluted; they said something about the great honor and
+their faithfulness; they whispered in my ear, "You are worthy of
+it," and withdrew.
+
+I stood as yet in a dream, but at last I had to answer to the
+affectionate words; I had even to confess that I loved him much,
+and had done so for a long time. Should I not have made that
+avowal to my future husband? My husband! No, it cannot be true.
+But then, what means the exchanged ring on my finger? I had from
+Basia a little golden snake-ring which she gave me at my last
+visit; the duke had observed it, and ordered a similar one with
+the words "for ever" engraved inside; he put it on my finger and
+took mine for himself. The trees and the birds were the only
+witnesses of that silent betrothal. But these rings were not
+consecrated; a Father's hand had not given me away, nor a Mother
+bestowed her blessing. Oh! yes, now I believe that all is true,
+for I feel hot tears on my cheeks.
+
+
+     _Monday_, May 25.
+
+One week has passed, a week of such bliss! To-day for the first
+time, I was struck with the thought that my happiness might fly
+away. The Dukes Clement and Albert arrived here on Thursday; the
+hunt took place on Friday and Saturday, and they leave this
+afternoon; perhaps he also will have to go soon! How could I
+have so totally forgotten about it? Perhaps I had not time to
+think of what would come next, the days are so full--not only
+with my heart's content, but also with the duties of the lady of
+the house; the princess is confined to her room, as her foot has
+grown worse, and I have had to take her place. Or perhaps I did
+not want to think at all and spoil my happiness. Now I can think
+of nothing else but that departure. What will it be when he has
+gone? With what thought shall I awake in the morning? For whom
+shall I want to dress? What shall I do with the whole day when
+he is not here!
+
+I looked out of the window toward the villa, and saw a white
+handkerchief waving from the balcony; it is the "good-morning"
+he sends me every day. How early he is,--it is not yet six
+o'clock! Now I see a rider galloping along the road. It cannot
+be he! No, it is his favorite hunter who brings me flowers, a
+message every day from him. Oh! no, my anxiety was premature; I
+have not heard yet that he was going away; we may have another
+happy week, and a third, and perhaps a fourth,--why did I fret?
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, May 27.
+
+My forebodings were right; he is going. A special courier came
+last night with the king's order that he return at once. I saw
+him this morning; I shall see him again in half an hour, when he
+will come to say good-bye, and then when shall we meet again?
+
+
+     _Sunday_, June 7.
+
+Two weeks have passed. Two couriers brought me short notes under
+the Prince Woivode's seal; but what is a letter, written words,
+for two people who have been accustomed to talk to each other
+for hours, who knew each other's thoughts without even using any
+words, only looking into each other's eyes. He left me his
+miniature, a fairly good likeness, but it has always the same
+expression; I have a better portrait of him in my heart. I do
+not answer his letters; it is hard, but I was positive when I
+told him that until we were married he would not receive a
+single written word from me. I think my hand would be paralyzed
+if I wrote a letter without the knowledge of my aunt and my
+honored Parents, and I will keep my word, although God knows how
+much it costs.
+
+How long the days seemed when he was gone! I felt in a kind of
+lethargy, caring for nothing, without will or desire to do anything.
+I was aroused by a very sad occurrence: the princess' health grew
+worse, her foot swelled, and the doctor for whom they sent to Warsaw
+declared her to be in a critical condition. I cannot express what I
+felt during the three days of uncertainty. Notwithstanding all that
+the duke and the princes have said to quiet my conscience, I know
+very well that my silence about what has happened is an offence
+toward her. From the very beginning I planned and lived in hopes
+that the day would come when I should confess my involuntary fault to
+her, and to my honored Parents, explaining how everything happened,
+how I could not help it, and I was sure I would be pardoned. But
+during those three days of danger my hopes might at any moment have
+been crushed, and then what would have become of me? How could I
+live without having her forgiveness? It came to my mind also that
+my honored Parents are no longer young, and an unexpected illness
+may come to them, and I felt utterly desperate.
+
+The Lord be praised and thanked! The princess is better, and we
+had good news from Maleszow; both my honored Parents are in
+excellent health.
+
+But it is time to return to the princess; she likes to have me
+near her, and now I feel most happy at her bedside when I can do
+something for her.
+
+
+     OPOLE, _Thursday_, June 18.
+
+The princess felt so much better in health and strength that we
+returned here the day before yesterday. I left Janow with
+regret; after all, the remembrance of the happy hours spent
+there is the strongest.
+
+In his last letter the duke frightened me, writing that he will
+be obliged to go to his dukedom of Courland, and that he is
+puzzling his brain as to how he shall see me before he leaves.
+How long those months will be! But his sufferings are worse to
+me than my own. Several guests arrived here from Warsaw, and
+spoke about the change that everybody notices in him; he does
+not look well, he is sad, and avoids society. People find me
+also changed and looking pale. I would not care, but when I hear
+the princess explaining that it is on account of the trouble and
+care I took of her during her illness, then my conscience makes
+me feel miserable.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, July 11.
+
+One moment of bliss, and it is gone; he has been here, but only
+for one hour. He left Warsaw last Wednesday, as if to go to
+Courland, but as soon as he was out of town, he left his
+equipage and turned south instead of going north; now he is
+travelling day and night to meet his court at the frontier. I
+saw him such a short time, that I cannot realize it was not all
+a dream. He came disguised as one of his hunters; nobody
+recognized him but the prince and myself, but nobody ought to
+have recognized him. He implored me with tears in his eyes to
+write to him, and it was perhaps fortunate that he could not
+stay longer, for it was hard to resist those tears.
+
+Three months is the shortest time for his stay in Courland; how
+many weeks, and days, and hours in three months!
+
+
+     _Thursday_, September 3.
+
+I have not opened my book for two months; they passed as
+everything passes in this world, but that they were sad it is
+needless to say. One month more to wait. In each letter the duke
+assures me he will be here in October. To-day I was so glad at
+seeing some dry leaves on the ground in the garden; I thought it
+might already be October. We shall go to Warsaw ere long; the
+princess has forgotten that she was ever ill.
+
+I had great trouble lately,--a proposal of marriage, and a
+splendid match, as they say. The princess, who from the time of
+her illness is kinder to me than ever, arranged everything,
+acting in concert with my honored Parents, and never a doubt
+arose in her mind that I might object. It was extremely painful
+to me to destroy her plans, to incur her just anger, to hear her
+reproaches, and especially her innuendoes concerning the duke.
+It was also very difficult to write to my honored Parents, not
+knowing what excuses to make for my refusal. My honored Mother
+deigned to answer me. "The Parents who allow their daughter to
+leave their guidance," she writes, "cannot be very much
+surprised if she does not obey their wishes." Could I ever have
+foreseen that what I called the height of happiness could have
+thrown me into such a depth of misery!
+
+
+     WARSAW, September 22.
+
+We have been in Warsaw for several days. With what joy I
+approached the city! Here I shall see him again; he is coming on
+October 1st, that is, in one week. If it was not for that hope,
+life here would be intolerable. Those visits and receptions
+which seemed so amusing are now a trial. I think everybody is
+reading my secret in my eyes, and that all my acquaintances are
+laughing at me, especially the women. Yesterday one of them made
+me so nervous with her inquiries and her false solicitude that
+my tears were quite near,--in the presence of at least fifty
+people. But the Prince Woivode took pity upon me and came to my
+rescue; he is always so good, only he does not believe in my
+sorrow and troubles, and calls them "childishness."
+
+
+     _Thursday_, October 1.
+
+He arrived and is well; I have seen him, but before much
+company, and when my heart was leaping to meet him I had to
+stand still and wait until he entered and saluted the Prince
+Woivode, and then to make the low courtesy as etiquette
+requires. No matter; as long as he is here and well, everything
+seems more cheerful, and all will be well.
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, October 20.
+
+My God! what a promise have I given one hour ago! The fourth of
+November, when will it be? It is the birthday of the duke, and
+as a gift he wants my hand. He said that he will doubt my
+affection if I refuse. The Prince Woivode also pleaded for him,
+and I said "yes," before I realized that I had no right to do it
+without the knowledge and permission of my honored Parents. But
+I will not marry without their consent; I said that I must write
+to them, or otherwise I would rather enter a convent. At last
+the duke submitted and promised to add a postscript to my
+letter. Here my pride received a shock; is it not the young man
+who ought to humbly ask the Parents for their daughter's hand?
+Yes, but not a royal prince. For the first time, I felt the
+difference in our rank,--that it is he who does me a favor in
+marrying me. But it is too late for any regrets; my word is
+given.
+
+
+     _Thursday_, October 22.
+
+A chamberlain of the Prince Woivode has gone to Maleszow with
+the letters. The duke said that my letter was too humble, but I
+thought it was his postscript which was too royal. What will the
+answer be? My life is in suspense until then. I had the happy
+thought to ask if the curate of Maleszow could not come to give
+the wedding blessing; it would at least be somebody from my
+home. The Prince Woivode promised to have him come, and he will
+also obtain the necessary papers.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, October 28.
+
+My honored Parents consent and give their blessing, but it is not
+such an affectionate blessing as they gave Basia when she was to be
+married, and it is just, for I do not deserve it. The duke expected
+a separate letter for himself; as there was none, he felt a little
+offended and talked with the Prince Woivode about the pride of the
+Polish seigneurs. No matter, it is a relief to think that they know
+everything; it is as if a stone were lifted from my heart. They
+promise to keep the secret until the duke releases them. One sees
+in their letter some surprise, even satisfaction at such an
+alliance, but there is also, especially in the words of my dear
+Mother, a kind of affectionate reproach which pierces my heart. She
+writes, "If you are unhappy, you cannot ascribe your misfortune to
+us; if you find felicity in your decision, for which I shall never
+stop praying the Lord, your Parents will rejoice over you, but not
+as much as over their other children, as you have not allowed them
+to share in making your happiness." I cried so much over these
+words that they are almost illegible.
+
+The curate will come, and in six days I shall be a bride. I
+cannot believe it; there are no preparations for the wedding,
+everything around me is so quiet and every-day-like.
+
+One week before Basia's wedding, what was there not in Maleszow!
+If at least I could see the duke often, but sometimes two, and
+sometimes three days pass without my seeing him. He fears to
+awaken the suspicion of the king, and still more that of Brühl;
+therefore he avoids me at receptions, and does not appear here
+as often. I feel so lonesome with nobody to confide in or ask
+for any advice. Even my little maid is to be sent away, and a
+married woman, whom the Prince Woivode knows, but I have never
+seen, is to take her place. I do not even know how to dress for
+the wedding; I asked the prince, and he answered, "As every
+day."
+
+What a strange occurrence! I am making the grandest marriage in
+Poland, and my shoemaker's daughter will be more dressed on her
+wedding day than I on mine.
+
+
+     November 4.
+
+Married! One hour ago, before the altar, before God, we swore to
+each other faith and love until death. What a terrible wedding!
+At five o'clock in the morning the Prince Woivode knocked at my
+door. I was quite dressed, we went out stealthily; at the gate
+the duke and Prince Martin were waiting for us. It was quite
+dark, the wind blew fiercely; we walked to the church, as a
+carriage would have made a noise. It was not far, but I should
+have fallen several times, if the duke had not supported me. At
+the door of the church the good curate met us. The church was
+dark and silent as a grave; at a side altar two candles were
+lighted; no living soul but the priest and the sacristan. Our
+steps resounded on the flagstones as in a cavern.
+
+The ceremony did not last ten minutes, and then we hastened away
+as if pursued. The duke brought us to the gate, and the Prince
+Martin had to compel him to go away. I had my every-day dress
+on, not even white, only I hastily put a bit of rosemary in my
+hair. Yesterday, remembering Basia's wedding, I prepared for
+myself, with tears, a golden coin, a piece of bread, and a lump
+of sugar, but in my haste I forgot to take them this morning.
+
+Now I am again in my room, alone. Nobody is blessing or
+congratulating me, the whole house is asleep, and if it were not
+for the wedding ring, which I shall soon have to take off and
+hide, I could not believe that I have returned from my wedding,
+that I am a married woman, that I am his forever.
+
+
+     SULGOSTOW, December 24.
+
+I was not going to write in this book any more; I saw no use for
+it, as the friend I have won for my life had all my thoughts
+confided to him. But cruel destiny has separated us, and I open
+my book again to relate the sorrowful event. In the days of
+happiness, if they ever come, it will be agreeable perhaps to
+read over the accounts of the past misfortunes, although I do
+not think the most perfect bliss could ever wipe them out of my
+memory.
+
+Six weeks have passed since the day of our wedding. Nobody has
+guessed what happened. My new maid swore to the Prince Woivode
+on the crucifix that she would be silent on whatever she may
+know. Our meetings and interviews, managed by the Woivode, were
+kept perfectly secret. I was still Mademoiselle la Comtesse
+Krasinska to everybody. The duke, in order to be ready for any
+sign from the Prince Woivode, pretended illness and did not
+leave the castle, but in the end he was obliged to appear in
+society, and paid a visit to the princess. It was the first
+time I saw him in public; I could not control my emotion, which
+was perceived by the princess. After his departure, she
+overwhelmed me with reproaches, scoldings, and warnings. Sure of
+my innocence, I answered perhaps too boldly, and imprudently
+made her understand that it was not a mere flirtation between
+the duke and me. On the following day, the princess was very
+much agitated; the duke came again, and knowing he could not see
+me on that day in private, he had written a short note, which he
+discreetly slipped into my work-basket,--but not discreetly
+enough for the watchful eye of the princess. As soon as he was
+gone, she seized the basket, and when she read the inscription
+on the note, "Pour ma bien aimée," her wrath burst forth in the
+most dreadful and offensive words. I heard myself called the
+shame, the blot on the Krasinskis' name. I heard that I would
+send my Father and Mother to the grave. "But now," she added,
+"this low intrigue shall be ended. I have written to Brühl,
+telling him that honesty and honor are more to me than my family
+ties, and I feel it to be my sacred duty to let him know that
+the duke is in love with you, and that he must do what he thinks
+best to stop this unlawful affection. So at this moment the king
+himself is perhaps informed of your mad scheme, and of your
+shame." "There is no shame," I answered, "I am his wife." As
+soon as I uttered these words I realized what I had done in
+revealing the secret, but it was too late. The princess was
+amazed. I fell at her feet and confessed everything; there was
+nothing else to be done. I implored her pardon, and begged her
+in the name of God to keep the secret to herself. She seemed
+surprised, but not soothed; she compelled me to rise from her
+feet, saying that it was not a proper position for a lady of my
+standing. She asked to be pardoned for having often treated me
+not according to my dignity, of which she was unaware; but she
+did not allow me to kiss her hand, and under the pretence that
+her house was not good enough for a duchess, perhaps the future
+Queen of Poland, she gave at once the orders for my departure. I
+controlled myself so that not one disagreeable word fell from my
+lips, and I shall always be thankful to the Lord for it; the
+princess is my aunt, and I shall never forget the care she has
+bestowed upon me during so many months.
+
+I did not know at all where I was to go. Fortunately some one
+happened to mention Sulgostow. The marshal, who came to take the
+orders, heard it, and the news spread in the house that I was
+going to spend Christmas with my sister. Glad of the suggestion,
+I confirmed it. I wrote a letter to the duke, in care of the
+princess, in which I told him about the necessity of letting my
+sister know the truth, and in less than two hours, in a closed
+carriage with my maid, I was travelling fast, not knowing what
+was to become of me. I reached Sulgostow in such a confused
+state of mind that when Basia saw me and heard the disconnected
+sentences,--that the princess sent me away from her house, that
+I was innocent, that the duke was my husband,--she was so
+frightened that she wanted to call for help, and to send for the
+doctor; she was sure that I was insane. No news yet from Warsaw!
+
+
+     _Saturday_, December 30.
+
+I received a letter from the duke (I think I shall never call
+him otherwise). He is in despair about my departure, angry with
+the princess, and much afraid of Brühl discovering everything. I
+am leaving Sulgostow; the happiness of my sister makes my lot
+still more miserable. I love her with my whole heart, and I pray
+God that she may always be as happy, but this comfortable home,
+the attention her husband's family pay to her, the many tokens
+of affection from our honored Parents, the little Angela who is
+so fond of her mother, and of whom her father is so proud,--all
+this stabs my heart when I compare her fate with mine. I will
+go to Maleszow. When I shall hear the words of forgiveness from
+the lips of my honored Parents, and they embrace me, I shall
+perhaps feel more tranquil. Perhaps the year begun with them
+will be as happy as those that I spent under their roof, when a
+gay and careless girl.
+
+
+     IN MALESZOW CASTLE, January 5, 1761.
+
+I have been here for several days, but I am not any happier. My
+honored Parents greeted me in such a strange manner. I wanted to
+throw myself at their feet, and I would have felt better for it,
+but they did not allow it. The Count bowed low to me as if I
+were a stranger; even now he will not sit next me, and he gets
+up when I enter the room. This homage paid to my new title is
+grievous to my heart. At the first dinner he whispered in my
+ear, "I could under the pretence of testing, order a bottle of
+'Miss Frances' wine.' I am sorry not to taste it at the first
+dinner, but the custom requires that the first cup be emptied
+by the father, and the second by the bridegroom; any other order
+is considered a bad omen. But will that happy moment ever come?"
+he added, so sadly that I was hardly able to restrain my tears.
+Oh! that dinner was for me a real suffering; everybody seemed to
+be under some constraint; even Matenko was not up to his
+standard. The Count winked at him to make him tell some jokes,
+but they were not a success.
+
+He is a sharp fellow, Matenko. Yesterday he entered my room
+mysteriously, when I was alone, and kneeling on both knees, with
+an expression which was half droll and half melancholy, he drew
+from his vest a little bunch of dried leaves tied with a white
+ribbon and a golden pin in it. I could not at first make out
+what he meant when he said, "I am sometimes a prophet." Then I
+recollected the bouquet from Basia's wedding. I ran after
+Matenko, who still on his knees was retreating toward the door,
+and put in his coat a diamond pin I had received from the duke.
+Neither of us said a word, but both perhaps thought that if it
+was strange that his joking prophecy was fulfilled, how much
+more strange it was that its fulfilment failed to satisfy my
+expectations. When I think how I dreamed about my return to
+Maleszow after my wedding! What royal presents and surprises
+there would be for everybody! Even each of the peasant-women was
+to receive a new cap, the girls bright ribbons, and what
+entertainments and banquets were to be given to all! And here I
+return to my paternal home after nearly two years of absence,
+and bring no gifts to any one. When Basia came home from the
+convent she had a little surprise for everybody, although she
+had no more money than I; but she had leisure of time and mind,
+and with her own hands she prepared the little trifles which
+were valued so much. How could I do it?
+
+Here my beloved Mother interrupted my writing. She came into my
+room carrying heavy bundles of costly silks, laces, and jewels,
+and laying them down on the chairs she said rather timidly: "I
+have brought here a part of the things which are destined for
+each of our daughters; I would have brought more, but nothing
+seems to me good enough. I have been talking to my honored
+husband; he will sell a few villages in order that when the
+happy moment comes, and the marriage is announced to the world,
+our second daughter may receive an outfit in accordance with her
+high rank." Moved to tears, I wanted to embrace her knees, but
+she did not permit me, and was still making excuses for the
+"miserable presents," as she called them.
+
+Oh no! I cannot stand all this. I will return to Sulgostow.
+There are too many eyes fixed on me here, too many exclamations
+about how pale I look. My dear little sisters are asking
+continually, "Why are you not married yet?" or, "When will you
+marry?" Even the old servants ask me the same questions.
+Yesterday the three girls whom I promised to take to my court,
+came to see me. Old Peter brought his daughter himself; it was
+so painful to send them away. How astonished they will be if
+they hear that am I married, but cannot take them, for my
+husband is a son of the king!
+
+
+     SULGOSTOW, January 9.
+
+I found no letter here from the duke. I am dreadfully anxious;
+perhaps he is ill, or the king is informed about everything, and
+does not let him write. If the Prince Woivode were in Warsaw he
+would let me know, but he left a few days before me and probably
+has not yet returned.
+
+The farewell of my honored Parents was more tender than their
+reception, but the best moments I spent were in Lisow, where I
+went to visit our curate. I found him planting spruce-trees in
+his garden, and he allowed me to plant one in the cemetery near
+the church.[15] I leave a sad souvenir behind me, but I am not
+gay myself. I heard kind and comforting words from the good
+Father, and went away with more courage. If only I had news that
+the duke is quite well!
+
+    [15] This tree still shades the old building.
+        (Note in 1858.)
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, January 15.
+
+New trials and new sufferings during these past days! Will there
+be any kind of grief which I have not experienced?
+
+On Saturday when we were going to dinner we heard the
+postilion's horn before the palace; the door opened and Borch,
+the minister of the king, entered the hall. I knew at once the
+purpose of his coming, and I trembled like a leaf, but he
+pretended that he wanted to pay his respects to the Staroste and
+Madame Starostine, at whose wedding he had the honor to be
+present. He played this part during the whole dinner, but when
+it was over he asked me for a moment of private conversation,
+and then told me at once that Brühl and he were informed of all
+that had happened, but to them the marriage of the duke was a
+mere joke; that a wedding without the knowledge of the parents,
+and not blessed by the pastor of the parish, is void, and can
+be annulled without any difficulty.
+
+In the first moment I believed his words and felt doomed and
+helpless, but God had mercy upon me, and suddenly my mind was
+cleared. I considered whose representative was before me; I felt
+sure that the Prince Woivode would not have countenanced an
+illegal marriage; I was aware that upon my firmness in that
+moment depended the future of my whole life; and I replied as
+follows: "It is wrong of Minister Brühl, and it is wrong of you
+who speak for him, to want to deceive a woman who is not yet
+eighteen years old; but I am not so ignorant as you may
+imagine," I continued, while he was listening in blank
+amazement,--"I know that our marriage is valid; it was
+consecrated by the curate of my parish before two witnesses, and
+with the consent of my Parents. Yes, there is the divorce, but
+the signature of both parties is necessary for it, is it not so?
+and neither prayers nor threats will obtain mine or the duke's
+signature." Borch was confounded. On the following day,
+however, he tried to secure my signature by offering me a large
+donation, and when that failed he wanted at least my promise
+that, if the duke gave his consent to the divorce, I should not
+withhold mine. I gave that promise in writing; I am sure of my
+husband's faith and love.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Here ends the journal of Françoise Krasinska. Continual sorrows
+and misfortunes took away her strength, and her wish to write
+about them any more. The most painful of her trials was the
+inconstancy of her husband, and the apprehension of the divorce
+with which she was threatened more than once. After the early
+death of her parents, the homeless young woman led a wandering
+life for several years, between her sister Barbara's, her aunt's
+the Princess Lubomirska (who could not remain angry very long
+with her favorite niece), and convents in Warsaw and in Cracow.
+Her fickle husband returned to her from time to time, but their
+marriage was still kept secret, under the pretence of sparing
+the old king the shock. Furthermore, the visions of a brilliant
+future which the young girl once nourished vanished one after
+the other; as Matenko had predicted, the mitre and the crown
+both slipped away. Count Biron became Duke of Courland, and
+after the death of Augustus III., Stanislaus Poniatowski was
+elected King of Poland.
+
+The family of the late king moved to Saxony. Then the Duke
+Charles wrote a most tender letter to his wife, asking her
+forgiveness for the past, and imploring her to come to Dresden,
+where, he wrote, he would publicly call her his wife, and he
+would devote his whole life to her happiness, in order to redeem
+the years of her beautiful youth spent in wandering and
+humiliation. Although she had longed for this moment for years,
+she did not yield at once to her husband's request. Her heart
+wished perhaps otherwise, but her self-respect commanded her to
+await at least a second invitation. She had not long to wait;
+letter followed letter, and every word breathed the most tender
+affection, and news came that under this suspense, the duke's
+health began to give way. Convinced at last of the sincerity of
+his re-awakened attachment, the young duchess, surrounded by a
+numerous retinue sent from Dresden to accompany her, left her
+native country; and from that time she lived in Saxony, not in
+the splendor once dreamed of, but in a happy home. Her husband
+now clung to her with all the passion of a young lover; her
+little daughter, Marie Christine, their only child, promised to
+be as beautiful as her mother, and numerous friends, among
+others the Empress Maria Theresa, who was very fond of her, and
+bestowed upon her the estate of Landscrown, surrounded the
+"handsome Pole" with affection and admiration.
+
+But she never forgot Poland and her relatives, nor lost the hope
+of living there once again. The numerous letters written to her
+sisters, her goddaughter Angela, the Princess Lubomirska, and
+others, are still kept by the family and show her deep affection
+and solicitude for them and her country. She did not live to a
+great age, having died in 1796; and as if to prove his deep
+attachment, her husband survived her only a few months.
+
+Their daughter, Marie Christine, married Charles de Carignan, Duke of
+Savoy, and had two children,--a daughter, Elizabeth Françoise, married
+to the Archduke Regnier, King of Lombardy-Venice, and second cousin
+of the present Emperor of Austria; and a son, Charles Albert, the
+father of Victor Emmanuel, and of the Duke of Genoa, the latter being
+the father of Marguerite, the "Pearl of Savoy." Thus both the King
+and Queen of Italy are the great-great-grandchildren of Françoise
+Krasinska.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Journal of Countess Françoise
+Krasinska, by Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Journal of Countess Françoise Krasinska, by 
+Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Journal of Countess Françoise Krasinska
+       Great Grandmother of Victor Emmanuel
+
+Author: Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
+Translator: Kasimir Dziekonska
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2011 [EBook #36660]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE JOURNAL OF COUNTESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jen Haines and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+    <img src="images/cover.jpg" width="400" height="511" alt="Colour pic of Book Cover" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h1 class="cap">THE <span class="smcap">Journal of </span>COUNTESS
+    FRANÇOISE KRASINSKA
+    <span class="smcap">great grandmother of victor emmanuel</span><br/><br/><br/>
+</h1>
+
+<p  class="center"> <span class="smcap">translated from the polish <br/>
+    by <br/></span>
+    KASIMIR DZIEKONSKA<br/><br/><br/>
+</p>
+
+<p  class="center"> <span class="smcap">eighth edition</span><br/><br/><br/>
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 298px;">
+     <img src="images/title.jpg" width="149" height="144" alt="A C McClurg Logo" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><br/><br/><br/>CHICAGO <br/>
+    A. C. McCLURG &amp; CO.<br/>
+    1907<br/><br/><br/>
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+ <span class="smcap">Copyright, <br/>
+    By A. C. McClurg &amp; Co. <br/>
+    A.D. 1895.
+ </span><br/><br/><br/>
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+    THE JOURNAL <br/>
+ <span class="smcap">
+    of <br/>
+ </span>
+    COUNTESS FRANÇOISE KRASINSKA <br/>
+ <span class="smcap">
+    in the eighteenth century.
+ </span>
+</h2>
+
+<hr class="narrow" />
+
+<h3>
+ <span class="smcap">In the Castle of Maleszow</span>,
+<br />
+<i>Monday</i>, January 1, 1759.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>One week ago&mdash;it was Christmas day&mdash;my
+honored Father ordered to be brought
+to him a huge book, in which for many
+years he has written with his own hand all
+the important things which have happened
+in our country; also copies of the notable
+pamphlets, speeches, manifestoes, public
+and private letters, occasional poems, etc.,
+and having placed everything in the order
+of its date, he showed us this precious collection
+and read to us some extracts. I
+was much pleased with his idea of recording
+interesting facts and circumstances;
+and as I know how to write pretty well in
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>
+Polish and in French, and have heard that
+in France some women have written their
+memoirs, I thought, "Why should not I try
+to do something of the kind?"</p>
+
+<p>So I have made a big copy-book by fastening
+together many sheets of paper, and
+I shall note down, as accurately as I am
+able, everything which may happen to me
+and to my family, and I shall also mention
+public affairs as they happen, as far as I
+may be acquainted with them.</p>
+
+<p>To-day is New Year's Day and Monday,
+a very proper season to begin something
+new. I am at leisure; the morning Service
+is finished, I am dressed and my hair is
+curled; ten is just striking on the castle
+clock, so I have two hours till dinner time.
+Well, I begin.</p>
+
+<p>I was born in 1742, so I am just past
+my sixteenth birthday. I received at the
+christening the name of Françoise. I have
+heard more than once that I am pretty,
+and sometimes looking in the mirror, I
+think so myself. "One has to thank God,
+and not to boast," says my gracious
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>
+Mother;
+"it is He that hath made us and
+not we ourselves." I have black hair and
+eyes, a fair complexion and rosy cheeks.
+I should like to be a little taller, but they
+frighten me by saying I shall not grow any
+more. I am descended from the not only
+noble, but very old and illustrious family of
+Korwin Krasinski. God forbid I should
+ever tarnish the glorious name I am fortunate
+enough to bear! on the contrary I
+should like much to add to its fame, and I
+am often sorry I am not a man, as I should
+then have more opportunities.</p>
+
+<p>The Count, my honored Father, and the
+Countess, are so sensible of the grandeur
+of the Korwin Krasinski family, and they
+so often speak of it,&mdash;not only they, but our
+courtiers and our guests as well,&mdash;and it is
+thought by all to be such a great reproach
+not to know precisely about our ancestors,
+that we all have our heads full of that kind
+of information. I can recite the genealogy
+of the Krasinskis and the history of each
+of them as perfectly as my morning prayer,
+and I think that I should have more difficulty
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>
+in telling the names of our Polish
+kings in chronological order than in telling
+those of my ancestors. The pictures of
+the most illustrious are in our hall,
+<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>
+but it would take too long to write about each of
+them. The first of whom we know anything
+was Warcislaus Korwin, from the old
+Roman family of Corvinus, who, in the
+eleventh century, came from Hungary to
+Poland and was appointed the Hetman
+(General-in-chief) of the army of King
+Boleslaus II.</p>
+
+<p>Having espoused a noble lady of the
+name of Pobog, Korwin united his crest&mdash;a
+raven holding a ring&mdash;to that of the
+Pobogs&mdash;a hand grasping a sabre&mdash;and
+such is still our cognizance. His grandson
+was the first to take the name Krasinski,
+that is, <i>of Krasin</i>, from an estate bestowed
+upon him by the King as a reward for his
+bravery; and from that time forward many
+hetmans, castellans, woivodes,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> bishops, etc.,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>
+made the Krasinski name famous in Polish
+history.</p>
+
+<p>One of them, Alexander, in this very
+same Maleszow Castle where I am now
+quietly writing, resisted so bravely a great
+Tartar army, in one of its plundering excursions
+from Asia, that the chief was
+obliged to retreat; but before leaving, he
+sent to the valorous castellan, as a token of
+his admiration, the most precious thing he
+possessed,&mdash;namely, a clock, of very simple
+construction, it is true, but a great wonder
+at that time. This curious relic, this gift
+from an enemy,&mdash;and he a Tartar, more
+accustomed to take than to give,&mdash;is still
+preserved with great care in our family;
+I have seen it but twice in my life, my
+honored Father keeping it so carefully, and
+I am sure he would not exchange it for ten
+Paris clocks with all their chimes.</p>
+
+<p>This valiant ancestor of mine was killed
+in a war with Russia, and left no son. His
+nephew John built in Warsaw a magnificent
+palace in the Italian style, which is said to
+be more beautiful than the King's Castle;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>
+but I have not seen it, as I have never been
+in our capital.</p>
+
+<p>John's brother, Alexander, the castellan
+of Sandomir, was my own grandfather. His
+son, Stanislaus, the Staroste
+<a name="FNanchor_1_3" id="FNanchor_1_3"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> of Nova Wies
+and Uscie, is my honored and beloved
+Father; he married Angela Humiecka, the
+daughter of the famous Woivode of Podole,
+my honored and beloved Mother. But, to
+my great sorrow, this line of the Krasinski
+family will become extinct with the Count,
+my Father, as he has four daughters, but
+no son: Basia (a pet name for Barbara)
+is the eldest; I am the second; then
+comes Kasia (Katherine); and Marynia
+(Mary) is the youngest.</p>
+
+<p>The courtiers tell me often I am the
+handsomest, but I am sure I do not see it;
+we all have the bearing becoming young
+ladies of high station, daughters of a Staroste;
+we are straight as poplars, with complexions
+white as snow and cheeks pink as
+roses; our waists, especially when Madame
+ties us fast in our stays, can be, as they
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>
+say, "clasped with one hand." In the
+parlor before guests we know how to make
+our courtesy, low or <i>dégagé</i>, according to
+their importance; we have been taught to
+sit quiet on the very edge of a stool, with
+our eyes cast down and our hands folded,
+so that one might think we were not able
+to count three or were too prim even to
+walk out of the room easily. But people
+would think differently if they saw us on a
+summer morning, when we are allowed to
+go to the woods in morning gowns and
+without stays, puffs, coiffures, or high-heeled
+shoes: oh! how we climb the steep hillsides,
+and run and shout and sing, till our
+poor Madame is quite out of breath from
+running and calling after us.</p>
+
+<p>As yet I and my two younger sisters have
+seldom left home: Konskie, the home of
+our aunt, the Woivodine<a name="FNanchor_1_4" id="FNanchor_1_4"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> Malachowska,
+whom we visit twice a year; Piotrowice,
+where my honored Father, after his return
+from Italy, built a beautiful chapel, like the
+one in Loretto; Lisow, where stands our
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>
+parish church,&mdash;these bound all our experiences
+in travelling. But Basia, as the eldest,
+has already seen a good part of this
+world: she has been twice to Opole, visiting
+our aunt, the Princess Lubomirska,
+Woivodine of Lublin, whom my Father
+loves and venerates as a mother rather
+than as an elder sister. Basia has spent
+also one year in the convent of the Ladies
+of the Visitation at Warsaw, and so, of
+course, she knows more than any of us: her
+courtesies are the lowest, and her manners
+the most stately.</p>
+
+<p>My honored Parents are thinking now of
+sending me also somewhere to finish my
+education; I am expecting every day to
+see the carriage drive up to the door, and
+then my gracious Mother will tell me to sit
+beside her, and she will take me either to
+Warsaw or to Cracow. I am perfectly
+happy at home, but Basia liked the convent
+very much, so I hope that I shall; and
+then I shall improve in the French language,
+which is now indispensable for a
+lady; also in music and in dancing, and<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+besides that I shall see a great town, our
+capital.</p>
+
+<p>As I have not seen many castles besides
+Maleszow, I cannot judge whether it is
+pretty or not. I only know that I like it
+very much. Some people think that our
+castle, with its four stories and its four bastions,
+surrounded with a moat full of water
+crossed by a drawbridge, and situated
+amidst forests in a rocky country, looks
+rather gloomy, but I do not think so at all.
+I am so happy here that I should like to
+sing and dance all day long. I hear my
+honored Parents complaining sometimes
+that they are not quite comfortable here.
+It is true that, although on each floor there
+are besides the parlor, six large rooms and
+four smaller ones in the bastions, we cannot
+all be accommodated on the same
+floor, as we are a very numerous family.
+The dining-rooms are on the first, the
+dancing hall on the second, and we girls
+have to occupy the third floor. My honored
+Parents are no longer young, and it
+fatigues them to go up and down every<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>
+day, but for me these stairs are just my
+delight! Often, when I have not yet all
+my puffs on, I grasp the stair-rail and I am
+down in one second without my foot once
+touching the steps. Oh! it is such fun!</p>
+
+<p>It is true our many guests may sometimes
+be crowded a little in their sleeping
+rooms, but nevertheless, they visit us often,
+and I do not know that we could amuse
+ourselves better in a more spacious palace.
+I think the Maleszow Castle, if three times
+as large, could not be more magnificent;
+it is so gay and lively that the neighbors
+often call it little Paris. We are especially
+gay when winter comes; then the captain
+of our dragoons does not lift up the drawbridge
+until night, so many people are continually
+driving in and out, and our court-band
+has enough to do playing every day
+for us to dance.</p>
+
+<p>But I ought not to forget to speak about
+the retinue of our Castle, which, in accordance
+with the rank of my honored Parents,
+is very numerous and stately.</p>
+
+<p>There are two classes of courtiers,&mdash;the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+honorary and the salaried ones, all alike
+nobles, with the sword at their side. The
+first are about twenty in number; their
+duties are to wait in the morning for the
+Count's entrance, to be ready for any service
+he may require, to accompany him
+when visiting or riding, to defend him in
+case of need, to give him their voice at the
+Diet, and to play cards and amuse him and
+his guests. This last duty is best performed
+by our Matenko (Mathias), the
+fool or court jester, as the other courtiers
+call him; but he does not at all deserve
+that sobriquet, as his judgment is very
+correct and his repartees are very witty.
+Of all the courtiers he is the most privileged,
+being allowed to speak whenever he
+chooses and to tell the truth frankly.</p>
+
+<p>To the honorary members of our court
+belong also six girls of good family, who
+live on the same floor with us under the
+superintendence of our Madame, and also
+two dwarfs. One of the latter is about
+forty, but of the size of a four-year-old
+child; he is dressed as a Turk. The other,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+still smaller and very graceful and pretty,
+is eighteen years old, and they dress him
+as a Cossack. Sometimes, for sport, my
+honored Mother orders him to be put on
+the dinner table, and he walks about among
+the bottles and the plates as easily as if he
+were in a garden.</p>
+
+<p>The honorary courtiers receive no pay,
+almost all of them being the sons and
+daughters of rather wealthy parents, who
+send them to our castle for training in
+courtly etiquette. The men receive, nevertheless,
+provision for two horses, and two
+florins<a name="FNanchor_1_5" id="FNanchor_1_5"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> weekly for their valets. These servants
+are dressed, some as Cossacks, some as
+Hungarians, and stand behind their masters'
+chairs at meals. There is no special dinner
+table for them, but they must be satisfied
+with what their masters leave on their plates,
+and you should see how they follow with a
+covetous eye each morsel on its way from
+the plate to the master's mouth! I do not
+dare to look at them, partly from fear of
+laughing, and partly out of pity.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>
+<p>The salaried courtiers are much more
+numerous. They do not come to our table,
+except the chaplain, the physician and the
+secretary. The marshal and the butler
+walk around the table watching if anything
+is wanted; they pour the wine into the
+glasses, often replenishing for the guests,
+but only on feast days keeping the glass
+full for the courtiers. The commissary,
+the treasurer, the equerry, the gentleman
+usher, the masters of the wardrobe, all dine
+at the marshal's table. To tell the truth,
+those who sit at our table have more honor
+than profit, for they do not always have
+the same kind of food that we have,
+although it comes from the same dish.
+For instance, when the meats are brought
+in, there will be on the dish game or domestic
+fowl on the top, and plain roast
+beef, or roast pork, underneath. Each
+course is brought on two enormous dishes,
+and it seems almost impossible such heaps
+could disappear; yet the last man served
+gets often but scanty bits of food, and
+whether there are four courses, as on<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>
+week days, or seven, as on Sundays, or
+twelve, as on festivals, I do not remember
+having seen anything left on our table.</p>
+
+<p>The salaried courtiers receive quite high
+pay, from three hundred to a thousand
+florins annually, also provender for two
+horses each, and the livery for their valets;
+but then the Count expects them all to
+present themselves well dressed. When
+he is especially pleased with one of them
+he rewards him generously, and every year
+on the Count's birthday, rich presents in
+dresses and money are distributed.</p>
+
+<p>But this is not our whole retinue; there
+are also the chamberlains,&mdash;young boys
+from fifteen to twenty years of age, of noble
+families, who perform a kind of novitiate in
+our service. Their duties are to be always
+in attendance, to accompany our carriage on
+horseback, and to be ready for all kinds of
+errands; thus if my honored Parents have
+letters to be carried in haste, or presents
+or invitations to be sent, they always send
+the chamberlains. One of them, Michael
+Chronowski, will finish his novitiate on<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+Epiphany, and then will come the ceremony
+of liberation, which I shall describe
+in its place.</p>
+
+<p>As for other people belonging to our
+retinue, it would be difficult to enumerate
+them; I am sure I do not know how
+many there are of musicians, cooks, linkboys,
+cossacks, hostlers, valets, chamberlains,
+and boy and girl servants. I know
+only there are five different dinner tables,
+and two stewards are busy from morning
+till night, giving out the provisions for
+the meals. Very often, especially when
+fresh supplies are brought in, my honored
+Mother is herself present in the storeroom;
+she also keeps the keys of the
+medicine closet, where spices, dainties, and
+sweet liquors are kept. Every morning
+the marshal brings to her the dinner and
+supper menu, which she, with the advice
+of my honored Father, either changes or
+approves.</p>
+
+<p>The arrangement of our day's occupation
+is as follows: we rise at six o'clock
+in summer, at seven in winter. All four of<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
+us sleep in the same room with Madame,
+and each has an iron bedstead with
+curtains around it. Basia, as the eldest,
+has two pillows and a silk coverlet; we,
+the younger, have but one pillow and a
+woollen blanket. Having said a French
+prayer with Madame, we begin our lessons
+at once. At first the chaplain taught us
+the catechism, and with our tutor we
+learned how to read and write in Polish;
+but now he teaches only my two younger
+sisters, for Basia and I study with Madame
+only. We learn vocabularies, dialogues, and
+anecdotes by heart from a text-book. At
+eight we go downstairs to wish our honored
+Parents good-morning and to have breakfast.
+Then we go to the chapel, where,
+after the mass, the chaplain reads Latin
+prayers, which we all repeat after him
+aloud. Returning to our room, we learn
+German vocabularies, we write letters and
+exercises, and Madame dictates to us the
+verses of a French poet, Malesherbes. We
+have a spinet and are taught to play upon
+it by a German teacher, who directs our<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+orchestra; for this service he receives three
+hundred florins annually. We all study
+music and Basia plays not badly at all.</p>
+
+<p>When our lessons are over we put on
+wrappers and the coiffeur comes to dress
+our hair, beginning with the eldest. This
+is a long and often painful operation,
+especially when he is inventing some new
+coiffure. As my hair is the thickest and the
+longest (it drags on the floor when I am
+sitting before the dressing-table), it is on
+my head that he generally makes his experiments.
+It is true that he does make
+very beautiful and wonderful coiffures;
+for instance, the one I have to-day, is so
+pretty, having a <i>laisser aller</i> effect: all
+my hair is lifted up very high; half of it
+is arranged in puffs on the top of the head,
+and the other half falls in loose curls on
+the neck and the shoulders; there must
+have been at least a half-pound of powder
+used in it. Our dressing takes two or
+three hours, during which Madame reads
+to us a new French book, the "Magasin
+des Enfants" by Madame Beaumont.
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At noon, at the Angelus bell, we go
+down to dinner, and then, our honored
+Parents allow us to remain with them for
+the rest of the day. We sit generally two
+hours at table; after that if the weather
+is favorable we take a walk; if not, we
+always have some needle-work on hand for
+our church in Piotrowice. We sit at our
+embroidery frames as long as we can see,
+and when the lights are brought in, we
+make netting or do some such light work.
+There are always many wax tapers burning
+in silver candelabra, and although they are
+rather yellow, being home-made from our
+own wax, they give a very bright light.</p>
+
+<p>Supper is at seven, and afterwards the
+evening is given to amusement. Sometimes
+we play cards, "Marriage" or "Drujbart,"
+and it is such fun to see the faces Matenko
+makes, according as he gets a seven or a
+trump!</p>
+
+<p>Once a week a chamberlain goes to
+Warsaw to bring the newspapers and letters,
+and then the chaplain reads aloud the
+"Gazette" and the "Courier." At times<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+my honored Father reads the old chronicles
+to us; sometimes they are very dull, and
+sometimes very interesting. During the
+Carnival, there is seldom any reading, but
+there are games, music, and dances. I
+cannot imagine how they can amuse themselves
+better at the court in Warsaw; how
+can it be anywhere gayer than in our
+Maleszow? Still, I should like so much,
+if only out of curiosity, to have just a taste
+of that court life. But what do I hear?
+There is the noon bell! I must say the
+Angelus in haste, see if my coiffure is in
+order, and run downstairs, leaving for
+to-morrow all that I intended to write
+to-day.</p>
+
+<h3>
+<i>Tuesday</i>, January 2.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Yesterday, I wrote about myself and my
+home; to-day I want to write about my
+country. I should not be a worthy Pole if
+I were not interested in what happens in
+my own land. People in our house talk
+much about Poland, and I have always
+listened attentively, but much more so
+since I resolved to write this journal.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Our present king is Augustus III., Elector
+of Saxony, son and successor of Augustus
+II. On the seventeenth of this month,
+it will be twenty-five years since the Bishop
+of Cracow crowned him King of Poland
+and Lithuania.<a name="FNanchor_1_6" id="FNanchor_1_6"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> It is said that he was
+rather indifferent to the Polish crown, when
+by his father's death the chance was opened
+to him; but he was persuaded to become a
+candidate by his wife, Marie Josephine,
+daughter of the German Emperor Maximilian.
+This royal lady was very much
+beloved by the Poles: she had a very good
+influence over the king, her husband, and
+never meddled with any court intrigues;
+she was charitable, beneficent, pious, a
+good wife and a good mother, and fully
+deserved to be called a model of feminine
+virtues. She died in Dresden two years
+ago, and I remember well the great sorrow
+caused by the news of her death. In all
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+the churches there were grand funeral services,
+also in our Piotrowice, and all the
+poor people cried and lamented, having
+lost in her a real mother. She had fourteen
+children, of whom eleven are living:
+four sons and seven daughters.</p>
+
+
+<p>The king is said to be of a kindly but
+rather weak character, and he has the
+greatest confidence in his minister Brühl,
+who in reality is the ruler both of Poland
+and Saxony. It is said affairs are going
+all wrong in Saxony, and not much better
+in our country. I have often heard people
+say: "We need a Frederic the Great, with
+a strong head and an iron will;" and as
+our king is old, they are all looking forward
+and planning already for his successor.
+There are two prominent candidates for
+the throne: one is Stanislaus Poniatowski,
+who was educated in France, spent four
+years in Russia as the envoy of Poland,
+and there became the favorite of the
+Empress Catherine II. The other candidate
+is Duke Charles, twenty-six years
+old, the most beloved of the sons of<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+our present king. People say he has a
+real gift for attracting all hearts to him; he
+is very handsome, very stately in figure, and
+very courteous in manner; and having
+spent almost his whole life in Poland, he
+knows our language perfectly. I have
+heard so much of his good qualities that
+my best wishes are for him, although
+Poniatowski is my countryman.</p>
+
+<p>This day will be a memorable one for Duke
+Charles. A few weeks ago he was elected
+Duke of Courland, which is a tributary of
+Poland, and to-day occurs the "investiture,"
+that is, the giving possession. The
+king is so happy about the good fortune of
+his beloved son, that he is said to look ten
+years younger. What festivals there will
+be in Warsaw! How I should like to be
+there now, and to see the grand doings,
+but especially to see the royal prince. We
+shall, at least, drink his health here and
+cry, "Long life to Duke Charles!"<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+January 3.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Yesterday, just when we were drinking to
+the health of the Duke of Courland, and
+our band was doing its best, and our company
+of dragoons were firing salutes,&mdash;at
+that very moment the chamberlain, who
+had been sent to Warsaw, returned with the
+news that on account of the indisposition
+of the duke, the ceremonies of the investiture
+had to be postponed. "Bad omen,"
+said Matenko; "as the mitre slips, so the
+crown will slip." I felt like crying, but
+there was no time for that, as many guests
+were present; among others, the Woivode
+of Craclaw, Swidinski, with his nephew
+Father Albert, a Jesuit, whom my honored
+Parents like and respect greatly. Basia is
+his special favorite; he brought her a
+rosary and a prayer book,&mdash;"La Journée
+du Chrétien,"&mdash;and he spoke several times
+to her at supper. But then, Basia is the
+eldest; no wonder everybody pays most
+attention to her.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Friday</i>, January 5.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The Woivode and Father Albert are
+still here, and to-day the two sons of the
+former are expected. I am very anxious
+to know them, as they have both been educated
+in France, at Luneville, at the court
+of Stanislaus Leszczynski.<a name="FNanchor_1_7" id="FNanchor_1_7"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> This nobleman,
+although his country has proved faithless to
+him, tries to be useful to it, and he has always
+some young Poles at his court, where
+they receive the best education. The sons
+of our first families court this great honor,
+and there is not a better recommendation
+for a young man than to say of him:
+"He has been brought up in the court of
+Luneville." He is sure then to be refined,
+to speak French well, and to dance the
+minuet gracefully; therefore all gentlemen
+brought up at that court are great favorites
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+of the ladies. Oh! how curious I am to
+see these two!</p>
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, January 6.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>They arrived yesterday, but I cannot say
+they are quite as I expected, especially the
+elder, the Staroste of Radom. I thought I
+should see a fine young cavalier, like the
+Prince Cheri, so beautifully depicted
+by Madame de Beaumont, but the Staroste
+is not at all like him; first, he is
+not very young,&mdash;he is about thirty; then
+he is rather stout, and therefore, perhaps,
+he is not fond of dancing. As to his Parisian
+accent, I cannot judge about that, as
+he did not say one French word, but mixes
+his Polish and Latin quite as the old gentlemen
+do. His brother, who is a colonel
+in the king's army, pleased me a little
+more; he has, at least, a fine uniform.
+To-day, the ceremony of liberation of the
+Chamberlain Chronowski will take place.
+Besides that, as it is customary on Epiphany,
+they are baking an enormous cake
+with an almond in it, and whoever gets the
+almond will be the Twelfth Night king or<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+queen. Oh! if it only came to me! A
+crown would be put on my head and I
+should have all the ordering of the dances;
+then what dancing there would be! Still,
+I think, there will be enough in any case,
+for many guests are expected. Our old
+butler, Peter, was muttering to himself this
+morning that around the church in Piotrowice
+there are said to be ever so many
+coaches and curricles. Poor man! he is
+expecting more work, so he grumbles;
+but I feel my heart jumping, and my feet
+are dancing already. How often in this
+world the same thing brings trouble to one
+and joy to another!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, January 7.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Well, yes, they did come, and many of
+them are still here. Old Peter has two
+wrinkles more on his forehead, but we
+amused ourselves royally. Basia, not I,
+was the queen, but it was just as well.
+When at the end of the dinner the cake
+was cut, Basia glancing at her piece became
+red as a pink, and Madame, sitting next to<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+her, announced: "Mademoiselle Basia has
+the almond!" Then all the people cried,
+"Long live the queen!" and Matenko
+added, smiling: "The almond is here, the
+husband is near." Would it not be nice to
+have a wedding in our house!</p>
+
+<p>Decidedly I do not like the Staroste;
+he is so grave! Yesterday he danced the
+Polonaise only. He never looks at us
+girls, nor speaks a word to one of us; he
+converses with my honored Parents only,
+or plays cards, or reads the "Gazette;" so,
+really, I cannot find him very entertaining.</p>
+
+<p>But I am forgetting to speak about
+Michael Chronowski's liberation. Soon
+after dinner we went to the banquet hall
+with our guests, and all sat around in a large
+circle, my honored Father in the middle,
+on a higher chair. The folding doors were
+thrown open, and the marshal with other
+courtiers led in the young man, dressed no
+more in livery, but in a rich Polish costume.
+He knelt down before the Count,
+who gave him a light blow on the cheek in
+token that he has been novitiate boy here,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>
+then a sword was fastened to his side and
+his health was drunk in a cup of wine.
+The Count made him a present of a purse
+filled with gold, and of two horses which
+were already waiting in the courtyard for
+their new master. Invited to remain here
+as a guest till the end of the carnival,
+Chronowski accepted the invitation with
+gratitude, and having saluted my honored
+Parents and kissed the hands of all the
+ladies, was admitted to our society and
+danced with us the whole evening.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+January 8.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The prophecy of Matenko proved true,
+for Basia will be married before the carnival
+is over. Last night the Staroste Swidinski
+asked my honored Parents for her
+hand; they sent for her this morning, told
+her about it, and the betrothal will take
+place to-morrow. Basia came back in
+tears to our room, telling us that she
+dreaded the marriage, and would always
+regret her old home, but that it was not
+possible to refuse such a match, as both<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>
+our honored Parents wished it, and told
+her she would be very happy. The Staroste
+is, they say, a most honorable man,
+religious, and of a kind disposition; his
+family is also old and very wealthy. His
+father has allotted him a large estate,
+"Sulgostow," with a beautiful palace, and
+the king has given him the appointment of
+staroste with the expectation of being soon
+named castellan. For a long time the
+Woivode and Father Albert had been planning
+this marriage, and they came here for
+the purpose of effecting it.</p>
+
+<p>And so we shall have a wedding here, in
+Maleszow Castle, on the 25th of February,
+at the very end of the carnival. Will there
+not be dancing! Basia will become
+Madame Starostine; only, it is a pity we
+shall not be allowed to call her "Basia"
+any more. I am very sorry to have written
+about the Staroste as I did, but then
+it is not I that is to marry him, and if he
+pleases Basia, that is enough. She says
+she has always been afraid of young men,
+she likes serious ones better; and our honored<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+Mother tells her that those make the
+best husbands. Perhaps so, but as for me
+... well, it is of no use to think about it
+at present.</p>
+
+<p>Oh! but I must not forget: the investiture
+of Duke Charles will certainly take
+place in Warsaw to-day. Colonel Swidinski,
+who knows him personally, has not
+words enough to tell how charming he is.
+I wonder if I shall ever see him.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+January 10.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The betrothal took place yesterday. In
+the morning, when we came down, my
+honored Mother gave Basia a skein of
+tangled silk to wind.<a name="FNanchor_1_8" id="FNanchor_1_8"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> The poor girl, with
+flushing cheeks, began the task, not daring
+to look up from her work, for she knew
+that all eyes, especially those of the Staroste,
+were fixed upon her; and besides,
+that mischievous Matenko was teasing her
+without end, making all the people laugh.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+<p>After dinner, when she sat again before
+her winding-frame, the Staroste came near
+and asked in a voice loud enough for all to
+hear: "May I believe that your ladyship's
+will is favorable to my desires?" "The
+will of my honored Parents," answered
+Basia, with a trembling voice, "has ever
+been a sacred law to me." And that was
+the whole of the conversation between the
+betrothed.</p>
+
+<p>When the courtiers had left the room
+and we were alone with our guests, the
+Woivode and Father Albert arose, the
+former taking by the hand the Staroste,
+and standing before my honored Parents
+he thus addressed them: "For a long
+time my heart has been filled with the
+most sincere affection and profound veneration
+for the illustrious family of Korwin
+Krasinski; for a long time I have desired
+fervently that my modest name be united
+with your glorious one, and I cannot
+express the great satisfaction which I feel
+in knowing that your Grace is willing to
+grant me this favor. You have a most<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+honorable daughter, Barbara; I have this
+son, Michael, who is my comfort and my
+pride; are you willing to renew to-day
+your promise to join this young pair for
+their lifetime? Here is the ring which I
+received on a like occasion from my
+honored Parents, in order to give it to
+my wife, who is, alas! no more in this
+world, but who still lives in my heart. Will
+you allow my son to offer it now to your
+daughter as a pledge of a closer tie?"
+Saying this he laid a costly diamond ring
+on a little silver tray which Father Albert
+was holding. The latter also made a
+speech, but he used so many Latin words
+that I could not make anything of it.</p>
+
+<p>My honored Father rose and answered:
+"I repeat now what I told you yesterday,
+that I consent to the marriage of my
+daughter with the most honorable Staroste;
+I give her to him with my sincere blessing,
+and I transfer to him all my rights as a
+Father." "I do the same, and with my
+whole heart," added my honored Mother.
+"Here is a ring, the most precious jewel in<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+my house; my Father, the Woivode of
+Podole, received it after his victory over
+the Turks, from the hands of our late king,
+Augustus II. This was my betrothal ring,
+and I give it now to my eldest daughter,
+with a Mother's blessing, and with a prayer
+to the Almighty that she may be as happy
+as I have been." She then placed on the
+tray a ring with a very large diamond,
+which, being raised, disclosed the miniature
+of the late king.</p>
+
+<p>"Basia! come here, my girl," said my
+honored Father. She rose and advanced,
+but was so confused and trembling that I
+wonder how she ever reached the spot.
+Father Albert blessed the rings, and gave
+the first one to the Staroste, who, having
+kissed my sister's hand, placed the ring on
+her fourth finger; Basia, in her turn, gave
+him the ring with the portrait, and had her
+hand kissed once more. Then the Staroste
+fell at the feet of my honored Parents,
+thanking them, and calling God to witness
+that he would do all in his power to make
+their daughter happy; in the mean time<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
+the Woivode kissed the trembling Basia on
+the brow, while Father Albert and the
+colonel paid her many fine compliments.</p>
+
+<p>At the end my honored Father took a
+large cup, filled it with old Hungarian wine,
+and drank the young couple's health; and
+all the gentlemen did the same.</p>
+
+<p>The whole ceremony was so solemn and
+so touching that I could not keep back my
+tears. "Do not weep, Frances," said
+Matenko, who still remained in the room
+and for once was serious, "do not weep;
+in less than one year it will be your ladyship's
+turn." In one year? ... no, that
+would be too soon, but in a few years,
+perhaps....</p>
+
+<p>Everybody in the house is now paying
+so much attention to Basia! My honored
+Parents kissed her on the cheek when she
+wished them good-night, and all the people
+are congratulating her and recommending
+themselves to her, as many wish that she
+would take them to her new court.</p>
+
+<p>My honored Father brought out a bag
+containing a thousand ducats, which he<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+gave my honored Mother for the trousseau,
+and during several hours they discussed
+together its details. To-morrow Mlle.
+Zawistoska, a very respectable woman, who
+has been brought up in our castle and will
+be Basia's lady's maid, is going with the
+commissary to Warsaw to make the necessary
+purchases.</p>
+
+<p>In our store-house there are four big
+trunks with silver plate, one for each of us.
+The Count ordered the one which is designed
+for Basia to be opened; examined
+each piece himself, and those which need
+repairs or alteration are to be sent to
+Warsaw.</p>
+
+<p>The letters to announce the approaching
+marriage are already being written, and the
+chamberlains will take them to all parts of
+Poland, to all relatives and friends, inviting
+them to the wedding. But the most stately
+of our courtiers, the equerry, will go to
+Warsaw with letters to the king, the royal
+princes, the primate, and the chief senators.
+In these missives the Count gives
+notice of his daughter's intended marriage,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+but sends no invitations, as the presence of
+those persons will depend upon their own
+pleasure. Oh! if one of them, for instance
+the Duke of Courland, should come here,
+what grandeur would be added to the wedding;
+but more probably they will send
+their envoys only, who, in that case, receive
+all the honors due to those they
+represent.</p>
+
+<p>The Staroste gave handsome tokens of
+remembrance to each of us sisters. I
+received a costly brooch with turquoises;
+Mary, a ruby cross; Kasia, a Venetian
+chain. Also he offered presents to my
+honored Parents, which they deigned to
+accept,&mdash;the Count, a golden cup; the
+Countess, a work-box, in which all the implements
+are of mother-of-pearl and gold. He
+did not forget even our Madame, who
+found this morning a lace shawl on her
+bed; so she also highly praises our Polish
+generosity.</p>
+
+<p>Last night we had a grand supper. The
+music was beautiful, the dragoons fired
+salutes, and the captain gave to the guard<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>
+for a watchword the names Michael and
+Barbara.</p>
+
+<p>This morning there was given a great
+hunting-party, for Basia's good luck, and
+it was unusually successful; they brought
+home one boar, two deer, four hinds, and
+many hares. The boar was killed by the
+Staroste himself, who laid his trophy at
+Basia's feet. I have learned to-day what
+a brave man the Staroste is. My honored
+Father ordered for the hunters all the
+horses from the stables, and among others
+there was one, a great beauty, but very
+wild; even the equerry does not dare to ride
+him. The Staroste said, however, that he
+would try him, and notwithstanding all the
+remonstrances, he sat upon him with ease
+and held him with such a clever and strong
+hand that, in spite of all the animal's
+prancing and jumping, he rode three times
+around the castle. It was beautiful to see.
+Basia turned pale at first, but when she saw
+how he was able to manage the horse, and
+when loud bravos began to resound, then
+deep blushes covered her cheeks, especially<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+when all eyes turned towards her. By this
+act the Staroste quite gained my favor;
+one who is so brave and so strong, can be
+pardoned even if he does not like to dance
+the minuet. The Count presented the
+horse to his future son-in-law, adding a rich
+equipment and a groom; he deserved it.</p>
+
+<p>To-morrow the Woivode and the Staroste
+are going away, in order to prepare the
+Sulgostow house for its new mistress.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, January 20.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>During more than a week I have not
+opened my diary, for we are very busy.
+The afternoons and evenings are spent with
+our guests, and the mornings are given to
+work, as each sister wishes to make something
+with her own hands for Basia's trousseau.
+I am embroidering a dishabille with
+flowers in lace-stitch, and I have to get up
+very early in the morning and work even by
+candle-light in order to be ready in season.
+Mary is making a very pretty scarf; it will
+have an arabesque embroidered on fine
+muslin in dark silks and gold; Kasia is<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
+knitting a cover for the dressing table; so
+all the lessons are put aside, and even
+Madame de Beaumont is forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>From the early morning, my honored
+Mother is busy, unlocking the trunks, the
+drawers, and the cupboards,&mdash;taking out
+linen, silks, furs, carpets, rugs, curtains, etc.
+She has many things still remaining from
+her own trousseau, and many others bought
+later, as during all these years she has been
+gathering all kinds of beautiful things for
+our marriage outfits; really they are well
+worth seeing. Sometimes she deigns to
+call me to assist her, and it is quite touching
+to see her anxiety to do right by each
+of us; she divides all these treasures in
+four portions, and sometimes she even asks
+my honored Father and the chaplain to
+give their opinion whether the shares are
+quite of equal value.</p>
+
+<p>A tailor and a furrier have come from
+Warsaw, and there is so much to be done
+that they will not have finished for a month.
+Fortunately, almost all the linen is ready,
+our sewing-girls having worked upon it for<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+these last two years, and now they are marking
+it with blue cotton.</p>
+
+<p>Basia wonders what she will do with all
+the new dresses they are making for her;
+until now we had never more than four at
+the same time, two dark woollen ones for
+every day, and two white ones, one in
+cotton for Sundays, another in batiste for
+great occasions. But my honored Mother
+says that what is good enough for a young
+girl would not be proper for a married
+lady.</p>
+
+<p>Basia has wound the tangled silk with
+such patience that, although green, it has
+not in the least changed its color; even
+Matenko acknowledges that she is fit to be
+married. She is now knitting from that
+silk a purse for the Staroste by my honored
+Mother's direction.</p>
+
+<p>The equerry and the chamberlain are
+gone with the invitations. On the 8th of
+January the investiture of the royal prince
+took place at last. The night before, my
+uncle the Prince Lubomirski, Woivode of
+Lublin, who is also the marshal to the royal<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+prince, gave a great ball; other festivals,
+dinners, and balls followed for more than a
+week. The new duke made a speech in
+the Polish language, which pleased immensely;
+he is now treated quite as a
+crowned prince. In the "Courier" there
+is a full account of the ceremonies. It
+is very interesting; I should like to copy it
+here, but I have not the time.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+January 25.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The Staroste arrived last night, and this
+morning Basia found on her work-table two
+large silver baskets with oranges and bonbons,
+which she distributed among us and
+our court ladies. Our work is progressing
+rapidly and my <i>négligé</i> is half done.</p>
+
+<p>Basia will be provided with feather-beds
+from her own household, for to each of
+us daughters has been allotted for many
+years a certain number of geese and swans.
+There is among the servants a poor, stupid
+girl who is not able to do anything but
+pluck the feathers, and each of us has a
+separate barrel for feathers and a bag for<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+down. Basia, out of her share, will have
+two feather-beds, eight big pillows filled
+with goose-down, and four small ones of
+swan's-down. The pillows will be made
+of red silk, and the cases of Holland linen
+lawn embroidered.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+February 2.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The Staroste stayed nearly a week and
+departed yesterday; the next time he will
+not go away alone, but Basia will go with
+him. It seems to me quite impossible that
+she will leave us and go alone with a man!
+Basia's friendship and esteem for the
+Staroste grows every day, although he
+never speaks with her; all his conversation
+is with my honored Parents, and all his attentions
+are paid to them. They say it
+ought to be so in an honorable courtship,
+for is there a better way of gaining the
+heart of the daughter than by pleasing the
+Parents?</p>
+
+<p>The wedding will be in three weeks; we
+shall have new dresses as well as the court
+ladies; all these will be Basia's gift.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the invited guests have already<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+replied that they are coming, but the king
+and the royal princes will send only their
+envoys. It is doubtful, also, if my aunt,
+the Princess Woivodine of Lublin will be
+able to come, but she is much pleased
+with Basia's choice, and she wrote a beautiful
+letter with her blessing,&mdash;which made
+my honored Father very happy.</p>
+
+<p>I am hurrying with my embroidery, but
+I must rise early and work by candle-light,
+for my honored Mother is so gracious
+toward me that she often wants my help
+and service. Before this, only Basia, as
+the eldest, was so fortunate, but now, my
+honored Parents want me to have some
+practice in order to take her place when
+the Staroste takes her away. Twice already
+I have had the key of the medicine
+closet intrusted to me, and I really think
+since then I have grown more serious.</p>
+
+<h3>
+February 12.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The preparations for the wedding are
+going on, and our visitors begin to arrive.
+Almost all the guest-rooms are already occupied,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+and the farm-house, the parsonage,
+even the better peasant-cottages will be
+wanted for the later comers. The cooks
+and the confectioners are already preparing
+all kinds of delicacies and sweetmeats
+for the coming event.</p>
+
+<p>To-day the beds have been sent to Sulgostow
+and two enormous chests with mattresses,
+pillows, carpets, curtains, etc. The
+bedsteads are of carved oak with blue
+covers, curtains, and canopies; on the four
+corners there will be bunches of blue
+and white ostrich-feathers. Almost every
+moment Basia has good reason for embracing
+the hands and the feet of our
+honored Parents, they are so generous
+toward her. The Count is writing with
+his own hand, in a large book, the contents
+of the trousseau, beginning with these
+words:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Inventory of the wedding outfit which
+I, Stanislaus Korwin Krasinski, Staroste of
+Nova Wies, etc., etc., and Angela, born
+Humiecka, my honored wife, are giving
+to our eldest and beloved daughter Barbara,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+promised in marriage to the honorable
+Michael Swidinski, Staroste of Radom; and
+imploring for this daughter of ours the
+favor of Heaven, we bestow upon her our
+parental blessing, <i>in nomine Patri et
+Filii et Spiritu Sancto</i>. Amen." I should
+like to copy here the whole inventory, but
+first, I have no time, and secondly, I expect
+to receive a trousseau like this sometime
+myself, and what is still better, such a
+blessing of my own.</p>
+
+<h3>
+February 20.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Three days more and then the wedding.
+The Staroste arrived yesterday; Basia
+shook like a leaf when the chamberlain
+brought him into the parlor. To-day we
+are expecting the Woivode, Father Albert,
+the colonel and the Woivodine Granowska,
+sister of the Staroste, with her husband.
+Basia is entering into a fine family,&mdash;all
+religious and worthy people. The trousseau
+is quite finished, and what has not already
+been sent to Sulgostow is packed in
+trunks, of which Mademoiselle Zavistoska
+has the keys. Besides this mademoiselle,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+Basia will take with her two young girls, her
+goddaughters, well trained in all kinds of
+needle-work, and as companion, one of
+the six damsels who have been brought
+up with us. When I am married I shall
+take still more; I have already solemnly
+promised three girls that they shall go
+with me; one of them is the daughter of
+our Peter. In his grateful joy, the old
+man bowed to my feet, and for the first
+time his forehead was free from wrinkles.</p>
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, February 22.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The wedding will be to-morrow. Our
+guests are numberless, and all the envoys
+are here. The king's envoy is the Secretary
+Borch; that of the Duke of Courland,
+his confidant the Castellanic<a name="FNanchor_1_9" id="FNanchor_1_9"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> Kochanowski,
+a very handsome and polite cavalier; the
+proverb is right: "As the master, so the
+valet." I cannot possibly describe all
+the others; they arrived, as if by appointment,
+at the same hour yesterday, and their
+entrance was quite imposing. Before every
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+one of them our dragoons presented arms,
+while the cannons were firing and the
+music playing. The greatest honors were
+shown to the king's envoy; the Count,
+having been informed of the hour of his
+arrival, was waiting with head uncovered on
+the drawbridge, and all our guests, courtiers,
+and servants stood in a double row
+up to the entrance door. As soon as the
+secretary stepped on the bridge they all
+shouted "Vivat!" and bowed low in
+salutation.</p>
+
+<p>To-day, in the presence of the whole
+company, and before appointed witnesses,
+the marriage contract was written, but I
+do not know what it contains, as I have
+not understood a single word of it. I
+know only that the bride received many
+beautiful presents: from the Staroste three
+strings of oriental pearls; from the Woivode
+a rich diamond cross and an aigrette with
+diamond pendants; from the colonel an
+enamelled watch and chain; from Father
+Albert many relics; and from each relative
+a souvenir. Basia can hardly believe that<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
+all these riches belong to her; until now,
+her only jewel, besides her betrothal ring,
+was a small ring with the picture of the
+Holy Virgin on it, and I am sure Basia
+will not discard her old friend for all the
+costly jewels which she now receives.</p>
+
+<p>The maid has just brought my <i>négligé</i>,
+washed and pressed; it looks very nice.
+There are twenty-five different kinds of lace-stitch
+in it; I am sure it will be becoming
+to Basia.</p>
+
+<h3>
+<i>Shrove Tuesday</i>, February 26.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>All is over, and as Matenko says, "with
+a hundred horses one could not catch
+Mademoiselle Barbara any more;" she is
+Madame Starostine. I have much to tell.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday, very early in the morning, we
+rode to our parish church in Lisow, where
+the bride and the bridegroom went to
+confession and to communion. As it was
+cold the bride wore a white cloak of brocade
+silk, lined with white fox fur, and on
+her head a long lace veil.</p>
+
+<p>When we returned breakfast was served,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
+and soon afterwards the dressing of the
+bride commenced; twelve noble ladies
+headed by my honored Mother undertook
+that important task. The dress was of
+white satin, with watered silk stripes, a
+frill of Brabant lace with silver ornaments
+at the bottom, and a long train; a rosemary
+bouquet fastened the front of the
+corsage. On her head the bride wore a
+rosemary wreath held in place by a gold
+circlet on which was engraved the date of
+the wedding and good wishes in rhyme.
+According to the old Polish custom, my
+honored Mother fastened in the wreath a
+ducat with the date of Basia's birth-year,
+and a bit of bread for good luck; she also
+added to the above a lump of sugar in
+order to sweeten the married life, which
+they say has many difficulties. No jewels
+were allowed, for it is said that for each
+precious stone worn on the wedding day,
+one has to pay afterwards with a vial of
+tears. As it is, Basia has wept enough, so
+that her eyes are red and swollen.</p>
+
+<p>A little in advance, the bridesmaids went<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+downstairs; we were twelve, all dressed
+in white, and the eldest of us was not
+more than eighteen. The bridegroom with
+twelve groomsmen met us at the door of
+the parlor, and there we found all the
+guests assembled. An enormous tray was
+carried behind us, heaped with bouquets of
+rosemary and orange sprays, each tied
+with a white ribbon, which were destined
+for the young ladies and bachelors present
+at the wedding. To fasten on these bouquets,
+each bridesmaid had a certain
+number of gold and silver pins, and great
+care was to be used in distributing the
+different values according to the rank of
+each person. The elderly ladies have
+been teaching us for a long time about the
+method we should follow in order not to
+cause offence by giving the priority to persons
+of lesser rank, and we were sure we
+understood the lesson perfectly; but as soon
+as we were in the hall, everything was forgotten.
+At first, we began our task very
+gravely, then we went on with a smile, and
+finally we broke into laughter; many and<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
+many mistakes were committed, but all
+were pardoned, and our gaiety was so contagious
+that soon the married people and
+even the elderly ladies and venerable
+gentleman,&mdash;none of whom have any right
+to wear flowers on a wedding day,&mdash;all
+wanted a bouquet. The first heap disappeared;
+they brought a second tray full,
+and a third one; we had no more gold or
+silver pins, and had to use the ordinary
+ones, but they were received just as well.
+At the end everybody looked happy; all
+had their bouquets, and the room was like
+a garden.</p>
+
+<p>But no, I am mistaken, not everybody
+was happy,&mdash;Matenko stood sad in a corner;
+although a bachelor he had received
+no flowers, and he looked as if he did not
+belong to the wedding party. I stepped
+up to him, and he said in a low, grieved
+voice: "I do not wonder that the other
+young ladies have not thought of me,&mdash;but
+Miss Frances, whom I have known as
+a baby, whom, for so many years, I have
+played with and amused, that she should<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+forget me! Well, I will not come to her
+wedding, even if she marries a king's son!"
+I knew that I blushed half pleased, but
+was still more vexed at my forgetfulness.</p>
+
+<p>I ran to the dressing-room, but there
+was not one bouquet left, for my honored
+Mother, hearing how the flowers were being
+appropriated in the hall, took the remaining
+ones for the ladies who were dressing
+the bride and for herself. The greenhouses
+were too far off to send there, and
+I wanted, at any price, a bouquet for poor
+Matenko. Suddenly a happy thought came
+to my mind: I caught a piece of white
+ribbon and returning hastily to the parlor,
+took off my bouquet and gave half of it,
+with the golden pin, to Matenko. He was
+so pleased! "Franulka," he exclaimed,
+"you are as kind as you are handsome!
+I am sometimes a prophet; remember,
+young lady, what I have said to you....
+I shall keep these flowers till your wedding
+day, and who knows with what title I shall
+address you when giving them back?"
+How strange! Notwithstanding all the distractions <span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>
+of the day, his words are still
+ringing in my ears; and here I am writing
+about myself, when I ought to think only
+about Basia.</p>
+
+<p>To return to the wedding: the folding
+doors were thrown open and Basia entered
+timidly, surrounded by the elderly ladies.
+The bridegroom approached and took her
+by the hand, and the two knelt down
+before my honored Parents, asking them
+for their blessing; then they went with
+the same request to us, to all the relatives,
+guests, and the whole household present,
+and there was not one person who did not
+bless them with his whole heart and with
+tears in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The chapel door opened. Father Albert
+put on a lace surplice, and standing before
+the altar, called upon us to draw near.
+The Secretary Borch as the king's representative,
+and the Castellanic Kochanowski,
+led the bride; Mademoiselle Malachowska
+and I, as first bridesmaids, were directed to
+lead the bridegroom. All the other people
+went behind us, two by two, in such deep<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
+silence that one could hear the rustle of
+the silk dresses, even the tinkling of the
+diamond aigrettes in the ladies' coiffures.</p>
+
+<p>The altar was glittering with lights; a
+carpet woven with golden threads covered
+the steps, and on the highest were two
+red velvet cushions with the coats of
+arms of the two families, embroidered in
+gold.</p>
+
+<p>The young pair knelt down; the bridesmaids
+were placed on the right side of the
+altar; the groomsmen on the left; I held
+a small gold tray with the wedding rings on
+it, my honored Parents stood behind Basia,
+the Woivode behind the Staroste. The
+castle band in the choir played "Veni
+Creator," after which Father Albert recited
+an allocution, almost the whole in Latin,
+and then he began to read the words of
+the marriage vow. Basia, although in tears,
+repeated distinctly enough: "I, Barbara,
+take you, Michael, for my wedded husband,"
+etc., but the Staroste pronounced the words
+much louder. After the rings were exchanged
+the married pair fell down at the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+feet of my honored Parents and the Woivode's,
+and were blessed again.</p>
+
+<p>Then the marshal gave a sign; the band
+in the choir and the Italian singers fetched
+from Warsaw began a triumphal march,
+accompanied by the discharge of cannons
+outside, and when this was all over, and
+silence re-established, the Count pronounced
+a fine and very moving exhortation,
+at the end of which Basia fell again at
+his feet, sobbing; she tried to speak, but
+not a word could she utter.</p>
+
+<p>After mutual embracings, salutations, and
+congratulations, Father Albert sprinkled us
+with holy water, and presented a cross with
+relics to be kissed. But he made a mistake,
+giving it first to Madame the Castellan
+Jordan before Madame Kochanowska,
+mother of the duke's envoy. Fortunately,
+my honored Mother noticed the error, and
+begged the latter lady to lead the bridegroom
+from the altar, and thus happily all
+unpleasantness was avoided. The bride
+was attended by the king's envoy, and
+again, two by two, we returned from the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+chapel. Soon afterwards the dinner was
+announced. The tables in the banquet-hall
+were arranged so as to form the letter
+B; in the centre stood the result of the
+fortnight's invention and labor of our
+French confectioner,&mdash;an ell<a name="FNanchor_1_10" id="FNanchor_1_10"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a>-high pyramid
+representing the temple of Hymen,
+where, amidst all kind of ornaments, allegorical
+figures, and inscriptions, were the
+coats of arms of the two families. There
+were also many other devices on the
+table, in silver baskets, vases, epergnes,
+porcelain figures, etc.; it was so crowded
+that our little dwarf could not have easily
+walked on the table this time. It would
+not be possible to enumerate all the courses
+of the dinner, and as for the wine which
+was drunk, I wonder if the butler himself
+could give an account. Besides other
+wines, they drank at that dinner a barrel of
+wine which was called "Miss Barbara's
+wine," which the Count, according to the
+Polish custom, brought from Hungary in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+the year of Basia's birth, and which had
+been kept for her wedding day. Each of
+us has such a barrel. Then they began the
+toasts: first for Poland, then for the young
+pair, then for the king, the Duke of Courland,
+the royal princes, the primate, the
+master of the house, the ladies, etc., each
+accompanied with loud shoutings, hurrahs,
+breaking of the glasses, with the music of
+the band and the firing of cannons; altogether
+there was such a tumult that I
+think there will not be a greater one on
+doomsday.</p>
+
+<p>After dessert was served, and we thought
+it was time to leave the table, the Count
+gave a sign to the marshal, who brought in
+a black leather box with brass ornaments,
+which I had never seen before. My honored
+Father opened it and took out a golden
+cup embossed with precious stones
+and shaped like a raven; then rising, he
+announced with great solemnity that this
+cup was a souvenir from the time of the
+Corvins of Rome, and it had not been
+taken from its box since the day of his<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>
+own wedding. The butler placed before
+him a bottle covered with mould, containing,
+as they said, wine a hundred years old.
+The Count poured out the whole into the
+cup, and lifting it cried: "Good luck to
+the young pair!" The hurrahs began
+anew, the music was louder than ever, the
+cannons fired, every man drank that toast
+in one draught, and after that we rose from
+the table.</p>
+
+<p>The daylight was gone already. The
+lady-guests went to change their dresses,
+but the bride and the bridesmaids remained
+in the same toilets. About eight o'clock
+the dances began. The bride opened the
+ball with the king's envoy, and during the
+whole evening danced in the first set. At
+first there were grave polonaises, minuets,
+and contra-dances, but by and by, the
+gaiety increasing, we had the mazourkas
+and the cracoviaks. The Castellanic
+Kochanowski dances the cracoviak like an
+angel; and according to the custom, when
+he was in the first set he sang impromptu
+verses, very witty and apropos.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At midnight the music stopped and the
+"Cap" ceremony began. A stool was
+placed in the middle of the room, the bride
+sat down, and the bridesmaids began to
+undo her hair, singing in plaintive voices
+the old song: "Ah! we are losing you,
+Basia." Then my honored Mother removed
+the rosemary wreath and the Woivodine
+Malachowska put in its place a big
+lace cap. It seemed Basia was costumed
+for fun, and I should have laughed had not
+her eyes been overflowed with tears. The
+cap is very becoming to her, which they
+say is a sign that her husband will love her
+very much. I am sure he will; he could
+not help it, she is so good.</p>
+
+<p>When this ceremony was over the bride
+was ordered to dance the "drabant" with
+the king's envoy, in honor of the reigning
+family, who introduced that dance in our
+country; after that, the music played again
+a very solemn polonaise, and the bride
+danced it with all the gentlemen present,
+one after another, beginning with the
+Woivode Swidinski, and ending with my<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>
+honored Father, who, having once paced
+the ballroom with her, led her to the
+Staroste and gave her to him, not only for
+that dance, but for her whole lifetime.</p>
+
+<p>This was the end of that night's entertainment
+for us girls; my honored Mother
+ordered us to go to bed, and the elder
+ladies took the bride to the apartment reserved
+for the young couple. Other married
+and elderly people followed them, and
+I was told there were still more speeches
+in giving away the bride, returning of
+thanks from the bridegroom, new toasts,
+and all, that lasted very late into the
+night.</p>
+
+<p>I slept wonderfully after all the excitement,
+and my feet are so rested that I am
+quite ready for to-night's ball. I danced
+mostly with the duke's envoy, the Castellanic
+Kochanowski, who returned from
+Luneville one year ago, and since then has
+been with the duke. He speaks very
+highly of his master; judging from the
+confidant, the other must be really a
+wonder.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I have not seen Basia yet, or rather
+Madame Starostine, as my honored Parents
+order us to call her. It seems so strange
+not to have her in our room. I have inherited
+her bed, her work-table, and all the
+rights of the eldest daughter. They will
+call me now "Mademoiselle Staroste," not
+simply "Mademoiselle Françoise," or
+"Franulka," as they did until now. It is
+a very little compensation, but still....</p>
+
+<p>We shall begin the dances very early
+to-night, as it is the last Tuesday before
+Lent, so we have to stop at midnight.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Ash Wednesday</i>, February 27.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Ash Wednesday, what a pity! no more
+dancing till next Carnival. Our guests
+begin to depart: the king's envoy is gone,
+the young married couple are going the
+day after to-morrow, and we shall accompany
+them as far as their home, for the
+house-warming. The Staroste invited no
+guests but his relations, as big parties are
+not proper in Lent. I am very anxious to
+see the new home of my dearest sister;<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+I cannot get accustomed to call her
+"Madame Starostine," but it would not be
+proper to speak to her otherwise, as even
+my honored Parents always call her so.
+She grew very grave from her wedding
+day; the cap she is wearing and the robes
+with long trains make her look several
+years older; she is sad and speaks very
+little; I am sure she grieves to leave her
+home, and to go away with a man whom
+she knows so little. It must be awful!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, March 9.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Last night we returned from Sulgostow.
+I had a lovely time, but it is a pity not to
+have Madame Starostine back with us.
+Last Friday, before we started, she went
+very early to our parish church in Lisow,
+where she hung the half of a golden heart
+as a token that the half of her own heart
+will remain here. When she came back
+home she went around the whole castle, as
+if wishing to say good-bye to each corner,
+then she took her farewell of all the people
+in the household, and had a kind word for
+everybody.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When we were finishing a hasty breakfast,
+we heard loud crackings of the whip,
+and a chamberlain entered announcing that
+everything was ready for the journey. The
+Staroste looked at his wife, and whispered
+that it was time to set out. She fell then,
+sobbing, at the feet of my honored Parents,
+thanking them for all their favors that she
+had received during the eighteen years of
+her life, asking their pardon for all the
+offences she might have committed, and
+telling them that she wished nothing more
+than to be henceforth as happy as she had
+been. For the first time in my life I saw
+the Count crying; oh! how they blessed
+her! it did one's heart good to hear it, and
+there was not a person in the room whose
+eyes were dry.</p>
+
+<p>We went to the bridge, but the captain
+ordered it to be lifted, and refused to let
+the bride go away until the Staroste gave
+him a ring as a token that he would bring
+her back again. The carriages of the
+Staroste were splendid,&mdash;a closed carriage
+painted yellow, lined with red damask,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+with seats for two persons, a landau with
+four seats, a coach, and several curricles.
+The horses were beautiful, especially six
+white ones drawing the yellow carriage in
+which the young couple were seated by
+themselves; behind them came the carriages
+with the women, and we came last.
+Madame Staroste sobbed so loud that we
+could hear her. Many courtiers and peasants
+followed the carriage, crying and
+blessing her. She gave them all the money
+she had with her, and the Staroste threw
+silver pieces bountifully.</p>
+
+<p>At each halting-place where we stopped
+everything was prepared for our arrival:
+the floors were covered with rugs, the
+tables laid, and the waiters dressed in livery.
+On the following evening we reached
+Sulgostow. The Woivode and Father
+Albert started on ahead of us, in order to
+receive the bride in her new home. At
+the frontier of the property the peasants
+stopped the carriage of the young pair and
+offered bread and salt; one of the oldest
+men made a speech, followed by loud<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+shouts of "Long live!" and when we
+entered the gate a company of hussars,
+whom the Staroste keeps in his court, fired
+salutes. Before the entrance door, the
+Woivode stood, with the whole court, and
+all of them gave the heartiest welcome to
+their new mistress. When we entered, the
+Staroste brought his wife a big bundle of
+keys, placing thus the whole house under
+her direction. From the following morning
+Madame Starostine took the management,
+and it was really wonderful how
+everything seemed easy to her and went
+smoothly; but, as the eldest of us, she
+was accustomed for many years to assist
+my honored Mother in her household
+duties.</p>
+
+<p>Sulgostow looks quite different from
+Maleszow. It is a palace, not a castle, but
+still it is very grand and gay; the retinue
+is numerous, the house well provided, and,
+what is best, all the people seem so very
+happy to have my sister there.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time in my life I tasted
+coffee in Sulgostow. My honored Parents<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+do not like this fashionable beverage,
+which was introduced recently to Poland;
+they say that it spoils the complexion, so
+it is never served in our house. But the
+people in Sulgostow like it exceedingly,
+and the Staroste begged permission for me
+to drink a small cup of it.</p>
+
+<p>It was rather melancholy to come back,
+although the Castellanic Kochanowski, who
+accompanied us on horseback, tried his
+best to entertain me. The young man has
+been invited to Sulgostow, as a former
+comrade of the young Swidinski at Luneville,
+but he is much younger than they are.
+In society they call him a "charmer,"
+and really he deserves the title; what then
+must be the duke, his master!</p>
+
+<p>I have had no time yet to look about
+me in Maleszow, as we arrived late in the
+evening, and the first thing I did to-day
+was to begin to write, but I am sure it will
+seem very sad here for a time.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+March 12.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I guessed right, it is desolate without
+my dearest sister; the castle seems void as
+if she had taken away all the life with her.
+My honored Parents also miss her very
+much, for she, as the eldest daughter, was
+more with them, and she was so clever!
+I try my best to take her place, but I know
+neither how to fill the Count's pipe as well
+as she did, nor to assort the colors for my
+honored Mother's embroidery. And then
+she was so thoughtful, never forgetting anything,&mdash;just
+the reverse of me. We talk
+of her constantly. To-day a chamberlain
+will be sent to Sulgostow with compliments
+and inquiries about my dear sister's health,
+and there was almost a fight among the
+young men, all of them wanted so much
+to go.</p>
+
+<p>The Castellanic has departed, and for
+the last three days we have had no visitors
+but two begging friars from a neighboring
+convent.</p>
+
+<p>I have laughed but once. My honored
+Mother had distributed all of Basia's<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+dresses among our waiting-ladies and maids,
+and last Sunday, as by a tacit understanding,
+each of them appeared wearing a part
+of Basia's former attire: one had a skirt,
+another a cape or a waist, etc. Matenko
+looked around and sighed heavily. "What
+is the matter?" we asked. "I am grieved,"
+he answered, "to see the property of the
+late Miss Barbara so scattered." We began
+to laugh, but were reproved by the Count,
+who quoted the old proverb: "Quiet at
+table as in church."</p>
+
+<p>Something quite new and unexpected
+happened to me yesterday. When we
+came down at noon, I saw the Castellanic
+Kochanowski, who was standing with the
+Count in a window's embrasure, talking so
+eagerly that he did not see us entering. I
+could not hear their conversation, but my
+ear caught the last words, spoken with
+some emphasis by my honored Parent:
+"Yes, sir, you will soon hear about the final
+resolution." Having said this he whispered
+a word to my honored Mother, who made
+a sign to the marshal and gave him a<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+secret order. The dinner was served, the
+Castellanic sat opposite to me, and then I
+observed how elegantly he was dressed,&mdash;a
+velvet coat all embroidered, a white satin
+waistcoat, lace frills at his shirt, lace
+ruffles, and a coiffure as fresh as from a
+bandbox. He never was so lively and
+brilliant, and he mixed such beautiful
+French with his Polish, and looked really
+charming. The dinner was longer than
+usual; we waited a while for the roast, and
+when they brought it in, I saw my Castellanic
+changing his color and growing
+pale. I looked at the dishes; I saw a goose
+with black gravy,<a name="FNanchor_1_11" id="FNanchor_1_11"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> and then I guessed all.</p>
+
+<p>I did not dare to lift my eyes; queer
+thoughts were whirling in my head. I remembered
+the lively cracoviaks and graceful
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+minuets, the elegant seat on horseback, the
+fine French conversation, the beautiful
+compliments, and I felt a pang in my
+heart. I had not the courage to touch the
+dish; my honored Parents refused it also,
+and but for the end of the table the dishes
+would have been untouched. Matenko
+was the first to help himself, and looking at
+his plate said aloud: "Well, it is rather a
+hard morsel, but still, it will be digested."
+I thought that was disagreeable of him.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to me that we stayed ages at
+table. Finally the Count gave the sign to
+rise, and as we were saying our "benedicite"
+I saw the Castellanic stealing away,
+and he did not appear again.</p>
+
+<p>When the courtiers had withdrawn, my
+honored Parents called me from my work,
+and the Count spoke thus: "Mademoiselle,
+to-day the Castellanic Kochanowski asked
+for your hand. Although his lineage is
+noble and ancient, and his fortune considerable,
+nevertheless we did not think it
+was a suitable match. First, the Castellanic
+is very young; he has no position of his<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>
+own, and is called only by the title of his
+deceased father; secondly, he did not set
+about the matter in the proper way. He
+asked no notable person to speak for him,&mdash;he
+came by himself, made his declaration
+at once, and wanted an immediate
+reply, which he received unreservedly. We
+do not doubt, Frances, that you are of the
+same opinion." Having said this, without
+waiting for my answer, he bade me
+return to my work.</p>
+
+<p>Well, thinking it over, certainly I am of
+the same opinion as my honored Parents,
+as well by duty as by my own conviction;
+but to be quite sincere, I do not find fault
+with the Castellanic because he is young
+and spoke for himself, but because he is
+nothing by himself. A "castellanic"?
+that is not enough for me, and I do not
+think a castellan would be too much. In
+any case, I have not the slightest desire to
+be married yet, I am happy as I am; for
+several days after our return from Sulgostow
+I felt rather sad, but now I feel merry
+again and life is before me. Marriage puts<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+an end to all expectations; a married
+woman knows who she is and who she shall
+be until her death, and I like so much to
+dream! When I sit at my embroidery
+frame, or at my netting, my thoughts are
+always travelling far and fast; all the things
+I have ever read come back to my mind;
+I share the fate of all the heroines of
+Madame de Beaumont, Madame de La
+Fayette, and Mademoiselle de Scudéry; and
+it seems to me that I am destined to adventures
+similar to theirs. Basia often scolded
+me for these fancies, but her habits of
+thought were quite different from mine.
+She often told me that she never brooded
+over her future, and never thought of the
+husband to come, except at her prayers,&mdash;for
+it must be said that with the beginning
+of the sixteenth year, by the direction of
+our honored Mother, we have to add to our
+every-day prayer the request for a "good
+husband." Basia thought it was a very
+right thing to ask God that the one who is
+to take the place of our Father and Mother,
+and with whom we have to live till our<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+death, should be good, but it never occurred
+to her to wonder what he would be, and
+where and when she should meet him. She
+always said: "There will be time enough to
+think of him when he comes." And she was
+right; she got such a good and sensible
+man. She wrote to my honored Parents
+that, but for being homesick for Maleszow,
+she would be the happiest woman in this
+world. One can see that she loves the
+Staroste more and more, and that she is
+quite satisfied with her lot. Who knows?
+perhaps I should also be happy in such a
+position. In any case, my honored
+Parents were right in refusing the Castellanic;
+I am very sorry that the poor fellow
+has been disappointed, but I hope that, as
+Matenko says, he will digest the hard
+morsel.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, March 17.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Yesterday, when we were just going to
+supper, there arrived quite unexpected but
+very agreeable guests: my aunt the Princess
+Woivodine of Lublin and her husband.
+They could not come to the wedding, for<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+the Woivode, being the Duke of Courland's
+marshal, was obliged to remain in Warsaw;
+but as the duke is now away, they came
+here to offer their congratulations. The
+arrival of such eminent guests gave new
+life to our castle. The Count is overjoyed;
+he loves and worships his sister. They
+have not been here for five years; in the
+mean time I have grown from a child to a
+young lady, and they were very much
+astonished at the change. Really, they
+spoke so much about my comeliness that I
+felt quite shy and uncomfortable. The
+Prince Woivode said quite seriously that, if
+I appeared in Warsaw, I should eclipse
+Mademoiselle Wessel, Madame Potocka,
+and the Princess Sapieha,&mdash;the three belles
+of Warsaw. The princess said that I
+need only hold myself more erect, to be
+more dignified, and to have more worldly
+polish, and then I should be perfect. Never
+in my life have I heard such compliments,
+and I was never aware that I was so
+handsome. I observed how my honored
+Father's countenance brightened at hearing <span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+these praises, but as for my gracious
+Mother, she called me this morning to her
+room and admonished me severely not to
+give credit to all these fine words, which
+she said were only court civility.</p>
+
+<p>I am sure they are making plans for me.
+I should like so much to know about it. I
+was so excited that I could not sleep well
+last night, dreaming most extraordinary
+things. It is true that I heard many curious
+and amusing things which the prince
+and his wife related. My honored Parents
+wanted me to leave the room with my
+sisters as usual at nine, but the Prince
+Woivode pleaded for me to stay till the
+end of the evening; thus I heard all about
+Warsaw, the court, the balls, and the festivals
+attending the investiture of the duke,
+and many praises of this prince, who I hope
+will one day be the King of Poland. I
+felt happy; he is my hero, and I am sure
+he will be a great man. Shall I ever meet
+him?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Tuesday</i>, March 19.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The Prince Woivode and his wife departed
+half an hour ago. They wanted to
+set out yesterday, but the Count ordered
+the wheels to be taken from their carriages,
+and persuaded them that it was not safe
+to begin a journey on Monday, which is
+known as an unlucky day. During the
+whole time they were very gracious to me,
+and advised my honored Parents to send
+me to a boarding-school in Warsaw, in
+order to finish my education. For some
+time a French lady, Madame Strumle, has
+conducted a school for young ladies in
+Warsaw; before this they were educated in
+convents only. This school has a great
+reputation. The daughters of the first
+families are sent there to study and to be
+taught good manners, and the Prince Woivode
+thinks I should there acquire all the
+accomplishments which I lack. But my
+honored Parents prefer the Ladies of the
+Visitation, and certainly a convent is the
+most proper place. Well, I do not know
+how all this will end, but I feel uneasy and<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+absent-minded; I do not understand what
+I am reading; my work is not so well done
+as before; I feel as if something extraordinary
+were going to happen.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, March 24.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>We are going to Warsaw! We are going
+the day after to-morrow. I do not
+know yet where I shall be placed, but in
+any case I shall not come back soon, as my
+gracious Mother ordered all my clothes to
+be packed, and two of her dresses were
+made over for me. My honored Parents
+were unexpectedly called to Warsaw on business
+about an inheritance from our cousin
+Vincent Krasinski, who died childless and
+left a great fortune. They take me with
+them and I feel so very happy! As we
+have to stop at Sulgostow, I shall see my
+dearest sister. She has just returned from
+a very agreeable trip, having visited with
+the Staroste all his relations, friends, and
+neighbors; she was welcomed and admired
+everywhere. Now she will stay at home,
+and is very much pleased with that prospect. <span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+She is going to be a perfect house-keeper;
+the old Woivode Swidinski wrote
+about her with such enthusiasm and gratitude
+that both my honored Parents cried
+with pleasure over the letter. Such tears
+are a blessing!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Warsaw</span>, <i>Sunday</i>, April 7.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I can hardly believe that I am in that
+celebrated school of Madame Strumle; I
+entered it yesterday. It was not very hard
+work to persuade my honored Father to
+abandon the prospect of a convent for me,
+as he relies much on the Princess Woivodine's
+judgment, and I must say I am glad
+of it, as, in the secret of my heart, I did not
+care much for the convent.</p>
+
+<p>On our way to Warsaw we stopped at
+Sulgostow. Madame Starostine looks gay
+and happy, and how she welcomed us!
+She remembered everything my honored
+Parents liked; all their favorite dishes and
+delicacies were prepared; everything appeared
+to be there for their own pleasure;
+and she seemed so happy to serve them in
+her own house! I heard my honored<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>
+Mother saying to the Staroste that the marriage
+made Basia better than ever. "No,"
+he answered, "such she was from the beginning
+when I received her from your hands.
+God bless her!" One can see how dearly
+he loves her; and she respects him and
+obeys him as if he were her Father. She
+manages her house perfectly, and knows
+how to receive guests, and what to say to
+everybody; she is quite an accomplished
+woman. My honored Parents were not
+very willing to go away from Sulgostow, but I
+must confess I was very anxious to get to
+Warsaw, and I welcomed the letters which
+made us proceed on our journey. I was
+right to be anxious about my coming here,
+for here I shall become an accomplished
+woman. I want to be distinguished. Therefore
+I will not lose one moment, and henceforth
+I will not think of the future or dream
+of it, but will study hard and learn all that
+I can.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday my honored Mother took me
+to the Cathedral, where I went to confession
+and communion, and prayed that the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
+knowledge that I shall get here may do me
+good and honor.</p>
+
+<p>When I feel a little more at home here
+I will write about everything. Now I am
+bewildered. I was accustomed to see
+around me well-known faces and rooms, but
+here I know nobody; everything seems
+strange.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Friday</i>, April 12.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I am getting acquainted with my new
+home. I like Madame Strumle very much.
+She is a very dignified lady, and very
+gracious to me. Certainly it is not as
+grand and lively here as in Maleszow, but
+still it is comfortable and even gay. Some
+things seem to me strange, but amusing
+and quite new. For instance, there are no
+valets, not one man-servant in the house;
+dinner is brought and served by women!
+We are about twenty young girls, all from
+the best families and all very young. My
+honored Parents, after having visited the
+school, were well satisfied that young girls
+could not be better cared for and instructed
+in a convent. Madame carries<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+the key of the entrance door in her own
+pocket; nobody can come in or go out
+without her knowledge, and but for the
+few old teachers, one could forget how the
+face of a man looks. No male cousins,
+not even brothers, are allowed to pay their
+visits. Once the dancing teacher asked
+leave for the young Potockis, who are at
+the Jesuit college, to come here and
+practise the contra-dances with their sisters,
+but Madame Strumle would not hear of
+it. "Those gentlemen," she said, "are the
+brothers of two of my pupils, but not of
+the others, so I cannot allow them to
+come."</p>
+
+<p>I have a teacher for the French language,
+another for German, others for dancing,
+drawing, artistic embroidery, and music.
+There is a beautiful harpsichord; not a
+spinet as in Maleszow,&mdash;it has five and a
+half octaves. Some of the young ladies
+can play polonaises, not only by ear but
+from a music-book. The teacher assures
+me that in less than six months I shall be
+able to do as well,&mdash;it is true that I had<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+a little instruction in Maleszow. I am now
+only drawing some small patterns for embroideries,
+but before the end of my education,
+I must learn enough to be able to
+paint with colors a dead tree, on one
+branch of which is a wreath of flowers with
+the initials of my honored Parents, to whom
+I shall offer my work as a token of gratitude
+for the education I have received.
+The young Princess Sapieha, who has been
+here for one year, is just painting such a
+tree, and I feel quite jealous of her skill
+whenever I look at her work. What a fine
+effect mine will have when hung in our
+parlor hall!</p>
+
+<p>The dancing-master, besides the minuets
+and contra-dances, is showing us how to
+walk and to courtesy; until now I knew
+only one way of courtesying, but I hear
+there are several varieties,&mdash;one before the
+king; another before the royal princes, still
+another for other dignitaries or their wives.</p>
+
+<p>I asked to be taught first the courtesy
+for the duke: some day, perhaps, I shall
+salute my hero.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>My gracious Mother came once to see
+me. They are having much trouble with
+the affairs of the inheritance.</p>
+
+<p>The lessons and studies take all my time
+from morning till night, but I do not complain,
+for I want to learn much. I must
+say that on the first days I felt a little
+bewildered; the incessant scoldings and
+admonitions, the iron cross which was
+put on my back to hold me erect, the
+machine in which we have to stand for an
+hour, in order to make our feet straight,&mdash;all
+this was not quite to my taste.</p>
+
+<p>After Basia's departure, I grew to be
+quite a young lady; the proposal of the
+Castellanic, the compliments and the whisperings
+of the Prince Woivode made
+my thoughts travel far away,&mdash;I began to
+think I was quite a personage; but here
+I am again treated like a child. Madame
+Strumle even ordered me to stop the
+prayer for obtaining a good husband,
+and to ask for good knowledge instead.
+Really, one cannot think of anything else
+here.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, April 28.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I have not opened my journal for two
+weeks, but the days are going on each so
+like the others that I have nothing to
+relate, and I am thinking now what I shall
+write down to-day. My honored Parents
+will leave soon. The Princess Woivodine
+deigned to pay me a visit, and found that I
+stood straighter; Madame is very kind, my
+comrades very agreeable; that is all I know.
+Really, I hardly believe I am in Warsaw, for
+I know much less about public affairs than
+I knew in Maleszow, and I see none of the
+grand persons whom I sometimes met there.
+My eyes have not once beheld the king.
+The duke is away, and they do not expect
+him back soon.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, June 9.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>If I were to pass my whole life in
+school, my journal would soon be ended.
+There is nothing to write about; and it is
+a pity, for I may forget the Polish language.
+I never use it but when writing my diary
+or letters to my honored Parents or talking
+to my little maid; on all other occasions
+I use French.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They say that I have made great progress
+in my studies, and the Princess Woivodine,
+who has not seen me for one month,
+finds that I have grown much and that I
+have now a very good carriage. Really,
+I am the tallest of all the girls in the
+school, and my waistband does not measure
+quite an ell.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the weather is so beautiful,
+the sky so blue and the trees green, I feel
+often a kind of sadness coming over me.
+I wish I were a bird! I would then
+spread my wings and fly away, far away
+from the cage. But there is no help for
+it; I must stay here on Bednarska Street,
+the ugliest in all Warsaw, they say. But
+next year, if God grants me life, things
+will be different.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Friday</i>, July 26.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I see that when one is busy the days
+pass quickly, even in school. I could not
+believe my eyes when looking now in the
+calendar, in order to put the date in my
+journal, I found out that for seven weeks I
+had not opened my book. But this day<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+will be forever memorable to me: I received
+this morning, for the first time in
+my life, a letter addressed directly to me.
+The dearest and kindest Madame Starostine
+gave me that surprise, and wrote my
+full name on the envelope. So now they
+know at the Post-office that there is a
+"Mlle. la Comtesse Françoise Krasinska"
+in Warsaw. I felt like dancing for joy
+when I received that letter, and I will keep it
+with its envelope as an eternal souvenir.</p>
+
+<p>Madame Starostine is in good health,
+very happy, and so gracious as to send me
+out of the income from the garden, which
+the Staroste leaves to her own disposal,
+four golden ducats with which I may do
+just as I please. It is the first money I
+have ever owned, and it seems to me that
+I could buy all Warsaw with it. I have
+been planning ever so many ways to spend
+it: first, I wished to give a golden ring as
+a keepsake to each of the young ladies,
+my school-mates, but Madame told me
+that I had just money enough to buy four
+rings and no more. Then I wanted to get<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+for Madame a mantle in blond lace, and
+again I was told that it would cost fifty
+ducats at least. Finally I decided thus:
+I shall send one ducat to the Cathedral,
+in order to have a Mass said before the
+miraculous image of Christ, with the desire
+that the affairs of my honored Parents
+turn out according to their wishes,
+and also that Madame Starostine be always
+as happy as she is now. The second
+ducat I shall change into small coin and
+distribute among the house servants; and
+with the other two ducats I shall give a
+little banquet next Sunday. There will be
+ices, cake, also coffee which we never
+taste here. Madame has already given
+me permission to use my money in that
+way, but the young ladies know nothing
+about the surprise. May the Lord grant
+his best benediction on Madame Starostine
+for the great pleasure she has given me.</p>
+
+<p>My education is progressing rapidly. I
+am playing several quadrilles and minuets
+from a book. In a few weeks I shall begin
+to paint the dead tree with the garland,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+and I am also embroidering, in cross-stitch,
+a hunter with his gun and a dog. I read
+much, and write from dictation, or copy
+whole pages from French books, and I
+begin to talk in French more easily than in
+Polish. As for dancing, the teacher says
+that there is not in Warsaw a better dancer
+than I; but perhaps he flatters me.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes I go to see the Prince Woivode
+and the princess, but only in the
+morning when they are alone. I always
+hear very agreeable things about myself,
+especially from the Prince Woivode, who
+wishes me out of school; but the princess
+and also my honored Parents say that I
+must wait until winter. Alas! it is only
+July. Will that winter ever come?</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Tuesday</i>, December 24.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Winter has come and the moment for
+leaving school is near. What a different
+kind of life I shall soon begin! Only God
+knows when I shall return to Maleszow, for
+the Prince Woivode and the princess graciously
+urged my honored Parents to let<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+them keep me for the winter and bring
+me out in society. The permission was
+granted and so I shall stay in Warsaw. I
+am rather sorry to leave Madame Strumle
+and the young ladies, but the joy of becoming
+acquainted with that world of which I
+have so often heard and dreamt, is still
+stronger than my regrets. I shall soon
+see the king and the royal princes, as I
+shall be presented at court; the Duke of
+Courland is expected soon.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, December 28.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>This day begins a new life for me. In
+the morning the Princess Woivodine came
+to take me away, and in her presence I
+said good-bye to Madame Strumle and my
+school-mates. I could not help crying,
+although I have been wishing so long for
+that moment. On our way we stopped at
+church, but I could not pray; my thoughts
+were too wandering.</p>
+
+<p>I am settled now. My relations live on
+the street called the "Faubourg de Cracovie."
+Their palace is not very large,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+but extremely handsome and elegant; from
+the rear the view extends over a large
+garden to the river Vistula. I am occupying
+a pretty room which must be especially
+agreeable in summer, because there is a
+balcony leading into a little garden; on
+one side are the apartments of the princess,
+on the other is my maid's room.</p>
+
+<p>A tailor has already been to take my
+measure and he seemed surprised at the
+smallness of my waist. He will make several
+dresses for me, but I do not know
+what they will be; the princess ordered
+them herself, and she inspires me with
+such awe, not to say fear, that I do not
+dare to ask her about anything. The Prince
+Woivode intimidates me less, although he
+is a man; he has gentle manners and
+seems to like me. I regret that he is not
+here at present; he went to meet the
+Duke of Courland at the frontier.</p>
+
+<p>To-morrow we are going to pay visits.
+The princess will introduce me to all the
+first families here. I feel a little afraid and
+nervous.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, December 29.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I have three good things to write to-day.
+The Duke of Courland arrived yesterday;
+the Prince Woivode returned with him
+and greeted me as if I were his own
+daughter, and the visits are over. In
+some houses such as the primate's, the
+French and Spanish envoys', and some
+others, the princess only left small cards
+with her name and title on them.</p>
+
+<p>Among the visits I remember best was
+the one to the Princess Lubomirska, <i>née</i>
+Princess Czartoryska, the sister-in-law of
+the Woivode. She is the leading woman
+among the young set, and affects everything
+French. I observe that here the more
+fashionable the house, and the younger the
+hostess, the more one hears French; as
+the old men sprinkle their conversation
+with Latin, so the young do with French.
+But in the salon of Madame Woivodine of
+Russ, the conversation was only in Polish.
+She is an elderly and very stately lady, and
+she pleased me immensely. I met there
+her only son, a fine cavalier, who paid me<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+many agreeable compliments, and I think
+I enjoyed that visit most.</p>
+
+<p>I enjoyed also the visit at Madame
+Poniatowska's, the widow of the Castellan
+of Cracow. She is a very remarkable
+woman and talks with great eloquence.
+She was giving a reception on that day, in
+honor of her son Stanislaus who had returned
+from St. Petersburg, and of whom
+it is said secretly that he may become
+King of Poland. I watched him intently,
+but I cannot say that he pleased me,
+although I acknowledge that he is handsome,
+and has grand manners, I should
+say royal.</p>
+
+<p>Another good visit was at Madame
+Rzevuska's, where we found her husband,
+the Woivode of Podolie. I was very glad
+to see him, as I had often heard from my
+honored Father about his adventures when
+a child; how he was brought up among
+peasant boys and tramped barefoot as they
+do, and thus grew tough and fearless. He
+is over fifty now, but looks young and vigorous.
+He is said to be also extremely<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
+learned. The Prince Woivode told me
+that he writes beautiful tragedies.</p>
+
+<p>We went also to Madame Bruhl's, the
+wife of the minister and special favorite of
+the king; although he is neither liked nor
+respected by anybody, she is received
+everywhere, and called upon, as she is a
+very refined lady. Our next call was upon
+Madame Soltyk, the widow of the Castellan
+of Sandomir. She introduced us to her son
+Stanislaus, a boy of nine years, but gallant
+as a young cavalier; the elderly ladies were
+not yet seated, when he brought a chair for
+me, paying me a compliment, and Madame
+Castellan said that he was always enraptured
+with pretty faces and black eyes. She also
+was very enthusiastic about my looks, and
+to tell the truth, everywhere they spoke
+about my beauty,&mdash;sometimes in a whisper,
+but I heard it as well. But then I never
+have been dressed so beautifully, even at
+Basia's wedding. I had a dress of white
+brocade with wide flounces of gauze, a
+court train of turquoise blue, and pearls in
+my hair.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I should have been quite satisfied with
+those visits, if I had met the Duke of
+Courland anywhere. I started from home
+with that hope, but I was disappointed.
+After his long absence he spends his days
+now with his father, and has not yet been
+seen out of the royal castle. It is quite
+natural; I myself have been so often homesick
+for my honored Parents, especially
+when in school. But soon the carnival
+will begin; there will be balls and assemblies
+without end. The duke goes everywhere,
+and he likes dancing very much, the
+Woivode says, so I am sure to meet him.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, January 1, 1760.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>My wishes have been fulfilled, how much
+fulfilled! Not only have I seen the duke,
+but I talked with him; I not only talked
+with him but ... but will it not be too
+bold to write down that which I would not
+dare to whisper to anybody, what I do not
+dare to believe myself, what perhaps I only
+dreamed of? Well! no, I did not dream,
+I am sure of that; I always know very well<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
+when I please any one. And then is there
+anything extraordinary, since God has
+made me handsome, and everybody acknowledges
+it, that the duke looked at me
+with the same eyes as other people? The
+same eyes?&mdash;was there not in his eyes
+something more than in others?...</p>
+
+<p>But everything ought to be set down in
+order. Yesterday morning the Princess
+Woivodine had me called to her and spoke
+thus: "To-night, as on the last night in
+the year, there is generally a ridotto, which
+means a masked ball. All the best people,
+even the king and the royal princes go to
+it; and you, mademoiselle, will come with
+us, dressed as the 'Goddess of the Sun.'"
+I was delighted and I kissed the princess'
+hand. Soon after dinner they began to
+dress me in a costume quite different from
+the usual, being without powder or hoops.
+The princess told me very earnestly that
+although such a dress was not decent at all,
+and that a woman would ruin her reputation
+if she wore it on any other occasion,
+still she hoped that by the expression of<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+my face, and my demeanor, I would make
+up for the deficiency of my costume.
+Obeying her instructions I tried to look
+very dignified, and I think I succeeded, for
+I heard people at the ball asking, "Who is
+that queen in disguise?" Now, when I
+think of it I feel uneasy; perhaps in that
+costume I was prettier than on other days....
+In any case I certainly looked quite
+different. My hair, thoroughly cleansed
+from powder, fell in loose curls over my
+neck and shoulders; my dress of white
+gauze was clasped with a golden band at
+the waist; on my breast I wore a golden
+sun, and over my head a long, flowing veil,
+which enveloped me like a cloud. I did
+not recognize myself when after dressing I
+was allowed to look in a mirror. Perhaps
+others would not recognize me as I am
+now....</p>
+
+<p>The ballroom was almost full when we
+entered. I felt dizzy, seeing such a crowd
+of people, so diversely and handsomely
+dressed, with and without masks, in ordinary
+and extraordinary costumes. I did not<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>
+know which way to turn my eyes, and what
+to look at first.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a murmur arose in the crowd.
+Some voices said, "The Duke of Courland,"
+and surrounded by a group of handsome
+and richly dressed young men, there he
+was. I knew him at once, although his
+costume did not differ much from those of
+the others; but his stature, his large blue
+eyes, extremely soft, and his charming
+smile made him different from every body
+else. I gazed at him as long as he did not
+see me, but when our eyes once met I
+could not look at him any more, for I
+always met his glance. I saw him inquiring
+about me,&mdash;and of whom? Of the
+Prince Woivode! I noticed the pleasant
+smile when he learned who I was, and he
+at once approached the princess, greeting
+her in a most charming voice. After the
+first compliments were over, the princess
+took my hand, and introduced me as her
+niece.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know at all how I bowed,
+but I fear it was not that special courtesy<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>
+which the dancing-master taught me.
+Neither do I know what the duke said to
+me; I only remember that he opened the
+ball with the princess, and danced the
+second polonaise with me. Then when he
+talked, to my great surprise, I answered
+without any embarrassment. He inquired
+about my honored Parents, about Madame
+Starostine, and her wedding. I wondered
+how he knew so well about everything,
+when I recollected that the Castellanic
+Kochanowski was his favorite. The good
+boy has not only "digested the goose with
+the black gravy," but he gave the duke the
+best report of us all. "He praised you
+much, but not half enough," said the
+duke. I heard many other nice things
+during that dance and the following ones,
+for the duke invited me for almost all the
+minuets and quadrilles, and talked to me
+all the time.</p>
+
+<p>When at midnight they fired the cannon
+as a sign of the beginning of the new year,
+he said to me, "I shall forever remember this
+night; it is not only a new year, it is the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+beginning of a new life for me." And how
+many clever comparisons about my costume!
+(Only, it does not sound as well in
+any other language as in French.) "It
+was not the gold on my breast which was
+the sun, but rather my eyes; their glance
+lighted an eternal fire in the heart, etc.,
+etc." Finer compliments could not be
+found in the novels of Mademoiselle de
+Scudéry or Madame Lafayette.</p>
+
+<p>Can all that be only sham, courtly civility?
+It is a pity I cannot ask anybody
+about it, but I am afraid of the princess,
+and I cannot ask the Prince Woivode; it
+would not be proper to talk about those
+things to a man. I feel too much left to
+myself; one week ago I was a school-girl
+among books and teachers, and to-day I
+am playing a part in the world of which I
+know nothing. But in about ten days
+Basia is coming here; she is so wise she
+will enlighten me. I am so very happy
+thinking that she will come. I have not
+seen that dearest sister of mine for three
+quarters of the year, but I know that she is<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+more and more happy, more and more beloved
+by her husband.</p>
+
+<p>When shall I see the duke again? Will
+he recognize me in my every-day dress?</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Friday</i>, January 3.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I have seen the duke, I have seen him
+twice, and I am laughing now at that childish
+anxiety I had, wondering if he would
+recognize me. Why, I should always know
+him, no matter how well disguised he
+might be.</p>
+
+<p>I just finished writing my journal on New
+Year's day, when the Prince Woivode came
+to my room. "Françoise," he said, "you
+surpassed all our expectations; your demeanor
+at the ball yesterday was perfect,
+and it pleased generally, even the most
+notable persons. I have just returned from
+the Castle, where we went with the senators
+and ministers to pay our New Year's
+compliments to his Majesty. His Royal
+Highness the Duke of Courland approached
+me, and declared that he had
+never seen anybody like you, and that if it<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+were not for the etiquette of the court,
+which requires him to spend the New Year's
+day with the king, he would come to pay
+you his respects in person." I felt my
+cheeks growing red when I heard these
+flattering words, but the prince seemed not
+to notice it, and went away leaving me with
+my thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>And so I shall meet the duke, not only
+at the balls, but in this very house! "He
+has never seen anybody like you." These
+words are still sounding in my ears, as if
+somebody were repeating them constantly.</p>
+
+<p>I was so gay at dinner that the princess
+had to reproach me several times. After
+dinner we went again to pay some visits,
+but we left the carriage only twice, as all
+the people were out for the same purpose.
+We met in the streets, the carriages
+stopped, sometimes several of them at one
+time, and cards were exchanged amid much
+laughing, noise, and confusion. In the
+evening it was still gayer when the pages
+and the torch-bearers were moving about
+with their lights and brilliant uniforms.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
+There were even several accidents, but we
+fortunately arrived safe. We returned
+home quite late. I went to sleep at once,
+being very tired, but queer dreams flitted
+through my head.</p>
+
+<p>The following day at noon, when I sat
+with the princess in the drawing-room, beginning
+a new piece of work on the frame,
+the chamberlain announced: "His Royal
+Highness the Duke of Courland." The
+princess rose quickly, and hastened to
+meet him at the entrance. I, in the first
+moment wanted to run away, but my wish
+to see him was still stronger than my timidity,
+and I stayed. As soon as he entered
+he approached me and inquired about my
+health. I answered distinctly, although I
+felt very much embarrassed, and when he
+sat near my working-frame, I had sufficient
+command of myself to thread at once some
+very fine needles with rather coarse silk, in
+spite of my trembling hands.</p>
+
+<p>He praised my skill; stayed about half
+an hour, and although he talked most with
+the princess, still he found an opportunity<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
+to say many amiable things to me. I
+could thus ascertain that my different dress
+did not change me in his eyes. He departed
+saying that he hoped to see us the
+same evening at the ball. I heard then
+that the Marquis d'Argenson, the French
+ambassador, was giving a ball to which I
+was to go.</p>
+
+<p>What a reception it was! Why, Basia's
+wedding was nothing in comparison. And
+how highly educated are all these people
+in Warsaw! Whenever they open their
+mouths it is to compliment, but the duke's
+compliments surpass them all. He could
+not talk with me as much as at the <i>bal-masqué</i>,
+neither did I answer as boldly.
+But then I was no longer the Goddess of
+the Sun, and besides, it always happened
+that somebody was standing near us as if
+to listen to what we were saying. I do not
+like it; it is not nice, especially in well-bred
+people, to be inquisitive.</p>
+
+<p>The princess is in high spirits; she was
+the only elderly lady with whom the duke
+danced last night. The Prince Woivode is<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
+more gracious to me than ever, but he
+seems to avoid any questions from me or
+counselling me in any way. I look forward
+with growing impatience to my dear
+sister's coming.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, January 5.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>During the whole of yesterday, the duke,
+the balls, all my dreams, everything went
+from my mind; all my thoughts were with
+my sister, although I have not seen her
+yet. She arrived yesterday morning and
+was taken suddenly ill. The princess hastened
+at once to her house, but I was not
+allowed to go. I spent the whole day in
+the most dreadful anxiety, and sent to three
+churches to have masses said. At last,
+after midnight the princess returned with
+the news that Basia was as well as could be
+expected, and that she had a little daughter.
+This morning I begged on my knees to be
+allowed to go there, but they said it would
+not be proper, and that I should have to
+wait several weeks. The Staroste came
+here for one moment, very happy to be a
+father. The little girl is, they say, beautiful. <span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+If they would only let me see her!
+She will be named Angela in honor of my
+gracious Mother.</p>
+
+<p>This morning the duke sent his congratulations
+and best wishes for the little
+grand-niece. Oh! I am longing to see my
+sister.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, January 8.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Basia is still in bed, but the news from
+her and her little daughter is the best.</p>
+
+<p>I have seen the duke once only; he was
+away hunting with the king, but yesterday
+he appeared unexpectedly and stayed
+over an hour. How good he must be, and
+how he loves his father! He spoke about
+the late queen, his mother, with tears in
+his eyes. One can see also that he loves
+Poland, and that he has a most noble and
+valiant heart. Everything I ever heard of
+him is true; he is not praised even enough;
+one cannot well describe the charm of his
+voice, his sweet smile, and the look of his
+blue eyes, so deep and so soft! I do not
+wonder that the Russian empress was
+charmed with him,&mdash;that he carried away<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>
+the hearts of the Courland people; and I
+shall not be surprised if after his father's
+death, Poland calls him to the throne.
+And he likes me!... Sometimes I think
+that it cannot be. Still, yesterday his eyes
+told me that so plainly; and not only his
+eyes, but some of his words too, and the
+Prince Woivode also seems to think so.</p>
+
+<p>The princess made me feel a little sad
+when, at table, she said, with some meaning,
+it appeared to me, that "many women
+have already pleased the duke" and that
+the last one he sees always seems to him
+the most beautiful. But how childish I am!
+how should that trouble me?</p>
+
+<p>Am I the only pretty woman in this
+world? In my eyes the three Warsaw
+belles, Mademoiselle Wessel, the Countess
+Potocka, and the Princess Sapieha are without
+any comparison more handsome than
+I. And what is more, they know how to
+enhance their beauty, which is an art quite
+unknown to me. The duke says that that
+is my great charm, but it seems to me that
+my complexion is quite eclipsed by theirs.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+Especially at the ball in the French embassy
+Madame Potocka was ravishing, and the
+duke danced with her twice. Well, what
+right have I to be displeased with that?</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, January 12.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I ought to be quite pleased now! At the
+ball of the Woivode of Russ, last Thursday,
+the duke danced only with me. On Friday
+he called here again. Yesterday he
+sent us by his aide-de-camp an invitation for
+a new Italian opera, "Semiramide," given
+in the court theatre, and there he devoted
+himself exclusively to me. There I was
+also presented to the king, who was very
+gracious and inquired about both my
+honored Parents. Still more, the Staroste
+came here an hour ago announcing that
+the duke wished to stand godfather to the
+little Angela, and desires me to be the godmother,&mdash;me,
+nobody else; he insisted
+upon that.</p>
+
+<p>The christening will be magnificent, in
+the royal Collegiate Church. There were
+to be more couples invited to assist, but<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
+out of respect to the duke the honor will
+be left solely to him; the others will only
+be witnesses of the ceremony. Many of
+the most distinguished persons will be invited.
+The whole of Warsaw will talk
+about the affair, and certainly the "Courier"
+will describe it, and our two names
+will stand there together.</p>
+
+<p>What will Madame Strumle and the
+young ladies in the school say to that, and
+my honored Parents, and all the people in
+Maleszow, and the good Matenko? I am
+sure he will say that it is because of his
+predictions.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, that Matenko! how often his words
+come to my mind. He is responsible for
+all my troubles; but for his hints no foolish
+notions would have entered my head. As
+it is, I do not feel two days alike: sometimes
+the happy thoughts crowd around
+me, life seems full of hope, and I hardly
+know that there is an earth under my feet;
+then suddenly everything seems to fade,
+and my heart feels heavy and so sad!</p>
+
+<p>For instance, to-day when I was so <span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>enraptured
+at the news of the christening, the
+princess mentioned,&mdash;I do not know why,&mdash;that
+the law of the Church forbids the
+godparents to marry each other, and I
+shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>But what makes me feel really happy is
+that at last I shall see my dearest sister.
+After the christening we go to her house.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, January 15.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The ceremony took place yesterday and
+I have seen Basia, who looks beautiful, although
+she has grown a little thin and pale.
+She is always as good as an angel, and as
+happy as a queen.</p>
+
+<p>The duke begged that the little girl be
+named after me, but Basia was firm in her
+first purpose; and she was right, for this
+honor was due to our gracious Mother.
+Thus the little girl was christened "Angela;"
+she is a dear little thing, and she cried during
+the whole ceremony, which is a good
+sign that she will live to be aged. It was
+the first time in my life that I stood as godmother;
+I did not know how to hold the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>
+baby, so the duke had to help me. It
+seemed so queer to stand with him before
+the altar surrounded by so many people,
+and to write down my name next to his in
+the large book. Perhaps it was to this
+event that Matenko's predictions referred.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody is congratulating me on the
+great honor which befell me. The duke
+is still more attentive than before, and a
+little more familiar; he calls me "my beautiful
+partner," and the little girl is always
+"our little Angela." He presented handsome
+gifts to Madame Starostine and to
+me, and threw handfuls of gold among the
+attendants and the poor in the church.</p>
+
+<p>I for my part could not do so much, but
+the little embroidered christening robe, my
+gift to Angela, has cost me more than a few
+hours' work.</p>
+
+<p>But I forget to speak about an important
+affair. The topic of conversation in
+Warsaw has for some time been a hunting
+party which the Prince Jerome Radzivill,
+the Hetman of the Lithuania army, is preparing
+for the pleasure of the king and the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+duke. He is spending thousands in order
+to make a grand display, and has had the
+game brought from the forests of Lithuania,
+over 500 miles away. The fête will be to-morrow;
+the weather is fine and the sleighing
+excellent. The duke wished to drive
+his "partner," and it shall be so. The four
+Warsaw belles&mdash;for I am counted now as
+the fourth&mdash;will go in one sleigh, and the
+duke will be our driver. All four will
+have costumes alike, but of different colors,&mdash;long
+velvet coats, tight at the waist,
+trimmed with sable, and small caps with
+fur to match. The Countess Potocka has
+selected blue, the Princess Sapieha dark
+green, Mademoiselle Wessel marroon, and
+I shall wear dark crimson.</p>
+
+<p>It is a pity Basia will not see all this, but
+she is so happy with her little Angela that
+she does not care for anything else.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Friday</i>, January 17.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I have never in my life seen anything
+so magnificent as this hunting party. We
+started at nine o'clock in the morning. One<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+could not possibly count all the horses and
+sleighs which were assembled before the
+king's castle, but ours was the handsomest
+of all, and we followed first after the king.
+The duke, in a hunting costume of green
+velvet, looked superb!</p>
+
+<p>We had a long drive far beyond the
+Church of the Holy Cross, to Ujazdow.
+There, coming down the hill on which is
+built the city of Warsaw, is a large field
+usually planted with wheat.<a name="FNanchor_1_12" id="FNanchor_1_12"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> This field
+was enclosed by a fence with a gate, ornamented
+with escutcheons, devices, and inscriptions.
+In the middle stood an iron
+kiosk into which the king and the duke
+entered. Near the kiosk was a space covered
+with bear-skins for the most notable
+men, and further on, an amphitheatre with
+an iron railing for the ladies. The whole
+place looked like a forest, for except a
+space left around the kiosk, the ground was
+covered with big pine-trees planted for the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>
+occasion. In the background, one saw the
+hills covered with a throng of spectators.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we arrived and took our seats
+the trumpets and the horns gave the signal,
+and the hunters of the Prince Radzivill let
+the wild beasts loose from the enclosure.
+There were bears, deer, wild boars and
+wolves; the trained dogs chased them
+toward the kiosk, and one cannot describe
+the howling and the roaring of the wild
+animals, the barking of the dogs, the shrieking
+of the ladies, and all the noise which
+ensued. The king himself shot three wild
+boars; the duke killed much game, and
+fought a bear with the spear, a proof of
+great strength and skill. The skin of that
+bear was presented to me for a rug.</p>
+
+<p>The hunt lasted until four o'clock in the
+afternoon; we had a lunch served to us
+during that time. There were perhaps a
+hundred hunters and game-keepers of the
+Prince Radzivill, all dressed in red livery
+and armed with guns and pikes.</p>
+
+<p>This entertainment was given in honor
+of the anniversary of the coronation of the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>
+king; for the same purpose there will be a
+ball to-night given by the Marshal of the
+Crown, Bielinski.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, January 18.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The ball was splendid. The duke was
+very gay and happy, as on that day he received
+a diamond-star order from the king.
+I danced a great deal and my feet are aching;
+but I am sorry that I spoke of it, for
+now I shall have to stay at home and rest
+for ten days. The princess fears that the
+incessant dancing and late hours will injure
+my health; really, my cheeks have become
+rather pale.</p>
+
+<p>We received letters from Maleszow. My
+honored Mother deigned to write to me
+herself, recommending earnestly that I be
+prudent about my health and that I take
+the greatest care of my reputation, so as to
+give no cause for the slightest reproach for
+frivolity. She says that I ought not to
+believe all the compliments I may hear,
+that often a young girl is called a belle
+through some passing fancy, not because
+her beauty really deserves it; and that it<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
+sometimes spoils her whole life, for her
+head is turned, her expectations aim too
+high, and she may be forsaken and laughed
+at in the end. I am sure that will never
+be the case with me. My ambition may
+be ever so high, but nobody shall know
+about my disappointment if it comes.
+Still I could not help crying when I read
+that letter; I carry it with me and often
+read it over. Happy is the young girl who
+never leaves her parents' home! I often
+regret the old Maleszow Castle.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, January 29.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>At last the ten days of my retirement
+are over. There were four balls during
+that time, and one of them a <i>bal-masqué</i>,
+where I was to appear in a Scotch quadrille
+with the three other belles. But no
+entreaties of the duke or others could make
+the princess relent; when she has said
+anything she never changes her decision.</p>
+
+<p>I was sorry to miss the balls, but no
+one looking at me would have guessed it.
+It is true that the duke came here often,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+and praised my patience and courage so
+much that it was a great comfort. The
+hours spent in his company are delightful.
+He talks about Saint Petersburg, or Vienna,
+where he also spent some time; he describes
+the good people in Courland; and
+he always knows how to put in a word the
+meaning of which, I think, escapes all other
+ears but mine.</p>
+
+<p>How well he knows the bad affairs of our
+country! It is only through respect to his
+father that he does not dare to speak about
+them openly. What a good king he would
+make! The princess says that his extreme
+amiability has a particular aim,&mdash;to gain partisans
+for the future,&mdash;and that if he were
+elected king, he would perhaps not even
+look at us. I do not believe it. I can see
+plainly that the princess is not in favor of
+him; she would like rather to see a Lubomirski
+on the throne.</p>
+
+<p>To-night there will be an entertainment
+at the Ladies Canonesses'; a very agreeable
+house and much frequented. This
+order was founded by the Countess Zamoyska,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+in imitation of the Ladies' Chapter
+House of Remiremont in Lorraine. It is
+said that it originated from the pity the
+countess felt for a young girl of a noble
+family, who was to be married in spite of
+her dislike and even despair. She was an
+orphan and had no inclination for the convent
+life, but her high birth forbade her
+accepting a situation, so she was obliged to
+marry, merely for a home. In order to
+give a shelter to other homeless Polish girls,
+where they could lead a Christian life and
+be free to marry according to their liking,
+the countess bought Maryville, a large
+building once belonging to the Jesuits, and
+had it altered into small apartments, with a
+common dining-room and large reception-parlors;
+she endowed it and also completed
+an adjoining chapel, erected by the Queen
+Mary Kasimir, the wife of John Sobieski, in
+memory of his victory over the Turks near
+Vienna in 1685.</p>
+
+<p>There are eleven canonesses and the
+abbess. In order to be elected, the young
+girls must be fifteen years old, and prove<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
+their nobility for six generations on both
+parents' sides. They are addressed with
+the title of "Madame."</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Ash Wednesday</i>, February 19.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Thank God, the carnival is over! I see
+that one can grow tired even with entertainments.
+There have been so many during
+the last weeks that I felt in a continual
+whirl. I could do nothing, nor think of anything
+else but dresses, visits, assemblies,
+and other festivities. At first such a life
+seems amusing, but by and by one feels
+disheartened, and in my life I have never
+known such tedious hours as those I passed
+in the last fortnight. And yet so many
+people think that I am so very happy, and
+they envy me.</p>
+
+<p>How beautiful the Countess Potocka
+looked at the ball last night, dressed as a
+sultana! She was the queen of the ball,
+and danced the whole evening. I danced
+only the first polonaise; I hurt my foot and
+refused all the invitations. Toward the end
+the duke came to ask me for a dance, but<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+I did not care to dance then. Thank God,
+the carnival is over!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, February 29.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>A few words in haste: I am going unexpectedly
+to Sulgostow. There was nothing
+said about it yesterday when the Staroste
+and Basia came to take their leave, but
+this morning the Prince Woivode came to
+my room and said that my sister and her
+husband begged me to go with them; that
+I shall have a good rest there and probably
+see my honored Parents, so I ought to go.
+I believe that all the prince's advice tends
+to my good, so I did not hesitate, but I
+am sorry the duke does not know anything
+about it. Perhaps he will not mind
+it at all; perhaps he will not even notice it,
+as there are so many pretty women in Warsaw;
+and the Countess Potocka, she does
+not go away.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, March 15.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I returned two days ago. My diary was
+forgotten here in my desk, so I could not
+write in Sulgostow. I was away a fortnight,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>
+but it seemed much longer. My honored
+Parents are expected in Sulgostow in a few
+days, but the Prince Woivode, who came
+for me, did not want to wait even a few
+hours; we were almost flying on the road,
+with fresh horses waiting at each station,
+and we reached Warsaw in one day. The
+duke came the following morning; he
+looked pale, almost ill. He gave me to
+understand that it was my sudden departure,
+without saying good-bye, which made him
+feel so badly. He said almost bitterly that
+"a friend deserves better treatment." I
+am sorry now that I went away, and to
+be sincere, I was sorry for it more than
+once during that fortnight, but the Prince
+Woivode says that it was for the best. I must
+confess that often I do not understand
+him at all, but I obey him blindly, for I
+feel that he is interested in my future.
+The princess greeted me very graciously.</p>
+
+<p>In Sulgostow I spent most of the time
+petting the little Angela, and embroidering
+a cushion for the Christ's chapel, in order
+to propitiate Heaven in a certain direction,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+which I do not dare to name here. I
+worked assiduously; it seemed to me that
+every stitch made the fulfilment of my
+wishes nearer, and now my work is finished.</p>
+
+<p>They celebrated with great magnificence
+the anniversary of Basia's wedding in Sulgostow.
+How many changes in this one
+year!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Thursday</i>, March 19.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Yesterday was one of the most pleasant
+days I can remember. The duke was as
+gay and charming as at the beginning of
+our acquaintance. He came here first in
+the morning, but only for a moment, as he
+was going to a hunt with the king; then in
+the evening, when we did not expect him
+at all, he ran in,&mdash;I think he walked, as no
+carriage was heard,&mdash;and he stayed a few
+hours. He is freer now to leave the castle,
+as his two brothers, Albert and Clement, are
+in Warsaw, and they keep the king company.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke Clement is said to be very
+good and religious, and he is to enter the
+Church. It is quite right that the king,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
+having several sons, wishes to give one of
+them to the service of God, but it is as
+well that it was not the lot of the Duke of
+Courland.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Tuesday</i>, March 24.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Although it is Lent, I have a delightful
+time; the duke runs in as often as he can
+leave the Castle. He says that he rests
+here from the etiquette of the court. But
+to-morrow will be the end of all the worldly
+pleasure. The princess has a few rooms
+kept for her in the Convent of the Holy
+Sacrament, and every year, before Easter,
+she secludes herself for eight days in order
+to be well prepared for confession. All
+the ladies do the same, and I naturally
+shall accompany the princess. During
+eight days we shall see only priests and
+nuns; we shall read only religious books,
+and work for the Church or the poor.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Holy Thursday</i>, April 2.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Our retirement is over, Easter confession
+is made, and I feel so free in my mind and<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+so quiet in my heart! I had an excellent
+confessor, Father Bodue; he is all the
+fashion, as he is French, but even in spite
+of fashion I would always choose him for
+my director. He is a saint, and he is so
+wise! We had many and long conversations
+with him. He knew so well how to
+speak to my heart and make it humble and
+full of contrition, he was so convincing
+when speaking of the voidness of the things
+of the world and the dangers of it, that
+really there were moments when I wanted
+to leave everything and become a sister of
+charity in his hospital. I was just pacing
+my little cell thinking earnestly about it,
+when my maid entered and whispered that
+she saw one of the duke's hunters passing
+near the convent. My devout thoughts
+were thus scattered and I could not grasp
+them again.</p>
+
+<p>Still, Father Bodue told me also that one
+can be saved as well in the world when
+living virtuously, and that such a life is still
+more meritorious, as it is more difficult.
+Why, then, should I shrink from it?<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I really regret that this week is over,
+although we lived in perfect seclusion.
+To-day we shall see everybody, as we are
+going to the Castle for the ceremonies of
+Holy Thursday.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Friday</i>, April 10.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Easter is over. I cannot say that those
+days were unpleasant, but the quietude of
+thought and heart of one week ago, they
+are mine no more. Moreover, my conscience
+has more than one thing to reproach
+me for, so soon after my most
+earnest resolves!</p>
+
+<p>For instance, that as early as Holy Thursday
+I was guilty of a dreadful piece of
+vanity! Was such a thing ever heard of?</p>
+
+<p>It occurred thus: when I was to put on
+my mourning-dress, as is the custom in
+holy week, the princess entered my room
+followed by two maids carrying a magnificent
+gown of white satin with a long transparent
+veil, a wreath of white roses for my
+hair, and a bouquet for my corsage. I was
+amazed, but the princess explained that on<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+Holy Thursday after Mass, said in the
+chapel of the Castle, the king and all the
+assemblage go to a large room where
+twelve poor men are sitting at table, and
+the king, in imitation of Christ's humility,
+washes their feet and serves them at dinner.
+During this ceremony, one of the society
+young ladies is to make a collection for
+the poor. The king himself appoints the
+young lady; this time he named me, and
+promised to give the collected money to
+Father Bodue for his hospital, which is being
+built. I felt overcome with joy hearing
+this, but it was not because of the poor or
+Father Bodue; it was simply vanity. I
+saw myself, not in a heavy black and unbecoming
+dress, but clad in white, I alone
+among all the other women,&mdash;and thus
+the handsomest of all! It was wicked, but
+my conscience feels better now for having
+confessed it here.</p>
+
+<p>The collection was extremely successful;
+I had over five thousand ducats. The
+Prince Charles Radzivill alone, saying "My
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+love!<a name="FNanchor_1_13" id="FNanchor_1_13"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> one has to give something to such
+a fair lady," tossed down five hundred gold
+pieces, so that the tray bent.</p>
+
+<p>At first I felt rather timid, my knees were
+shaking at each low courtesy which I had
+to make before every person, but by and
+by I grew bolder, and on that day the
+lessons of my dancing-master proved to be
+really useful. The marshal of the court
+accompanied me telling the names of the
+persons we were approaching, and when
+the tray grew too heavy he emptied it into
+a bag carried by the king's page.</p>
+
+<p>My ears were filled with compliments.
+The duke told me that it was fortunate
+that I begged for money, not for hearts,
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
+as every man would have to give me his.
+"I would never ask for such a thing," I
+answered; "for who would value a heart
+begged for?" He seemed pleased with
+my answer,&mdash;I wonder how he could
+imagine that I should think otherwise.
+A woman to beg for a heart&mdash;even of the
+king himself,&mdash;why! it would be a shameful,
+base thing. To accept it, when it is
+offered to her, earnestly and honorably,
+that is another thing.</p>
+
+<p>But again my thoughts are wandering.
+To return to my narrative; the ceremony
+of the washing of the feet was very touching.
+I have still before my eyes the king
+as he was bending over the feet of the
+poor old men, and as he stood behind their
+stools at dinner. Moreover, our Augustus
+III., although no longer young, is very
+handsome and stately, and everything he
+does is done in a proper manner. The
+Duke Charles is quite the likeness of his
+father.</p>
+
+<p>On Good Friday, we went, dressed in
+deep mourning, to visit the Holy Sepulchre.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+We were in seven churches, saying in each
+of them five Paters and five Aves in honor
+of the five wounds of Christ; in the cathedral
+I knelt one hour before the holy
+Sacrament.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday evening there was a grand
+"Resurrection Service" in the cathedral;
+the music by the court orchestra was
+admirable.</p>
+
+<p>The Easter table in our house was
+sumptuous, and until yesterday the tables
+remained covered with all kinds of meat
+and pastry.<a name="FNanchor_1_14" id="FNanchor_1_14"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> Who would have thought one
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
+
+year ago, when, on the third day after my
+arrival at the boarding-school, I was sitting
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
+
+at the poor Easter table feeling very melancholy&mdash;who
+would have guessed then that
+
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+
+one year later I would eat an Easter egg
+with the Duke of Courland?</p>
+
+<p>He seemed to have grown thin; it is
+perhaps because of the long fast. We
+also have not had any meat for forty days,
+and neither butter nor milk during the
+holy week; everything was cooked with
+oil, and on Friday we fasted the whole day.
+I did not mind it at all, but for a man it
+must be different. Yesterday I was looking
+anxiously at him: I thought he would
+not notice it, as he was talking with
+the Prince Woivode, but he thanked me
+afterwards for my solicitude. I felt quite
+ashamed; how careful a young girl ought
+to be, not only of her words, but even of
+her eyes!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, April 15.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>We leave Warsaw to-morrow. The
+Prince Woivode and his wife are going to
+their estate "Opole," and they take me
+with them. My honored Father wrote a
+letter to the princess saying that she may
+keep me as long as she is not tired of me.
+I hope that will never be; I endeavor to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+please her as well as I can, and I feel the
+greatest awe of her. If I ever live to be
+old I wish to have her dignity of demeanor;
+even the duke is afraid of her.</p>
+
+<p>I am glad that I am not yet going to
+Maleszow. I have it in my head that I
+ought not to return there just as I was, and
+if I arrived now there would be no change.
+No change? Oh! yes, there is a great
+change, but not the one I mean. Yet,
+things cannot stay long as they are now,
+something must take place. Will it be
+yes, or no? I shall not be surprised if it
+is yes, and in the other case&mdash;well, I will
+not bend my head, even if my heart break.
+It sounds like riddles, but if when I think of
+him I am afraid that some one may guess
+my thoughts, how could I write more
+plainly? As it is I have already said too
+much; it is better to stop and put my book
+under lock and key.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Opole</span>, <i>Wednesday</i>, April 24.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>We have been here for nearly a week;
+the place is pretty, but I do not feel very<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
+cheerful, and nothing seems to go right.
+The trees ought to become green, but they
+are as black as in mid-winter; it ought to
+grow warm, and it is still cold. I wanted
+to begin some embroidery, but I have not
+the necessary silks; I wished to play, but
+the harpsichord is most dreadfully out of
+tune, and they have to send to town for
+the organist. There is a large library, but
+the princess has the key of it, and I am
+afraid to ask her for it. The prince has
+bought some new French books, the works
+of Voltaire, the most celebrated author in
+France; he paid, before my eyes, six
+golden ducats for a few volumes, and not
+very large ones; but the princess does not
+allow me to read them. What is still
+worse, there arrived, just fresh from Paris,
+a novel which is all the rage, the "Nouvelle
+Héloïse," written by a certain M.
+Rousseau. I took the book eagerly in my
+hand, but the author says in the introduction,
+"No mother will allow her daughter
+to read this book," and the princess most
+sternly forbade it to me.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I had still another disappointment yesterday;
+the physicians in Warsaw ordered
+the princess to ride horseback for her
+health; she laughed at them, saying that
+she would never do it, but the Prince
+Woivode believed their advice good, and
+he bought a beautiful mare, quite gentle,
+which was brought here. The princess
+very reluctantly consented to ride a little
+in the garden, but I, who am not afraid of
+horses, was just dying to learn how to ride,
+and I said so yesterday. I got a terrible
+scolding; the princess said that such an
+exercise would be quite indecent for a
+young lady, and I had to give up all my
+plans,&mdash;such beautiful plans, of riding and
+hunting with&mdash;well, with some one.</p>
+
+<p>There are many people coming here to
+pay their respects to the prince, who is
+the Woivode of this province, but they are
+not very interesting. The one person
+whom I like to see is the Prince Martin
+Lubomirski, the first cousin of the Woivode,
+but much younger, and whom I have
+already met in Warsaw. He owns the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+earldom of Janow, which is not far from
+here, and he has invited us very eagerly to
+pay him a visit; I hope we shall go. The
+princess always finds something to censure
+in him, but I like him very much; he talks
+most agreeably, and is a great friend of the
+Duke of Courland.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Janow</span>, <i>Friday</i>, May 1.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>We have been here two days, and the
+Prince Martin announced from the very
+first that he would not let us go away soon.
+I do not think there can be found anywhere
+a host more generous, gay, and hospitable
+than the Prince Martin. The
+princess says that he sows his money broadcast
+as though he expected it to grow. He
+has now a new scheme on foot: they are
+cutting a road through a beautiful forest near
+the castle,&mdash;from my window I can see
+the magnificent trees fall under the axes of
+at least a hundred workmen,&mdash;and at the
+end of the road they are building a small
+palace, but in such haste that it seems to
+grow under one's eyes. There is a wager<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+between the Prince Martin and the Prince
+Woivode that the building will be ready in
+four weeks, and I am sure the younger
+prince will be the winner. The whole
+forest is to be enclosed with a hedge and
+serve as a preserve. Men have been sent
+to distant places to bring deer and bears,
+besides the game which is found around
+here. There is some mystery about all
+that hasty work; I wonder what it is!</p>
+
+<p>This place is beautiful indeed. The old
+and majestic castle stands upon a hill
+above the Vistula, and commands a most
+admirable view over picturesque villages,
+forests, and the winding river. The halls
+and rooms are innumerable, the furniture
+rich and elegant, and the gallery of portraits
+is said to be the finest in the country.
+But my room seems to me the most
+charming of all; it is in a high tower, and
+it makes me feel like the heroine of a
+novel. From each of the three windows
+is a different view, each beautiful, but I sit
+most near the window looking towards the
+little palace, the progress of the work<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+going on there interests me so very much.
+On the walls of my room is Olympus
+painted in fresco. "Venus lui manquait,
+mais il la possède maintenant," said Prince
+Martin, gallantly, when he brought me in.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, March 3.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I rose before the sun, and I must have
+looked like a ghost when I glided through
+the large halls, on my way to the gallery of
+portraits.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince Martin, following the example
+of our ancestors, who kept with great
+care the pictures of their most illustrious
+members, and the memory of their great
+deeds, determined to gather all such souvenirs
+of the Lubomirski family in one
+room. He brought from Italy a skilful
+painter, also called in the help of a very
+learned man, who knew all about the Polish
+history, and after long researches and debates
+the plan was carried out in 1746;
+as the inscription above the door testifies.
+The princess says it is a pity that all these
+portraits and pictures are not painted in
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+oil on canvas instead of "in fresco," as
+they never can be removed, and it is more
+difficult to take care of them. In any case
+the gallery, as it is now, is superb.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday after dinner our host brought
+us in and explained the meaning of the
+large paintings, relating the facts and the
+anecdotes about them. It was so interesting
+that I decided to get up very
+early this morning, before the house was
+awake, and come here alone to look again
+at the pictures, and write about some of
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The first picture represents the three
+brothers Lubomirski, young and handsome
+men, who in the presence of the king, and
+many lords and witnesses, are dividing the
+inheritance of their father. Two scriveners
+are writing the deed upon a roll of parchment,
+and this document, dating from
+1088, was the first historical title-deed
+known in Poland; it is still in existence,
+and the family are very proud of it.</p>
+
+<p>After that picture, comes a row of portraits
+of stately men and great warriors,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+which I must pass over. Then I see a
+painting representing a chapel, where,
+before a miraculous image of the Virgin, a
+baby is being weighed, and the other scale
+is covered with gold pieces. One Prince
+Lubomirski, being childless, made a vow
+that if a son were born to him he would
+offer to the Church its weight in gold, and
+he kept his promise.</p>
+
+<p>Farther on, I see a nun on her deathbed,
+with a halo round her head; sick
+people touch her garments and are healed;
+it was Sophy Lubomirska, who in the sixteenth
+century was renowned for her
+sanctity.</p>
+
+<p>On the other wall is represented an
+amusing scene: Among young damsels at
+work stands a pretty little girl in a very
+uncomfortable position, as her foot is tied
+to the leg of the table. Her aunt, who has
+punished her thus for some mischief, is
+sternly looking at her. But the naughty
+little Christina has grown to be a young
+lady, and in the following picture we see
+her kneeling before the altar in her room,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>
+her beautiful eyes full of ecstasy; she has
+just pricked her finger with a golden
+needle, and gathering her blood on a
+pen, she writes down her determination always
+to lead a saintly life. She kept her
+word; married to Felixe Potocki, she was
+as famous for her virtues as for her beauty.
+All her accomplishments, her rare talent
+for music, her great skill in handiwork,
+were given to God's service. She adorned
+His churches, composed and sang verses
+to His glory, founded several convents, and
+her charitable deeds were innumerable.
+Her own confessor wrote her life and called
+her a saint.</p>
+
+<p>Next come the portraits of her two
+brothers. First, Stanislaus, an eminent
+writer, surnamed the "Polish Solomon,"
+is surrounded with books, and Fame
+crowns him with a laurel wreath. The
+second, Jerome, famous for his valor, is
+represented with the King Sobieski, when
+after the victory near Vienna they are
+examining the flag of Mahomet, captured
+from the Turks; in the distance the Polish<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+army can be seen occupying the Turkish
+camps.</p>
+
+<p>Then I stop at a large picture representing
+a very exciting adventure. In a forest
+covered with snow, a man is fighting with
+a bear, who seems to have the better of
+him, when from behind a woman in a
+hunting costume approaches, and holds
+two pistols to the animal's ears; in the
+background a horse is seen running away
+with a sleigh. The story runs thus: A
+Princess Lubomirska, who was very fond of
+horses, was returning one day from a hunting
+party, with only one servant, when an
+infuriated bear sprang upon them. The
+frightened horse threw over the little sleigh
+and ran away with it, and the two people
+were left to the fury of the beast. The
+faithful servant having only said, "Your
+Grace, remember my wife and children,"
+threw himself forward to meet the bear,
+who was advancing on his hind legs, and
+give his mistress time to run away. But
+the courageous Pole did not leave the
+brave man to perish; drawing two pistols<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+from her belt, she stepped from behind
+and shot the bear on the spot.</p>
+
+<p>But I hear the Prince Martin talking
+to his dogs, which he loves and pets as
+if they were children; his greyhounds are
+famous in the whole country. It is time
+to stop and run back to my tower.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Thursday</i>, May 14.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>We went to Opole, and returned here
+again, urged by Prince Martin to see the
+villa finished; he won the wager. I asked
+him to-day why he wanted another house,
+and he answered smiling, "For your ladyship's
+sake." What does he mean?</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, May 16.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The duke is here! And, oh!&mdash;I can
+hardly believe it,&mdash;he loves me! He
+loves me so much that he could stay no
+longer without seeing me, and the two
+princes, to please him, thought to build the
+villa and to give hunting parties, in order
+to bring him near the object of his affection.
+It is fortunate that it was dark<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+when he appeared yesterday. Everybody
+would have seen how I blushed, and he
+himself might have read in my eyes more
+joy than I ought to have shown. How
+will all this end? Until now I feigned
+not to understand the hidden meaning of
+his words. I tried most carefully to conceal
+my feelings toward him; shall I be
+able to do it any longer, especially here,
+where I shall see him so often,&mdash;live almost
+under the same roof?</p>
+
+<p>I cannot express the state that my heart
+and head are in. I see before me either a
+destiny so grand that I am afraid to think
+of it, or so dark and miserable that I
+shiver. What ought I to do? I would
+rather die than ask the princess; she said,
+not later than to-day, that the woman who
+would believe in the love of the duke
+would be simply mad, and that his wife
+would be most unhappy. The Prince
+Woivode visibly shuns any confidence.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+May 18.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I am betrothed. Is it really true? I,
+Frances Krasinska, I shall be Duchess of
+Courland, and perhaps one day something
+more!</p>
+
+<p>To-day we went to the little palace.
+The princess made a false step mounting
+the stairs, and was obliged to stay in the
+room with her companion, and we four
+went to the park. The Prince Martin
+stopped to show the Woivode some preparations
+for the hunt, but the duke said
+he preferred to walk, and took my arm.
+He was silent for awhile, which seemed
+strange, as he generally talks a great deal.
+At last he asked me if I would never be
+willing to understand for whom and for
+what he had come here. I tried to answer,
+calmly, that I knew him to be a lover of
+hunting, and that there promised to be
+great sport. Then he put aside all metaphors,
+and said plainly that he came for
+my sake, "and to find his whole life's happiness."
+I was stunned, it came so suddenly;
+but I composed myself and said:<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
+"Monsieur le Duc, are you forgetting who
+you are, and what you may be one day?
+You must look for a wife among the royal
+daughters." "You are my queen!" he
+exclaimed; "you, who first by your beauty
+have charmed my eyes, and afterwards by
+your modesty and virtues have won my
+heart. I am used to having women run to
+me as soon as I have spoken one word.
+But you, although you loved me perhaps
+more than any one of them, you shunned
+me; I could only guess what you were
+feeling. You are worthy of the first throne
+in the world. If I wish to be one day
+King of Poland, it is in order to put a
+crown on that beautiful brow of yours."
+How can I believe that all that was not
+merely a dream!</p>
+
+<p>I stood silent; no words could pass my
+lips. Then the two princes drew near us.
+"I take Heaven and you for witnesses,"
+said the duke, turning to them, "that I
+will never marry any other woman but the
+Countess Françoise Krasinska. For reasons
+easily understood, I wish my decision<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+kept secret until the time comes, and I
+am sure of your loyalty and discretion."
+The princes saluted; they said something
+about the great honor and their faithfulness;
+they whispered in my ear, "You are
+worthy of it," and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>I stood as yet in a dream, but at last I
+had to answer to the affectionate words;
+I had even to confess that I loved him
+much, and had done so for a long time.
+Should I not have made that avowal to my
+future husband? My husband! No, it
+cannot be true. But then, what means
+the exchanged ring on my finger? I had
+from Basia a little golden snake-ring which
+she gave me at my last visit; the duke
+had observed it, and ordered a similar one
+with the words "for ever" engraved inside;
+he put it on my finger and took
+mine for himself. The trees and the birds
+were the only witnesses of that silent betrothal.
+But these rings were not consecrated;
+a Father's hand had not given me
+away, nor a Mother bestowed her blessing.
+Oh! yes, now I believe that all is true, for
+I feel hot tears on my cheeks.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Monday</i>, May 25.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>One week has passed, a week of such
+bliss! To-day for the first time, I was
+struck with the thought that my happiness
+might fly away. The Dukes Clement and
+Albert arrived here on Thursday; the hunt
+took place on Friday and Saturday, and
+they leave this afternoon; perhaps he
+also will have to go soon! How could I
+have so totally forgotten about it? Perhaps
+I had not time to think of what
+would come next, the days are so full&mdash;not
+only with my heart's content, but also
+with the duties of the lady of the house;
+the princess is confined to her room, as her
+foot has grown worse, and I have had to
+take her place. Or perhaps I did not want
+to think at all and spoil my happiness.
+Now I can think of nothing else but that
+departure. What will it be when he has
+gone? With what thought shall I awake
+in the morning? For whom shall I want
+to dress? What shall I do with the whole
+day when he is not here!</p>
+
+<p>I looked out of the window toward the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
+villa, and saw a white handkerchief waving
+from the balcony; it is the "good-morning"
+he sends me every day. How early
+he is,&mdash;it is not yet six o'clock! Now I
+see a rider galloping along the road. It
+cannot be he! No, it is his favorite
+hunter who brings me flowers, a message
+every day from him. Oh! no, my
+anxiety was premature; I have not heard
+yet that he was going away; we may have
+another happy week, and a third, and perhaps
+a fourth,&mdash;why did I fret?</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, May 27.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>My forebodings were right; he is going.
+A special courier came last night with the
+king's order that he return at once. I
+saw him this morning; I shall see him
+again in half an hour, when he will come
+to say good-bye, and then when shall we
+meet again?</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Sunday</i>, June 7.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Two weeks have passed. Two couriers
+brought me short notes under the Prince
+Woivode's seal; but what is a letter, written<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+words, for two people who have been accustomed
+to talk to each other for hours,
+who knew each other's thoughts without
+even using any words, only looking into
+each other's eyes. He left me his miniature,
+a fairly good likeness, but it has always
+the same expression; I have a better
+portrait of him in my heart. I do not
+answer his letters; it is hard, but I was
+positive when I told him that until we
+were married he would not receive a
+single written word from me. I think my
+hand would be paralyzed if I wrote a letter
+without the knowledge of my aunt and my
+honored Parents, and I will keep my word,
+although God knows how much it costs.</p>
+
+<p>How long the days seemed when he
+was gone! I felt in a kind of lethargy,
+caring for nothing, without will or desire
+to do anything. I was aroused by a very
+sad occurrence: the princess' health grew
+worse, her foot swelled, and the doctor for
+whom they sent to Warsaw declared her
+to be in a critical condition. I cannot
+express what I felt during the three days<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
+of uncertainty. Notwithstanding all that
+the duke and the princes have said to
+quiet my conscience, I know very well that
+my silence about what has happened is an
+offence toward her. From the very beginning
+I planned and lived in hopes that
+the day would come when I should confess
+my involuntary fault to her, and to
+my honored Parents, explaining how everything
+happened, how I could not help it,
+and I was sure I would be pardoned.
+But during those three days of danger my
+hopes might at any moment have been
+crushed, and then what would have become
+of me? How could I live without having
+her forgiveness? It came to my mind
+also that my honored Parents are no
+longer young, and an unexpected illness
+may come to them, and I felt utterly
+desperate.</p>
+
+<p>The Lord be praised and thanked!
+The princess is better, and we had good
+news from Maleszow; both my honored
+Parents are in excellent health.</p>
+
+<p>But it is time to return to the princess;<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+she likes to have me near her, and now I
+feel most happy at her bedside when I
+can do something for her.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Opole</span>, <i>Thursday</i>, June 18.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>The princess felt so much better in
+health and strength that we returned here
+the day before yesterday. I left Janow
+with regret; after all, the remembrance
+of the happy hours spent there is the
+strongest.</p>
+
+<p>In his last letter the duke frightened
+me, writing that he will be obliged to go
+to his dukedom of Courland, and that he
+is puzzling his brain as to how he shall see
+me before he leaves. How long those
+months will be! But his sufferings are
+worse to me than my own. Several guests
+arrived here from Warsaw, and spoke about
+the change that everybody notices in him;
+he does not look well, he is sad, and avoids
+society. People find me also changed and
+looking pale. I would not care, but when
+I hear the princess explaining that it is
+on account of the trouble and care I took<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+of her during her illness, then my conscience
+makes me feel miserable.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, July 11.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>One moment of bliss, and it is gone;
+he has been here, but only for one hour.
+He left Warsaw last Wednesday, as if to
+go to Courland, but as soon as he was out
+of town, he left his equipage and turned
+south instead of going north; now he is
+travelling day and night to meet his court
+at the frontier. I saw him such a short
+time, that I cannot realize it was not all a
+dream. He came disguised as one of his
+hunters; nobody recognized him but the
+prince and myself, but nobody ought to
+have recognized him. He implored me
+with tears in his eyes to write to him, and
+it was perhaps fortunate that he could not
+stay longer, for it was hard to resist those
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>Three months is the shortest time for
+his stay in Courland; how many weeks,
+and days, and hours in three months!<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Thursday</i>, September 3.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I have not opened my book for two
+months; they passed as everything passes
+in this world, but that they were sad it is
+needless to say. One month more to wait.
+In each letter the duke assures me he
+will be here in October. To-day I was
+so glad at seeing some dry leaves on the
+ground in the garden; I thought it might
+already be October. We shall go to Warsaw
+ere long; the princess has forgotten
+that she was ever ill.</p>
+
+<p>I had great trouble lately,&mdash;a proposal
+of marriage, and a splendid match, as they
+say. The princess, who from the time of
+her illness is kinder to me than ever, arranged
+everything, acting in concert with
+my honored Parents, and never a doubt
+arose in her mind that I might object. It
+was extremely painful to me to destroy her
+plans, to incur her just anger, to hear her
+reproaches, and especially her innuendoes
+concerning the duke. It was also very
+difficult to write to my honored Parents,
+not knowing what excuses to make for my<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+refusal. My honored Mother deigned to
+answer me. "The Parents who allow
+their daughter to leave their guidance,"
+she writes, "cannot be very much surprised
+if she does not obey their wishes."
+Could I ever have foreseen that what I
+called the height of happiness could have
+thrown me into such a depth of misery!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Warsaw</span>, September 22.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>We have been in Warsaw for several
+days. With what joy I approached the
+city! Here I shall see him again; he is
+coming on October 1st, that is, in one
+week. If it was not for that hope, life here
+would be intolerable. Those visits and
+receptions which seemed so amusing are
+now a trial. I think everybody is reading
+my secret in my eyes, and that all my
+acquaintances are laughing at me, especially
+the women. Yesterday one of them
+made me so nervous with her inquiries and
+her false solicitude that my tears were
+quite near,&mdash;in the presence of at least
+fifty people. But the Prince Woivode took<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+pity upon me and came to my rescue; he
+is always so good, only he does not believe
+in my sorrow and troubles, and calls them
+"childishness."</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Thursday</i>, October 1.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>He arrived and is well; I have seen
+him, but before much company, and when
+my heart was leaping to meet him I had
+to stand still and wait until he entered and
+saluted the Prince Woivode, and then to
+make the low courtesy as etiquette requires.
+No matter; as long as he is here
+and well, everything seems more cheerful,
+and all will be well.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Tuesday</i>, October 20.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>My God! what a promise have I given
+one hour ago! The fourth of November,
+when will it be? It is the birthday of the
+duke, and as a gift he wants my hand.
+He said that he will doubt my affection if
+I refuse. The Prince Woivode also pleaded
+for him, and I said "yes," before I realized
+that I had no right to do it without the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+knowledge and permission of my honored
+Parents. But I will not marry without
+their consent; I said that I must write to
+them, or otherwise I would rather enter a
+convent. At last the duke submitted and
+promised to add a postscript to my letter.
+Here my pride received a shock; is it not
+the young man who ought to humbly ask
+the Parents for their daughter's hand?
+Yes, but not a royal prince. For the first
+time, I felt the difference in our rank,&mdash;that
+it is he who does me a favor in marrying
+me. But it is too late for any regrets; my
+word is given.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Thursday</i>, October 22.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>A chamberlain of the Prince Woivode
+has gone to Maleszow with the letters.
+The duke said that my letter was too
+humble, but I thought it was his postscript
+which was too royal. What will the answer
+be? My life is in suspense until then. I
+had the happy thought to ask if the curate
+of Maleszow could not come to give the
+wedding blessing; it would at least be<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+somebody from my home. The Prince
+Woivode promised to have him come, and
+he will also obtain the necessary papers.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Wednesday</i>, October 28.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>My honored Parents consent and give
+their blessing, but it is not such an affectionate
+blessing as they gave Basia when
+she was to be married, and it is just, for I
+do not deserve it. The duke expected a
+separate letter for himself; as there was
+none, he felt a little offended and talked
+with the Prince Woivode about the pride
+of the Polish seigneurs. No matter, it is a
+relief to think that they know everything;
+it is as if a stone were lifted from my heart.
+They promise to keep the secret until the
+duke releases them. One sees in their
+letter some surprise, even satisfaction at
+such an alliance, but there is also, especially
+in the words of my dear Mother, a
+kind of affectionate reproach which pierces
+my heart. She writes, "If you are unhappy,
+you cannot ascribe your misfortune
+to us; if you find felicity in your decision,<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+for which I shall never stop praying the
+Lord, your Parents will rejoice over you,
+but not as much as over their other children,
+as you have not allowed them to
+share in making your happiness." I cried
+so much over these words that they are
+almost illegible.</p>
+
+<p>The curate will come, and in six days I
+shall be a bride. I cannot believe it;
+there are no preparations for the wedding,
+everything around me is so quiet and
+every-day-like.</p>
+
+<p>One week before Basia's wedding, what
+was there not in Maleszow! If at least
+I could see the duke often, but sometimes
+two, and sometimes three days pass
+without my seeing him. He fears to
+awaken the suspicion of the king, and still
+more that of Brühl; therefore he avoids me
+at receptions, and does not appear here as
+often. I feel so lonesome with nobody to
+confide in or ask for any advice. Even
+my little maid is to be sent away, and a
+married woman, whom the Prince Woivode
+knows, but I have never seen, is to take<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+her place. I do not even know how to
+dress for the wedding; I asked the prince,
+and he answered, "As every day."</p>
+
+<p>What a strange occurrence! I am making
+the grandest marriage in Poland, and
+my shoemaker's daughter will be more
+dressed on her wedding day than I on
+mine.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+November 4.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>Married! One hour ago, before the
+altar, before God, we swore to each other
+faith and love until death. What a terrible
+wedding! At five o'clock in the morning
+the Prince Woivode knocked at my door.
+I was quite dressed, we went out stealthily;
+at the gate the duke and Prince Martin
+were waiting for us. It was quite dark,
+the wind blew fiercely; we walked to the
+church, as a carriage would have made a
+noise. It was not far, but I should have
+fallen several times, if the duke had not
+supported me. At the door of the church
+the good curate met us. The church was
+dark and silent as a grave; at a side altar<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>
+two candles were lighted; no living soul
+but the priest and the sacristan. Our steps
+resounded on the flagstones as in a cavern.</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony did not last ten minutes,
+and then we hastened away as if pursued.
+The duke brought us to the gate, and the
+Prince Martin had to compel him to go
+away. I had my every-day dress on, not
+even white, only I hastily put a bit of
+rosemary in my hair. Yesterday, remembering
+Basia's wedding, I prepared for
+myself, with tears, a golden coin, a piece of
+bread, and a lump of sugar, but in my
+haste I forgot to take them this morning.</p>
+
+<p>Now I am again in my room, alone.
+Nobody is blessing or congratulating me,
+the whole house is asleep, and if it were
+not for the wedding ring, which I shall
+soon have to take off and hide, I could
+not believe that I have returned from my
+wedding, that I am a married woman, that
+I am his forever.<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Sulgostow</span>, December 24.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I was not going to write in this book
+any more; I saw no use for it, as the friend
+I have won for my life had all my thoughts
+confided to him. But cruel destiny has
+separated us, and I open my book again
+to relate the sorrowful event. In the days
+of happiness, if they ever come, it will be
+agreeable perhaps to read over the accounts
+of the past misfortunes, although I
+do not think the most perfect bliss could
+ever wipe them out of my memory.</p>
+
+<p>Six weeks have passed since the day of
+our wedding. Nobody has guessed what
+happened. My new maid swore to the
+Prince Woivode on the crucifix that she
+would be silent on whatever she may know.
+Our meetings and interviews, managed by
+the Woivode, were kept perfectly secret.
+I was still Mademoiselle la Comtesse
+Krasinska to everybody. The duke, in
+order to be ready for any sign from the
+Prince Woivode, pretended illness and did
+not leave the castle, but in the end he was
+obliged to appear in society, and paid a<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+visit to the princess. It was the first time
+I saw him in public; I could not control
+my emotion, which was perceived by the
+princess. After his departure, she overwhelmed
+me with reproaches, scoldings,
+and warnings. Sure of my innocence, I
+answered perhaps too boldly, and imprudently
+made her understand that it was
+not a mere flirtation between the duke
+and me. On the following day, the princess
+was very much agitated; the duke
+came again, and knowing he could not see
+me on that day in private, he had written
+a short note, which he discreetly slipped
+into my work-basket,&mdash;but not discreetly
+enough for the watchful eye of the princess.
+As soon as he was gone, she seized
+the basket, and when she read the inscription
+on the note, "Pour ma bien aimée,"
+her wrath burst forth in the most dreadful
+and offensive words. I heard myself called
+the shame, the blot on the Krasinskis'
+name. I heard that I would send my
+Father and Mother to the grave. "But
+now," she added, "this low intrigue shall<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+be ended. I have written to Brühl, telling
+him that honesty and honor are more to
+me than my family ties, and I feel it to be
+my sacred duty to let him know that the
+duke is in love with you, and that he must
+do what he thinks best to stop this unlawful
+affection. So at this moment the king
+himself is perhaps informed of your mad
+scheme, and of your shame." "There is no
+shame," I answered, "I am his wife." As
+soon as I uttered these words I realized
+what I had done in revealing the secret,
+but it was too late. The princess was
+amazed. I fell at her feet and confessed
+everything; there was nothing else to be
+done. I implored her pardon, and begged
+her in the name of God to keep the secret
+to herself. She seemed surprised, but not
+soothed; she compelled me to rise from
+her feet, saying that it was not a proper
+position for a lady of my standing. She
+asked to be pardoned for having often
+treated me not according to my dignity, of
+which she was unaware; but she did not
+allow me to kiss her hand, and under the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+pretence that her house was not good
+enough for a duchess, perhaps the future
+Queen of Poland, she gave at once the
+orders for my departure. I controlled
+myself so that not one disagreeable word
+fell from my lips, and I shall always be
+thankful to the Lord for it; the princess is
+my aunt, and I shall never forget the care
+she has bestowed upon me during so many
+months.</p>
+
+<p>I did not know at all where I was to go.
+Fortunately some one happened to mention
+Sulgostow. The marshal, who came to
+take the orders, heard it, and the news
+spread in the house that I was going to
+spend Christmas with my sister. Glad of
+the suggestion, I confirmed it. I wrote a
+letter to the duke, in care of the princess,
+in which I told him about the necessity of
+letting my sister know the truth, and in
+less than two hours, in a closed carriage
+with my maid, I was travelling fast, not
+knowing what was to become of me. I
+reached Sulgostow in such a confused state
+of mind that when Basia saw me and<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
+heard the disconnected sentences,&mdash;that
+the princess sent me away from her house,
+that I was innocent, that the duke was
+my husband,&mdash;she was so frightened that
+she wanted to call for help, and to send
+for the doctor; she was sure that I was insane.
+No news yet from Warsaw!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<i>Saturday</i>, December 30.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I received a letter from the duke (I
+think I shall never call him otherwise).
+He is in despair about my departure, angry
+with the princess, and much afraid of Brühl
+discovering everything. I am leaving Sulgostow;
+the happiness of my sister makes
+my lot still more miserable. I love her
+with my whole heart, and I pray God that
+she may always be as happy, but this comfortable
+home, the attention her husband's
+family pay to her, the many tokens of
+affection from our honored Parents, the
+little Angela who is so fond of her mother,
+and of whom her father is so proud,&mdash;all
+this stabs my heart when I compare her<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+fate with mine. I will go to Maleszow.
+When I shall hear the words of forgiveness
+from the lips of my honored Parents, and
+they embrace me, I shall perhaps feel
+more tranquil. Perhaps the year begun
+with them will be as happy as those that I
+spent under their roof, when a gay and
+careless girl.</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">In Maleszow Castle</span>, January 5, 1761.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I have been here for several days, but I
+am not any happier. My honored Parents
+greeted me in such a strange manner. I
+wanted to throw myself at their feet, and I
+would have felt better for it, but they did
+not allow it. The Count bowed low to
+me as if I were a stranger; even now he
+will not sit next me, and he gets up when
+I enter the room. This homage paid to
+my new title is grievous to my heart. At
+the first dinner he whispered in my ear,
+"I could under the pretence of testing,
+order a bottle of 'Miss Frances' wine.' I
+am sorry not to taste it at the first dinner,
+but the custom requires that the first cup<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
+be emptied by the father, and the second
+by the bridegroom; any other order is
+considered a bad omen. But will that
+happy moment ever come?" he added, so
+sadly that I was hardly able to restrain my
+tears. Oh! that dinner was for me a real
+suffering; everybody seemed to be under
+some constraint; even Matenko was not up
+to his standard. The Count winked at
+him to make him tell some jokes, but they
+were not a success.</p>
+
+<p>He is a sharp fellow, Matenko. Yesterday
+he entered my room mysteriously,
+when I was alone, and kneeling on both
+knees, with an expression which was half
+droll and half melancholy, he drew from
+his vest a little bunch of dried leaves tied
+with a white ribbon and a golden pin in it.
+I could not at first make out what he
+meant when he said, "I am sometimes a
+prophet." Then I recollected the bouquet
+from Basia's wedding. I ran after Matenko,
+who still on his knees was retreating toward
+the door, and put in his coat a diamond
+pin I had received from the duke. Neither<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>
+of us said a word, but both perhaps thought
+that if it was strange that his joking prophecy
+was fulfilled, how much more strange
+it was that its fulfilment failed to satisfy
+my expectations. When I think how I
+dreamed about my return to Maleszow
+after my wedding! What royal presents
+and surprises there would be for everybody!
+Even each of the peasant-women
+was to receive a new cap, the girls bright
+ribbons, and what entertainments and banquets
+were to be given to all! And here
+I return to my paternal home after nearly
+two years of absence, and bring no gifts to
+any one. When Basia came home from
+the convent she had a little surprise for
+everybody, although she had no more
+money than I; but she had leisure of time
+and mind, and with her own hands she
+prepared the little trifles which were valued
+so much. How could I do it?</p>
+
+<p>Here my beloved Mother interrupted
+my writing. She came into my room carrying
+heavy bundles of costly silks, laces,
+and jewels, and laying them down on the<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
+chairs she said rather timidly: "I have
+brought here a part of the things which are
+destined for each of our daughters; I
+would have brought more, but nothing
+seems to me good enough. I have been
+talking to my honored husband; he will
+sell a few villages in order that when the
+happy moment comes, and the marriage
+is announced to the world, our second
+daughter may receive an outfit in accordance
+with her high rank." Moved to tears,
+I wanted to embrace her knees, but she
+did not permit me, and was still making
+excuses for the "miserable presents," as
+she called them.</p>
+
+<p>Oh no! I cannot stand all this. I will
+return to Sulgostow. There are too many
+eyes fixed on me here, too many exclamations
+about how pale I look. My dear
+little sisters are asking continually, "Why
+are you not married yet?" or, "When will
+you marry?" Even the old servants ask me
+the same questions. Yesterday the three
+girls whom I promised to take to my court,
+came to see me. Old Peter brought his<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+daughter himself; it was so painful to send
+them away. How astonished they will be
+if they hear that am I married, but cannot
+take them, for my husband is a son of the
+king!</p>
+
+
+<h3>
+<span class="smcap">Sulgostow</span>, January 9.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>I found no letter here from the duke. I
+am dreadfully anxious; perhaps he is ill,
+or the king is informed about everything,
+and does not let him write. If the Prince
+Woivode were in Warsaw he would let me
+know, but he left a few days before me and
+probably has not yet returned.</p>
+
+<p>The farewell of my honored Parents was
+more tender than their reception, but the
+best moments I spent were in Lisow, where
+I went to visit our curate. I found him
+planting spruce-trees in his garden, and he
+allowed me to plant one in the cemetery
+near the church.<a name="FNanchor_1_15" id="FNanchor_1_15"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_1_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>
+I leave a sad souvenir
+behind me, but I am not gay myself. I
+heard kind and comforting words from the
+good Father, and went away with more
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+
+courage. If only I had news that the
+duke is quite well!</p>
+
+<h3>
+<i>Tuesday</i>, January 15.<br />
+</h3>
+
+<p>New trials and new sufferings during
+these past days! Will there be any kind
+of grief which I have not experienced?</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday when we were going to
+dinner we heard the postilion's horn before
+the palace; the door opened and Borch,
+the minister of the king, entered the hall.
+I knew at once the purpose of his coming,
+and I trembled like a leaf, but he pretended
+that he wanted to pay his respects
+to the Staroste and Madame Starostine, at
+whose wedding he had the honor to be
+present. He played this part during the
+whole dinner, but when it was over he
+asked me for a moment of private conversation,
+and then told me at once that
+Brühl and he were informed of all that had
+happened, but to them the marriage of the
+duke was a mere joke; that a wedding
+without the knowledge of the parents, and
+not blessed by the pastor of the parish, is<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>
+void, and can be annulled without any
+difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>In the first moment I believed his words
+and felt doomed and helpless, but God had
+mercy upon me, and suddenly my mind
+was cleared. I considered whose representative
+was before me; I felt sure that
+the Prince Woivode would not have countenanced
+an illegal marriage; I was aware
+that upon my firmness in that moment
+depended the future of my whole life; and I
+replied as follows: "It is wrong of Minister
+Brühl, and it is wrong of you who speak for
+him, to want to deceive a woman who is not
+yet eighteen years old; but I am not so ignorant
+as you may imagine," I continued, while
+he was listening in blank amazement,&mdash;"I
+know that our marriage is valid; it was
+consecrated by the curate of my parish
+before two witnesses, and with the consent
+of my Parents. Yes, there is the divorce,
+but the signature of both parties is necessary
+for it, is it not so? and neither prayers
+nor threats will obtain mine or the duke's
+signature." Borch was confounded. On<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>
+the following day, however, he tried to
+secure my signature by offering me a large
+donation, and when that failed he wanted
+at least my promise that, if the duke gave
+his consent to the divorce, I should not
+withhold mine. I gave that promise in
+writing; I am sure of my husband's faith
+and love.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p>Here ends the journal of Françoise
+Krasinska. Continual sorrows and misfortunes
+took away her strength, and her
+wish to write about them any more. The
+most painful of her trials was the inconstancy
+of her husband, and the apprehension
+of the divorce with which she was
+threatened more than once. After the
+early death of her parents, the homeless
+young woman led a wandering life for several
+years, between her sister Barbara's,
+her aunt's the Princess Lubomirska (who
+could not remain angry very long with her
+favorite niece), and convents in Warsaw<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+and in Cracow. Her fickle husband returned
+to her from time to time, but their
+marriage was still kept secret, under the
+pretence of sparing the old king the shock.
+Furthermore, the visions of a brilliant future
+which the young girl once nourished vanished
+one after the other; as Matenko had
+predicted, the mitre and the crown both
+slipped away. Count Biron became Duke
+of Courland, and after the death of Augustus
+III., Stanislaus Poniatowski was elected
+King of Poland.</p>
+
+<p>The family of the late king moved to
+Saxony. Then the Duke Charles wrote a
+most tender letter to his wife, asking her
+forgiveness for the past, and imploring her
+to come to Dresden, where, he wrote, he
+would publicly call her his wife, and he
+would devote his whole life to her happiness,
+in order to redeem the years of her
+beautiful youth spent in wandering and
+humiliation. Although she had longed
+for this moment for years, she did not
+yield at once to her husband's request.
+Her heart wished perhaps otherwise, but<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+her self-respect commanded her to await
+at least a second invitation. She had not
+long to wait; letter followed letter, and
+every word breathed the most tender affection,
+and news came that under this suspense,
+the duke's health began to give
+way. Convinced at last of the sincerity of
+his re-awakened attachment, the young
+duchess, surrounded by a numerous retinue
+sent from Dresden to accompany her, left
+her native country; and from that time she
+lived in Saxony, not in the splendor once
+dreamed of, but in a happy home. Her
+husband now clung to her with all the passion
+of a young lover; her little daughter,
+Marie Christine, their only child, promised
+to be as beautiful as her mother, and
+numerous friends, among others the Empress
+Maria Theresa, who was very fond
+of her, and bestowed upon her the estate
+of Landscrown, surrounded the "handsome
+Pole" with affection and admiration.</p>
+
+<p>But she never forgot Poland and her
+relatives, nor lost the hope of living there
+once again. The numerous letters written<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+to her sisters, her goddaughter Angela,
+the Princess Lubomirska, and others, are
+still kept by the family and show her deep
+affection and solicitude for them and her
+country. She did not live to a great age,
+having died in 1796; and as if to prove
+his deep attachment, her husband survived
+her only a few months.</p>
+
+<p>Their daughter, Marie Christine, married
+Charles de Carignan, Duke of Savoy,
+and had two children,&mdash;a daughter, Elizabeth
+Françoise, married to the Archduke
+Regnier, King of Lombardy-Venice, and
+second cousin of the present Emperor of
+Austria; and a son, Charles Albert, the
+father of Victor Emmanuel, and of the
+Duke of Genoa, the latter being the father
+of Marguerite, the "Pearl of Savoy."
+Thus both the King and Queen of Italy
+are the great-great-grandchildren of Françoise
+Krasinska.</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE END.<br/> <br/>
+
+<span class="pagenum">
+<a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+
+<h1 class="center"> Footnotes </h1>
+
+<p class="center"> In the original book and in the text version, footnotes appear throughout the book.</p>
+<p class = "center"> In this HTML version, the footnotes have been collected and moved to here </p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1">
+<span class="label">[1]</span></a><p class="fnp1"> They are still in Count Adam Krasinski's
+palace in Warsaw.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Governors of provinces.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_3" id="Footnote_1_3"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Honorary judge.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_4" id="Footnote_1_4"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Wife of a woivode.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_5" id="Footnote_1_5"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a>
+ The Polish florin is worth twenty cents.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_6" id="Footnote_1_6"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a>
+ At the end of the fourteenth century these two
+countries were united by the marriage of Hedvig,
+queen of Poland, with the prince of Lithuania
+Jagellon.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_7" id="Footnote_1_7"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a>
+Stanislaus Leszczynski, surnamed the "most
+virtuous of men," king of Poland before Augustus
+II., was dethroned by the Saxon party. He had
+Lorraine allotted to him, and is still remembered
+there as the "good King Stanislaus." His daughter
+Maria was married to Louis XV. of France.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_8" id="Footnote_1_8"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a>
+An old Polish custom, by which a young girl
+was to prove whether she was patient enough to
+meet the trials of married life.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_9" id="Footnote_1_9"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> Son of a castellan.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_10" id="Footnote_1_10"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Two feet.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_11" id="Footnote_1_11"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a>
+It was a generally observed custom to serve
+a goose with dark gravy as a polite but positive
+answer that the proposal of marriage was
+not accepted. A pumpkin put in the carriage
+of the young man when he was leaving had
+the same meaning. Until now the saying
+"He received a pumpkin," or "He was treated
+to a goose fricassee," is often used.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_12" id="Footnote_1_12"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a>
+ That place is now Lazienki, with a park and a
+charming little palace built by the last Polish king,
+Stanislaus Poniatowski, for his summer residence.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_13" id="Footnote_1_13"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a>
+The Prince Charles Radzivill had the habit of
+beginning each sentence with the exclamation
+"My love!" and therefore he himself was generally
+called, "the Prince My-love." He was the
+wealthiest magnate of Lithuania. After the dismemberment
+of Poland, when all his estates were
+confiscated, he emigrated to Paris and there
+bought the whole street between his palace and
+the market, in order, as he said, that his Polish
+cook might not lose his way. That street, near
+the Louvre, has still the name of "Rue Radzivill."</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_14" id="Footnote_1_14"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a>
+The Easter dinner, or the "consecrated meal,"
+is still a special feature in Poland, and an elaborate
+affair even among the poorer people. During
+several days meat and pastry are prepared, and on
+Holy Saturday the tables are set, with the symbolical
+lamb in the middle, and every dish garnished
+with sprays of boxwood. Then a priest is summoned,
+who puts on a white surplice, and saying
+the appointed prayers he sprinkles the table with
+holy water.
+</p><p class="fnp1">
+In the villages on Easter morning the peasants
+bring baskets with eggs, bread, cheese, and perhaps
+a sausage, to church, and standing in two
+rows have them consecrated.
+</p><p class="fnp1">
+At noon the dinner begins with hot bouillon
+served in cups; all the other dishes are cold.
+But first of all, the lady of the house, holding a
+plate of hard-boiled eggs cut in pieces, presents
+them to every one in turn, wishing a "glad
+Alleluia." The table sometimes stays covered
+several days, hot dishes being added to succeeding
+dinners, and the pastry lasts sometimes several
+weeks, by some mystery remaining as fresh
+as on the first day.
+</p><p class="fnp1">
+The children always have their own table, with
+miniature dishes ornamented with boxwood, a
+lamb in candy, colored eggs, etc. They would
+never forget to have them consecrated, and the
+little girls very earnestly play the hostess, partaking
+of the eggs with their own guests.
+</p><p class="fnp1">
+In olden times, the Polish houses tried to surpass
+each other in setting the most sumptuous
+Easter tables. In an old manuscript is found the
+following description of a festival given by Prince
+Sapieha, in the sixteenth century.
+</p><p class="fnp1">
+In the middle of huge tables stood a lamb of
+candies and marzipan, which were distributed
+"only to ladies, dignitaries, and church men."
+Around it, representing the seasons of the year,
+stood four wild boars, each stuffed with hams,
+sausages, and turkeys. The prince's chef showed
+wonderful skill in roasting those boars whole.
+Then came twelve deer, also roasted whole, and
+stuffed with a variety of game: hares, woodcocks,
+partridges, hazel-hens, etc.; these were for the
+twelve months of the year. Around the table,
+numbering the weeks of the year, were fifty-two
+mazourkas, that is, large square cakes stuffed
+with all kinds of fruit, and three hundred and
+sixty-five babas, for the days of the year; each
+was one ell high and on their iced surfaces were
+various inscriptions, mottoes, proverbs, and witty
+verses, which the invited guests took pleasure in
+deciphering.
+</p><p class="fnp1">
+In the way of beverages there were: first, four
+antique silver tankards with wine from "King
+Batory's time" (that is, one hundred years old);
+then twelve silver pitchers of old Tokai; then
+fifty-two silver barrels of Spanish, Italian, and
+Cypress wines, and three hundred and sixty-five
+bottles of Hungarian wine. For the household
+there were 8,760 quarts, as many as there are
+hours in one year, of home-made mead. The
+invited guests feasted during one whole week.
+As soon as the morning service was over they
+surrounded the tables, and the entertainment
+lasted till midnight; the prince's court band
+played lively airs, and the young people were
+never tired of dancing, nor the elderly ones of
+talking of "the good old times," sipping the
+Hungarian Malmsey, and drinking to the health
+of the prince.</p></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p class="fnp1"><a name="Footnote_1_15" id="Footnote_1_15"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_1_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a>
+This tree still shades the old building. (Note
+in 1858.)</p></div>
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Journal of Countess Françoise
+Krasinska, by Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Journal of Countess Francoise Krasinska, by
+Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Journal of Countess Francoise Krasinska
+       Great Grandmother of Victor Emmanuel
+
+Author: Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
+Translator: Kasimir Dziekonska
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2011 [EBook #36660]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE JOURNAL OF COUNTESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jen Haines and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    THE JOURNAL OF COUNTESS
+    FRANCOISE KRASINSKA
+    GREAT GRANDMOTHER OF VICTOR
+    EMMANUEL
+
+    TRANSLATED FROM THE POLISH
+    BY
+    KASIMIR DZIEKONSKA
+
+    EIGHTH EDITION
+
+    [Illustration]
+
+    CHICAGO
+    A. C. McCLURG & CO.
+    1907
+
+
+    COPYRIGHT,
+    BY A. C. McCLURG & CO.
+    A.D. 1895.
+
+
+
+
+    THE JOURNAL
+    OF
+    COUNTESS FRANCOISE KRASINSKA
+    IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+
+
+    IN THE CASTLE OF MALESZOW,
+    _Monday, January 1, 1759_.
+
+One week ago--it was Christmas day--my honored Father ordered to
+be brought to him a huge book, in which for many years he has
+written with his own hand all the important things which have
+happened in our country; also copies of the notable pamphlets,
+speeches, manifestoes, public and private letters, occasional
+poems, etc., and having placed everything in the order of its
+date, he showed us this precious collection and read to us some
+extracts. I was much pleased with his idea of recording
+interesting facts and circumstances; and as I know how to write
+pretty well in Polish and in French, and have heard that in
+France some women have written their memoirs, I thought, "Why
+should not I try to do something of the kind?"
+
+So I have made a big copy-book by fastening together many sheets
+of paper, and I shall note down, as accurately as I am able,
+everything which may happen to me and to my family, and I shall
+also mention public affairs as they happen, as far as I may be
+acquainted with them.
+
+To-day is New Year's Day and Monday, a very proper season to
+begin something new. I am at leisure; the morning Service is
+finished, I am dressed and my hair is curled; ten is just
+striking on the castle clock, so I have two hours till dinner
+time. Well, I begin.
+
+I was born in 1742, so I am just past my sixteenth birthday. I
+received at the christening the name of Francoise. I have heard
+more than once that I am pretty, and sometimes looking in the
+mirror, I think so myself. "One has to thank God, and not to
+boast," says my gracious Mother; "it is He that hath made us
+and not we ourselves." I have black hair and eyes, a fair
+complexion and rosy cheeks. I should like to be a little taller,
+but they frighten me by saying I shall not grow any more. I am
+descended from the not only noble, but very old and illustrious
+family of Korwin Krasinski. God forbid I should ever tarnish the
+glorious name I am fortunate enough to bear! on the contrary I
+should like much to add to its fame, and I am often sorry I am
+not a man, as I should then have more opportunities.
+
+The Count, my honored Father, and the Countess, are so sensible
+of the grandeur of the Korwin Krasinski family, and they so often
+speak of it,--not only they, but our courtiers and our guests as
+well,--and it is thought by all to be such a great reproach not to
+know precisely about our ancestors, that we all have our heads
+full of that kind of information. I can recite the genealogy of the
+Krasinskis and the history of each of them as perfectly as my
+morning prayer, and I think that I should have more difficulty
+in telling the names of our Polish kings in chronological order
+than in telling those of my ancestors. The pictures of the most
+illustrious are in our hall,[1] but it would take too long to write
+about each of them. The first of whom we know anything was
+Warcislaus Korwin, from the old Roman family of Corvinus, who,
+in the eleventh century, came from Hungary to Poland and was
+appointed the Hetman (General-in-chief) of the army of King
+Boleslaus II.
+
+    [1] They are still in Count Adam Krasinski's palace
+        in Warsaw.
+
+Having espoused a noble lady of the name of Pobog, Korwin united
+his crest--a raven holding a ring--to that of the Pobogs--a hand
+grasping a sabre--and such is still our cognizance. His grandson
+was the first to take the name Krasinski, that is, _of Krasin_,
+from an estate bestowed upon him by the King as a reward for his
+bravery; and from that time forward many hetmans, castellans,
+woivodes,[2] bishops, etc., made the Krasinski name famous in
+Polish history.
+
+    [2] Governors of provinces.
+
+One of them, Alexander, in this very same Maleszow Castle where
+I am now quietly writing, resisted so bravely a great Tartar
+army, in one of its plundering excursions from Asia, that the
+chief was obliged to retreat; but before leaving, he sent to the
+valorous castellan, as a token of his admiration, the most
+precious thing he possessed,--namely, a clock, of very simple
+construction, it is true, but a great wonder at that time. This
+curious relic, this gift from an enemy,--and he a Tartar, more
+accustomed to take than to give,--is still preserved with great
+care in our family; I have seen it but twice in my life, my
+honored Father keeping it so carefully, and I am sure he would
+not exchange it for ten Paris clocks with all their chimes.
+
+This valiant ancestor of mine was killed in a war with Russia,
+and left no son. His nephew John built in Warsaw a magnificent
+palace in the Italian style, which is said to be more beautiful
+than the King's Castle; but I have not seen it, as I have never
+been in our capital.
+
+John's brother, Alexander, the castellan of Sandomir, was my own
+grandfather. His son, Stanislaus, the Staroste[3] of Nova Wies
+and Uscie, is my honored and beloved Father; he married Angela
+Humiecka, the daughter of the famous Woivode of Podole, my
+honored and beloved Mother. But, to my great sorrow, this line
+of the Krasinski family will become extinct with the Count, my
+Father, as he has four daughters, but no son: Basia (a pet name
+for Barbara) is the eldest; I am the second; then comes Kasia
+(Katherine); and Marynia (Mary) is the youngest.
+
+    [3] Honorary judge.
+
+The courtiers tell me often I am the handsomest, but I am sure I
+do not see it; we all have the bearing becoming young ladies of
+high station, daughters of a Staroste; we are straight as poplars,
+with complexions white as snow and cheeks pink as roses; our
+waists, especially when Madame ties us fast in our stays, can be,
+as they say, "clasped with one hand." In the parlor before guests
+we know how to make our courtesy, low or _degage_, according
+to their importance; we have been taught to sit quiet on the very
+edge of a stool, with our eyes cast down and our hands folded,
+so that one might think we were not able to count three or were
+too prim even to walk out of the room easily. But people would
+think differently if they saw us on a summer morning, when we
+are allowed to go to the woods in morning gowns and without
+stays, puffs, coiffures, or high-heeled shoes: oh! how we climb
+the steep hillsides, and run and shout and sing, till our poor
+Madame is quite out of breath from running and calling after us.
+
+As yet I and my two younger sisters have seldom left home:
+Konskie, the home of our aunt, the Woivodine[4] Malachowska,
+whom we visit twice a year; Piotrowice, where my honored Father,
+after his return from Italy, built a beautiful chapel, like the
+one in Loretto; Lisow, where stands our parish church,--these
+bound all our experiences in travelling. But Basia, as the
+eldest, has already seen a good part of this world: she has been
+twice to Opole, visiting our aunt, the Princess Lubomirska,
+Woivodine of Lublin, whom my Father loves and venerates as a
+mother rather than as an elder sister. Basia has spent also one
+year in the convent of the Ladies of the Visitation at Warsaw,
+and so, of course, she knows more than any of us: her courtesies
+are the lowest, and her manners the most stately.
+
+    [4] Wife of a woivode.
+
+My honored Parents are thinking now of sending me also somewhere
+to finish my education; I am expecting every day to see the
+carriage drive up to the door, and then my gracious Mother will
+tell me to sit beside her, and she will take me either to Warsaw
+or to Cracow. I am perfectly happy at home, but Basia liked the
+convent very much, so I hope that I shall; and then I shall
+improve in the French language, which is now indispensable for a
+lady; also in music and in dancing, and besides that I shall
+see a great town, our capital.
+
+As I have not seen many castles besides Maleszow, I cannot
+judge whether it is pretty or not. I only know that I like it very
+much. Some people think that our castle, with its four stories
+and its four bastions, surrounded with a moat full of water
+crossed by a drawbridge, and situated amidst forests in a rocky
+country, looks rather gloomy, but I do not think so at all. I am
+so happy here that I should like to sing and dance all day long.
+I hear my honored Parents complaining sometimes that they are
+not quite comfortable here. It is true that, although on each floor
+there are besides the parlor, six large rooms and four smaller
+ones in the bastions, we cannot all be accommodated on the same
+floor, as we are a very numerous family. The dining-rooms are on
+the first, the dancing hall on the second, and we girls have to
+occupy the third floor. My honored Parents are no longer young,
+and it fatigues them to go up and down every day, but for me
+these stairs are just my delight! Often, when I have not yet all
+my puffs on, I grasp the stair-rail and I am down in one second
+without my foot once touching the steps. Oh! it is such fun!
+
+It is true our many guests may sometimes be crowded a little in
+their sleeping rooms, but nevertheless, they visit us often, and
+I do not know that we could amuse ourselves better in a more
+spacious palace. I think the Maleszow Castle, if three times as
+large, could not be more magnificent; it is so gay and lively
+that the neighbors often call it little Paris. We are especially
+gay when winter comes; then the captain of our dragoons does
+not lift up the drawbridge until night, so many people are
+continually driving in and out, and our court-band has enough
+to do playing every day for us to dance.
+
+But I ought not to forget to speak about the retinue of our
+Castle, which, in accordance with the rank of my honored
+Parents, is very numerous and stately.
+
+There are two classes of courtiers,--the honorary and the
+salaried ones, all alike nobles, with the sword at their side.
+The first are about twenty in number; their duties are to wait
+in the morning for the Count's entrance, to be ready for any
+service he may require, to accompany him when visiting or
+riding, to defend him in case of need, to give him their voice
+at the Diet, and to play cards and amuse him and his guests.
+This last duty is best performed by our Matenko (Mathias), the
+fool or court jester, as the other courtiers call him; but he
+does not at all deserve that sobriquet, as his judgment is very
+correct and his repartees are very witty. Of all the courtiers
+he is the most privileged, being allowed to speak whenever he
+chooses and to tell the truth frankly.
+
+To the honorary members of our court belong also six girls of
+good family, who live on the same floor with us under the
+superintendence of our Madame, and also two dwarfs. One of the
+latter is about forty, but of the size of a four-year-old child;
+he is dressed as a Turk. The other, still smaller and very
+graceful and pretty, is eighteen years old, and they dress him
+as a Cossack. Sometimes, for sport, my honored Mother orders him
+to be put on the dinner table, and he walks about among the
+bottles and the plates as easily as if he were in a garden.
+
+The honorary courtiers receive no pay, almost all of them being
+the sons and daughters of rather wealthy parents, who send them
+to our castle for training in courtly etiquette. The men
+receive, nevertheless, provision for two horses, and two
+florins[5] weekly for their valets. These servants are dressed,
+some as Cossacks, some as Hungarians, and stand behind their
+masters' chairs at meals. There is no special dinner table for
+them, but they must be satisfied with what their masters leave
+on their plates, and you should see how they follow with a
+covetous eye each morsel on its way from the plate to the
+master's mouth! I do not dare to look at them, partly from fear
+of laughing, and partly out of pity.
+
+    [5] The Polish florin is worth twenty cents.
+
+The salaried courtiers are much more numerous. They do not
+come to our table, except the chaplain, the physician and the
+secretary. The marshal and the butler walk around the table
+watching if anything is wanted; they pour the wine into the
+glasses, often replenishing for the guests, but only on feast
+days keeping the glass full for the courtiers. The commissary,
+the treasurer, the equerry, the gentleman usher, the masters of
+the wardrobe, all dine at the marshal's table. To tell the truth,
+those who sit at our table have more honor than profit, for they
+do not always have the same kind of food that we have, although
+it comes from the same dish. For instance, when the meats are
+brought in, there will be on the dish game or domestic fowl on the
+top, and plain roast beef, or roast pork, underneath. Each course
+is brought on two enormous dishes, and it seems almost impossible
+such heaps could disappear; yet the last man served gets often
+but scanty bits of food, and whether there are four courses, as
+on week days, or seven, as on Sundays, or twelve, as on festivals,
+I do not remember having seen anything left on our table.
+
+The salaried courtiers receive quite high pay, from three
+hundred to a thousand florins annually, also provender for two
+horses each, and the livery for their valets; but then the Count
+expects them all to present themselves well dressed. When he is
+especially pleased with one of them he rewards him generously,
+and every year on the Count's birthday, rich presents in dresses
+and money are distributed.
+
+But this is not our whole retinue; there are also the
+chamberlains,--young boys from fifteen to twenty years of age,
+of noble families, who perform a kind of novitiate in our
+service. Their duties are to be always in attendance, to
+accompany our carriage on horseback, and to be ready for all
+kinds of errands; thus if my honored Parents have letters to be
+carried in haste, or presents or invitations to be sent, they
+always send the chamberlains. One of them, Michael Chronowski,
+will finish his novitiate on Epiphany, and then will come the
+ceremony of liberation, which I shall describe in its place.
+
+As for other people belonging to our retinue, it would be
+difficult to enumerate them; I am sure I do not know how many
+there are of musicians, cooks, linkboys, cossacks, hostlers,
+valets, chamberlains, and boy and girl servants. I know only
+there are five different dinner tables, and two stewards are
+busy from morning till night, giving out the provisions for the
+meals. Very often, especially when fresh supplies are brought
+in, my honored Mother is herself present in the storeroom; she
+also keeps the keys of the medicine closet, where spices,
+dainties, and sweet liquors are kept. Every morning the marshal
+brings to her the dinner and supper menu, which she, with the
+advice of my honored Father, either changes or approves.
+
+The arrangement of our day's occupation is as follows: we rise at
+six o'clock in summer, at seven in winter. All four of us sleep in
+the same room with Madame, and each has an iron bedstead with
+curtains around it. Basia, as the eldest, has two pillows and a silk
+coverlet; we, the younger, have but one pillow and a woollen blanket.
+Having said a French prayer with Madame, we begin our lessons at
+once. At first the chaplain taught us the catechism, and with our
+tutor we learned how to read and write in Polish; but now he teaches
+only my two younger sisters, for Basia and I study with Madame only.
+We learn vocabularies, dialogues, and anecdotes by heart from a
+text-book. At eight we go downstairs to wish our honored Parents
+good-morning and to have breakfast. Then we go to the chapel, where,
+after the mass, the chaplain reads Latin prayers, which we all
+repeat after him aloud. Returning to our room, we learn German
+vocabularies, we write letters and exercises, and Madame dictates
+to us the verses of a French poet, Malesherbes. We have a spinet and
+are taught to play upon it by a German teacher, who directs our
+orchestra; for this service he receives three hundred florins
+annually. We all study music and Basia plays not badly at all.
+
+When our lessons are over we put on wrappers and the coiffeur
+comes to dress our hair, beginning with the eldest. This is a
+long and often painful operation, especially when he is
+inventing some new coiffure. As my hair is the thickest and the
+longest (it drags on the floor when I am sitting before the
+dressing-table), it is on my head that he generally makes his
+experiments. It is true that he does make very beautiful and
+wonderful coiffures; for instance, the one I have to-day, is so
+pretty, having a _laisser aller_ effect: all my hair is lifted
+up very high; half of it is arranged in puffs on the top of the
+head, and the other half falls in loose curls on the neck and
+the shoulders; there must have been at least a half-pound of
+powder used in it. Our dressing takes two or three hours, during
+which Madame reads to us a new French book, the "Magasin des
+Enfants" by Madame Beaumont.
+
+At noon, at the Angelus bell, we go down to dinner, and then, our
+honored Parents allow us to remain with them for the rest of the
+day. We sit generally two hours at table; after that if the
+weather is favorable we take a walk; if not, we always have some
+needle-work on hand for our church in Piotrowice. We sit at our
+embroidery frames as long as we can see, and when the lights are
+brought in, we make netting or do some such light work. There are
+always many wax tapers burning in silver candelabra, and although
+they are rather yellow, being home-made from our own wax, they
+give a very bright light.
+
+Supper is at seven, and afterwards the evening is given to
+amusement. Sometimes we play cards, "Marriage" or "Drujbart,"
+and it is such fun to see the faces Matenko makes, according as
+he gets a seven or a trump!
+
+Once a week a chamberlain goes to Warsaw to bring the newspapers
+and letters, and then the chaplain reads aloud the "Gazette" and
+the "Courier." At times my honored Father reads the old
+chronicles to us; sometimes they are very dull, and sometimes
+very interesting. During the Carnival, there is seldom any
+reading, but there are games, music, and dances. I cannot
+imagine how they can amuse themselves better at the court in
+Warsaw; how can it be anywhere gayer than in our Maleszow?
+Still, I should like so much, if only out of curiosity, to have
+just a taste of that court life. But what do I hear? There is
+the noon bell! I must say the Angelus in haste, see if my
+coiffure is in order, and run downstairs, leaving for to-morrow
+all that I intended to write to-day.
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, January 2.
+
+Yesterday, I wrote about myself and my home; to-day I want to
+write about my country. I should not be a worthy Pole if I were
+not interested in what happens in my own land. People in our
+house talk much about Poland, and I have always listened
+attentively, but much more so since I resolved to write this
+journal.
+
+Our present king is Augustus III., Elector of Saxony, son and
+successor of Augustus II. On the seventeenth of this month, it
+will be twenty-five years since the Bishop of Cracow crowned him
+King of Poland and Lithuania.[6] It is said that he was rather
+indifferent to the Polish crown, when by his father's death the
+chance was opened to him; but he was persuaded to become a
+candidate by his wife, Marie Josephine, daughter of the German
+Emperor Maximilian. This royal lady was very much beloved by the
+Poles: she had a very good influence over the king, her husband,
+and never meddled with any court intrigues; she was charitable,
+beneficent, pious, a good wife and a good mother, and fully
+deserved to be called a model of feminine virtues. She died in
+Dresden two years ago, and I remember well the great sorrow
+caused by the news of her death. In all the churches there were
+grand funeral services, also in our Piotrowice, and all the poor
+people cried and lamented, having lost in her a real mother. She
+had fourteen children, of whom eleven are living: four sons and
+seven daughters.
+
+    [6] At the end of the fourteenth century these two
+        countries were united by the marriage of Hedvig,
+        queen of Poland, with the prince of Lithuania Jagellon.
+
+The king is said to be of a kindly but rather weak character,
+and he has the greatest confidence in his minister Bruehl, who in
+reality is the ruler both of Poland and Saxony. It is said
+affairs are going all wrong in Saxony, and not much better in
+our country. I have often heard people say: "We need a Frederic
+the Great, with a strong head and an iron will;" and as our king
+is old, they are all looking forward and planning already for
+his successor. There are two prominent candidates for the
+throne: one is Stanislaus Poniatowski, who was educated in
+France, spent four years in Russia as the envoy of Poland, and
+there became the favorite of the Empress Catherine II. The other
+candidate is Duke Charles, twenty-six years old, the most
+beloved of the sons of our present king. People say he has a
+real gift for attracting all hearts to him; he is very handsome,
+very stately in figure, and very courteous in manner; and having
+spent almost his whole life in Poland, he knows our language
+perfectly. I have heard so much of his good qualities that my
+best wishes are for him, although Poniatowski is my countryman.
+
+This day will be a memorable one for Duke Charles. A few weeks
+ago he was elected Duke of Courland, which is a tributary of
+Poland, and to-day occurs the "investiture," that is, the giving
+possession. The king is so happy about the good fortune of his
+beloved son, that he is said to look ten years younger. What
+festivals there will be in Warsaw! How I should like to be there
+now, and to see the grand doings, but especially to see the
+royal prince. We shall, at least, drink his health here and cry,
+"Long life to Duke Charles!"
+
+
+     January 3.
+
+Yesterday, just when we were drinking to the health of the Duke
+of Courland, and our band was doing its best, and our company of
+dragoons were firing salutes,--at that very moment the chamberlain,
+who had been sent to Warsaw, returned with the news that on account
+of the indisposition of the duke, the ceremonies of the investiture
+had to be postponed. "Bad omen," said Matenko; "as the mitre slips,
+so the crown will slip." I felt like crying, but there was no time
+for that, as many guests were present; among others, the Woivode of
+Craclaw, Swidinski, with his nephew Father Albert, a Jesuit, whom
+my honored Parents like and respect greatly. Basia is his special
+favorite; he brought her a rosary and a prayer book,--"La Journee
+du Chretien,"--and he spoke several times to her at supper. But then,
+Basia is the eldest; no wonder everybody pays most attention to her.
+
+
+     _Friday_, January 5.
+
+The Woivode and Father Albert are still here, and to-day the two
+sons of the former are expected. I am very anxious to know them,
+as they have both been educated in France, at Luneville, at the
+court of Stanislaus Leszczynski.[7] This nobleman, although his
+country has proved faithless to him, tries to be useful to it,
+and he has always some young Poles at his court, where they
+receive the best education. The sons of our first families court
+this great honor, and there is not a better recommendation for a
+young man than to say of him: "He has been brought up in the
+court of Luneville." He is sure then to be refined, to speak
+French well, and to dance the minuet gracefully; therefore all
+gentlemen brought up at that court are great favorites of the
+ladies. Oh! how curious I am to see these two!
+
+    [7] Stanislaus Leszczynski, surnamed the "most virtuous
+        of men," king of Poland before Augustus II., was
+        dethroned by the Saxon party. He had Lorraine
+        allotted to him, and is still remembered there as
+        the "good King Stanislaus." His daughter Maria was
+        married to Louis XV. of France.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, January 6.
+
+They arrived yesterday, but I cannot say they are quite as I
+expected, especially the elder, the Staroste of Radom. I thought I
+should see a fine young cavalier, like the Prince Cheri, so
+beautifully depicted by Madame de Beaumont, but the Staroste is not
+at all like him; first, he is not very young,--he is about thirty;
+then he is rather stout, and therefore, perhaps, he is not fond of
+dancing. As to his Parisian accent, I cannot judge about that, as
+he did not say one French word, but mixes his Polish and Latin
+quite as the old gentlemen do. His brother, who is a colonel in the
+king's army, pleased me a little more; he has, at least, a fine
+uniform. To-day, the ceremony of liberation of the Chamberlain
+Chronowski will take place. Besides that, as it is customary on
+Epiphany, they are baking an enormous cake with an almond in it,
+and whoever gets the almond will be the Twelfth Night king or
+queen. Oh! if it only came to me! A crown would be put on my head
+and I should have all the ordering of the dances; then what dancing
+there would be! Still, I think, there will be enough in any case,
+for many guests are expected. Our old butler, Peter, was muttering
+to himself this morning that around the church in Piotrowice there
+are said to be ever so many coaches and curricles. Poor man! he is
+expecting more work, so he grumbles; but I feel my heart jumping,
+and my feet are dancing already. How often in this world the same
+thing brings trouble to one and joy to another!
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 7.
+
+Well, yes, they did come, and many of them are still here. Old
+Peter has two wrinkles more on his forehead, but we amused
+ourselves royally. Basia, not I, was the queen, but it was just
+as well. When at the end of the dinner the cake was cut, Basia
+glancing at her piece became red as a pink, and Madame, sitting
+next to her, announced: "Mademoiselle Basia has the almond!"
+Then all the people cried, "Long live the queen!" and Matenko
+added, smiling: "The almond is here, the husband is near." Would
+it not be nice to have a wedding in our house!
+
+Decidedly I do not like the Staroste; he is so grave! Yesterday
+he danced the Polonaise only. He never looks at us girls, nor
+speaks a word to one of us; he converses with my honored Parents
+only, or plays cards, or reads the "Gazette;" so, really, I
+cannot find him very entertaining.
+
+But I am forgetting to speak about Michael Chronowski's
+liberation. Soon after dinner we went to the banquet hall with
+our guests, and all sat around in a large circle, my honored
+Father in the middle, on a higher chair. The folding doors were
+thrown open, and the marshal with other courtiers led in the
+young man, dressed no more in livery, but in a rich Polish
+costume. He knelt down before the Count, who gave him a light
+blow on the cheek in token that he has been novitiate boy here,
+then a sword was fastened to his side and his health was drunk
+in a cup of wine. The Count made him a present of a purse filled
+with gold, and of two horses which were already waiting in the
+courtyard for their new master. Invited to remain here as a
+guest till the end of the carnival, Chronowski accepted the
+invitation with gratitude, and having saluted my honored Parents
+and kissed the hands of all the ladies, was admitted to our
+society and danced with us the whole evening.
+
+
+     January 8.
+
+The prophecy of Matenko proved true, for Basia will be married
+before the carnival is over. Last night the Staroste Swidinski
+asked my honored Parents for her hand; they sent for her this
+morning, told her about it, and the betrothal will take place
+to-morrow. Basia came back in tears to our room, telling us that
+she dreaded the marriage, and would always regret her old home,
+but that it was not possible to refuse such a match, as both
+our honored Parents wished it, and told her she would be very
+happy. The Staroste is, they say, a most honorable man,
+religious, and of a kind disposition; his family is also old and
+very wealthy. His father has allotted him a large estate,
+"Sulgostow," with a beautiful palace, and the king has given him
+the appointment of staroste with the expectation of being soon
+named castellan. For a long time the Woivode and Father Albert
+had been planning this marriage, and they came here for the
+purpose of effecting it.
+
+And so we shall have a wedding here, in Maleszow Castle, on the
+25th of February, at the very end of the carnival. Will there
+not be dancing! Basia will become Madame Starostine; only, it is
+a pity we shall not be allowed to call her "Basia" any more. I
+am very sorry to have written about the Staroste as I did, but
+then it is not I that is to marry him, and if he pleases Basia,
+that is enough. She says she has always been afraid of young
+men, she likes serious ones better; and our honored Mother
+tells her that those make the best husbands. Perhaps so, but as
+for me ... well, it is of no use to think about it at present.
+
+Oh! but I must not forget: the investiture of Duke Charles will
+certainly take place in Warsaw to-day. Colonel Swidinski, who
+knows him personally, has not words enough to tell how charming
+he is. I wonder if I shall ever see him.
+
+
+     January 10.
+
+The betrothal took place yesterday. In the morning, when we came
+down, my honored Mother gave Basia a skein of tangled silk to
+wind.[8] The poor girl, with flushing cheeks, began the task,
+not daring to look up from her work, for she knew that all eyes,
+especially those of the Staroste, were fixed upon her; and
+besides, that mischievous Matenko was teasing her without end,
+making all the people laugh.
+
+    [8] An old Polish custom, by which a young girl was to
+        prove whether she was patient enough to meet the
+        trials of married life.
+
+After dinner, when she sat again before her winding-frame, the
+Staroste came near and asked in a voice loud enough for all to
+hear: "May I believe that your ladyship's will is favorable to
+my desires?" "The will of my honored Parents," answered Basia,
+with a trembling voice, "has ever been a sacred law to me." And
+that was the whole of the conversation between the betrothed.
+
+When the courtiers had left the room and we were alone with our
+guests, the Woivode and Father Albert arose, the former taking
+by the hand the Staroste, and standing before my honored Parents
+he thus addressed them: "For a long time my heart has been
+filled with the most sincere affection and profound veneration
+for the illustrious family of Korwin Krasinski; for a long time
+I have desired fervently that my modest name be united with your
+glorious one, and I cannot express the great satisfaction which
+I feel in knowing that your Grace is willing to grant me this
+favor. You have a most honorable daughter, Barbara; I have this
+son, Michael, who is my comfort and my pride; are you willing to
+renew to-day your promise to join this young pair for their
+lifetime? Here is the ring which I received on a like occasion
+from my honored Parents, in order to give it to my wife, who is,
+alas! no more in this world, but who still lives in my heart.
+Will you allow my son to offer it now to your daughter as a
+pledge of a closer tie?" Saying this he laid a costly diamond
+ring on a little silver tray which Father Albert was holding.
+The latter also made a speech, but he used so many Latin words
+that I could not make anything of it.
+
+My honored Father rose and answered: "I repeat now what I told
+you yesterday, that I consent to the marriage of my daughter
+with the most honorable Staroste; I give her to him with my
+sincere blessing, and I transfer to him all my rights as a
+Father." "I do the same, and with my whole heart," added my
+honored Mother. "Here is a ring, the most precious jewel in my
+house; my Father, the Woivode of Podole, received it after his
+victory over the Turks, from the hands of our late king,
+Augustus II. This was my betrothal ring, and I give it now to my
+eldest daughter, with a Mother's blessing, and with a prayer to
+the Almighty that she may be as happy as I have been." She then
+placed on the tray a ring with a very large diamond, which,
+being raised, disclosed the miniature of the late king.
+
+"Basia! come here, my girl," said my honored Father. She rose
+and advanced, but was so confused and trembling that I wonder
+how she ever reached the spot. Father Albert blessed the rings,
+and gave the first one to the Staroste, who, having kissed my
+sister's hand, placed the ring on her fourth finger; Basia, in
+her turn, gave him the ring with the portrait, and had her hand
+kissed once more. Then the Staroste fell at the feet of my
+honored Parents, thanking them, and calling God to witness that
+he would do all in his power to make their daughter happy; in
+the mean time the Woivode kissed the trembling Basia on the
+brow, while Father Albert and the colonel paid her many fine
+compliments.
+
+At the end my honored Father took a large cup, filled it with
+old Hungarian wine, and drank the young couple's health; and all
+the gentlemen did the same.
+
+The whole ceremony was so solemn and so touching that I could
+not keep back my tears. "Do not weep, Frances," said Matenko,
+who still remained in the room and for once was serious, "do not
+weep; in less than one year it will be your ladyship's turn." In
+one year? ... no, that would be too soon, but in a few years,
+perhaps....
+
+Everybody in the house is now paying so much attention to Basia!
+My honored Parents kissed her on the cheek when she wished them
+good-night, and all the people are congratulating her and
+recommending themselves to her, as many wish that she would take
+them to her new court.
+
+My honored Father brought out a bag containing a thousand
+ducats, which he gave my honored Mother for the trousseau, and
+during several hours they discussed together its details.
+To-morrow Mlle. Zawistoska, a very respectable woman, who has
+been brought up in our castle and will be Basia's lady's maid,
+is going with the commissary to Warsaw to make the necessary
+purchases.
+
+In our store-house there are four big trunks with silver plate,
+one for each of us. The Count ordered the one which is designed
+for Basia to be opened; examined each piece himself, and those
+which need repairs or alteration are to be sent to Warsaw.
+
+The letters to announce the approaching marriage are already
+being written, and the chamberlains will take them to all parts
+of Poland, to all relatives and friends, inviting them to the
+wedding. But the most stately of our courtiers, the equerry,
+will go to Warsaw with letters to the king, the royal princes,
+the primate, and the chief senators. In these missives the Count
+gives notice of his daughter's intended marriage, but sends no
+invitations, as the presence of those persons will depend upon
+their own pleasure. Oh! if one of them, for instance the Duke of
+Courland, should come here, what grandeur would be added to the
+wedding; but more probably they will send their envoys only,
+who, in that case, receive all the honors due to those they
+represent.
+
+The Staroste gave handsome tokens of remembrance to each of us
+sisters. I received a costly brooch with turquoises; Mary, a ruby
+cross; Kasia, a Venetian chain. Also he offered presents to my
+honored Parents, which they deigned to accept,--the Count, a golden
+cup; the Countess, a work-box, in which all the implements are of
+mother-of-pearl and gold. He did not forget even our Madame, who
+found this morning a lace shawl on her bed; so she also highly
+praises our Polish generosity.
+
+Last night we had a grand supper. The music was beautiful, the
+dragoons fired salutes, and the captain gave to the guard for a
+watchword the names Michael and Barbara.
+
+This morning there was given a great hunting-party, for Basia's
+good luck, and it was unusually successful; they brought home one
+boar, two deer, four hinds, and many hares. The boar was killed by
+the Staroste himself, who laid his trophy at Basia's feet. I have
+learned to-day what a brave man the Staroste is. My honored Father
+ordered for the hunters all the horses from the stables, and among
+others there was one, a great beauty, but very wild; even the
+equerry does not dare to ride him. The Staroste said, however, that
+he would try him, and notwithstanding all the remonstrances, he sat
+upon him with ease and held him with such a clever and strong hand
+that, in spite of all the animal's prancing and jumping, he rode
+three times around the castle. It was beautiful to see. Basia
+turned pale at first, but when she saw how he was able to manage
+the horse, and when loud bravos began to resound, then deep blushes
+covered her cheeks, especially when all eyes turned towards her.
+By this act the Staroste quite gained my favor; one who is so brave
+and so strong, can be pardoned even if he does not like to dance
+the minuet. The Count presented the horse to his future son-in-law,
+adding a rich equipment and a groom; he deserved it.
+
+To-morrow the Woivode and the Staroste are going away, in order
+to prepare the Sulgostow house for its new mistress.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 20.
+
+During more than a week I have not opened my diary, for we are
+very busy. The afternoons and evenings are spent with our
+guests, and the mornings are given to work, as each sister
+wishes to make something with her own hands for Basia's
+trousseau. I am embroidering a dishabille with flowers in
+lace-stitch, and I have to get up very early in the morning and
+work even by candle-light in order to be ready in season. Mary
+is making a very pretty scarf; it will have an arabesque
+embroidered on fine muslin in dark silks and gold; Kasia is
+knitting a cover for the dressing table; so all the lessons are
+put aside, and even Madame de Beaumont is forgotten.
+
+From the early morning, my honored Mother is busy, unlocking the
+trunks, the drawers, and the cupboards,--taking out linen,
+silks, furs, carpets, rugs, curtains, etc. She has many things
+still remaining from her own trousseau, and many others bought
+later, as during all these years she has been gathering all
+kinds of beautiful things for our marriage outfits; really they
+are well worth seeing. Sometimes she deigns to call me to assist
+her, and it is quite touching to see her anxiety to do right by
+each of us; she divides all these treasures in four portions,
+and sometimes she even asks my honored Father and the chaplain
+to give their opinion whether the shares are quite of equal
+value.
+
+A tailor and a furrier have come from Warsaw, and there is so
+much to be done that they will not have finished for a month.
+Fortunately, almost all the linen is ready, our sewing-girls
+having worked upon it for these last two years, and now they
+are marking it with blue cotton.
+
+Basia wonders what she will do with all the new dresses they are
+making for her; until now we had never more than four at the
+same time, two dark woollen ones for every day, and two white
+ones, one in cotton for Sundays, another in batiste for great
+occasions. But my honored Mother says that what is good enough
+for a young girl would not be proper for a married lady.
+
+Basia has wound the tangled silk with such patience that,
+although green, it has not in the least changed its color; even
+Matenko acknowledges that she is fit to be married. She is now
+knitting from that silk a purse for the Staroste by my honored
+Mother's direction.
+
+The equerry and the chamberlain are gone with the invitations.
+On the 8th of January the investiture of the royal prince took
+place at last. The night before, my uncle the Prince Lubomirski,
+Woivode of Lublin, who is also the marshal to the royal prince,
+gave a great ball; other festivals, dinners, and balls followed
+for more than a week. The new duke made a speech in the Polish
+language, which pleased immensely; he is now treated quite as a
+crowned prince. In the "Courier" there is a full account of the
+ceremonies. It is very interesting; I should like to copy it
+here, but I have not the time.
+
+
+     January 25.
+
+The Staroste arrived last night, and this morning Basia found on
+her work-table two large silver baskets with oranges and
+bonbons, which she distributed among us and our court ladies.
+Our work is progressing rapidly and my _neglige_ is half done.
+
+Basia will be provided with feather-beds from her own household,
+for to each of us daughters has been allotted for many years a
+certain number of geese and swans. There is among the servants a
+poor, stupid girl who is not able to do anything but pluck the
+feathers, and each of us has a separate barrel for feathers and a
+bag for down. Basia, out of her share, will have two feather-beds,
+eight big pillows filled with goose-down, and four small ones of
+swan's-down. The pillows will be made of red silk, and the cases of
+Holland linen lawn embroidered.
+
+
+     February 2.
+
+The Staroste stayed nearly a week and departed yesterday; the
+next time he will not go away alone, but Basia will go with him.
+It seems to me quite impossible that she will leave us and go
+alone with a man! Basia's friendship and esteem for the Staroste
+grows every day, although he never speaks with her; all his
+conversation is with my honored Parents, and all his attentions
+are paid to them. They say it ought to be so in an honorable
+courtship, for is there a better way of gaining the heart of the
+daughter than by pleasing the Parents?
+
+The wedding will be in three weeks; we shall have new dresses as
+well as the court ladies; all these will be Basia's gift.
+
+Many of the invited guests have already replied that they are
+coming, but the king and the royal princes will send only their
+envoys. It is doubtful, also, if my aunt, the Princess Woivodine
+of Lublin will be able to come, but she is much pleased with
+Basia's choice, and she wrote a beautiful letter with her
+blessing,--which made my honored Father very happy.
+
+I am hurrying with my embroidery, but I must rise early and work
+by candle-light, for my honored Mother is so gracious toward me
+that she often wants my help and service. Before this, only
+Basia, as the eldest, was so fortunate, but now, my honored
+Parents want me to have some practice in order to take her place
+when the Staroste takes her away. Twice already I have had the
+key of the medicine closet intrusted to me, and I really think
+since then I have grown more serious.
+
+
+     February 12.
+
+The preparations for the wedding are going on, and our visitors
+begin to arrive. Almost all the guest-rooms are already
+occupied, and the farm-house, the parsonage, even the better
+peasant-cottages will be wanted for the later comers. The cooks
+and the confectioners are already preparing all kinds of
+delicacies and sweetmeats for the coming event.
+
+To-day the beds have been sent to Sulgostow and two enormous
+chests with mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains, etc. The
+bedsteads are of carved oak with blue covers, curtains, and
+canopies; on the four corners there will be bunches of blue and
+white ostrich-feathers. Almost every moment Basia has good
+reason for embracing the hands and the feet of our honored
+Parents, they are so generous toward her. The Count is writing
+with his own hand, in a large book, the contents of the
+trousseau, beginning with these words:--
+
+"Inventory of the wedding outfit which I, Stanislaus Korwin
+Krasinski, Staroste of Nova Wies, etc., etc., and Angela, born
+Humiecka, my honored wife, are giving to our eldest and beloved
+daughter Barbara, promised in marriage to the honorable Michael
+Swidinski, Staroste of Radom; and imploring for this daughter of
+ours the favor of Heaven, we bestow upon her our parental
+blessing, _in nomine Patri et Filii et Spiritu Sancto_. Amen." I
+should like to copy here the whole inventory, but first, I have
+no time, and secondly, I expect to receive a trousseau like this
+sometime myself, and what is still better, such a blessing of my
+own.
+
+
+     February 20.
+
+Three days more and then the wedding. The Staroste arrived
+yesterday; Basia shook like a leaf when the chamberlain brought him
+into the parlor. To-day we are expecting the Woivode, Father
+Albert, the colonel and the Woivodine Granowska, sister of the
+Staroste, with her husband. Basia is entering into a fine
+family,--all religious and worthy people. The trousseau is quite
+finished, and what has not already been sent to Sulgostow is packed
+in trunks, of which Mademoiselle Zavistoska has the keys. Besides
+this mademoiselle, Basia will take with her two young girls, her
+goddaughters, well trained in all kinds of needle-work, and as
+companion, one of the six damsels who have been brought up with us.
+When I am married I shall take still more; I have already solemnly
+promised three girls that they shall go with me; one of them is the
+daughter of our Peter. In his grateful joy, the old man bowed to my
+feet, and for the first time his forehead was free from wrinkles.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, February 22.
+
+The wedding will be to-morrow. Our guests are numberless, and all
+the envoys are here. The king's envoy is the Secretary Borch; that
+of the Duke of Courland, his confidant the Castellanic[9]
+Kochanowski, a very handsome and polite cavalier; the proverb is
+right: "As the master, so the valet." I cannot possibly describe
+all the others; they arrived, as if by appointment, at the same
+hour yesterday, and their entrance was quite imposing. Before every
+one of them our dragoons presented arms, while the cannons were
+firing and the music playing. The greatest honors were shown to the
+king's envoy; the Count, having been informed of the hour of his
+arrival, was waiting with head uncovered on the drawbridge, and all
+our guests, courtiers, and servants stood in a double row up to the
+entrance door. As soon as the secretary stepped on the bridge they
+all shouted "Vivat!" and bowed low in salutation.
+
+    [9] Son of a castellan.
+
+To-day, in the presence of the whole company, and before
+appointed witnesses, the marriage contract was written, but I do
+not know what it contains, as I have not understood a single
+word of it. I know only that the bride received many beautiful
+presents: from the Staroste three strings of oriental pearls;
+from the Woivode a rich diamond cross and an aigrette with
+diamond pendants; from the colonel an enamelled watch and chain;
+from Father Albert many relics; and from each relative a
+souvenir. Basia can hardly believe that all these riches belong
+to her; until now, her only jewel, besides her betrothal ring,
+was a small ring with the picture of the Holy Virgin on it, and
+I am sure Basia will not discard her old friend for all the
+costly jewels which she now receives.
+
+The maid has just brought my _neglige_, washed and pressed; it
+looks very nice. There are twenty-five different kinds of
+lace-stitch in it; I am sure it will be becoming to Basia.
+
+
+     _Shrove Tuesday_, February 26.
+
+All is over, and as Matenko says, "with a hundred horses one
+could not catch Mademoiselle Barbara any more;" she is Madame
+Starostine. I have much to tell.
+
+Yesterday, very early in the morning, we rode to our parish
+church in Lisow, where the bride and the bridegroom went to
+confession and to communion. As it was cold the bride wore a
+white cloak of brocade silk, lined with white fox fur, and on
+her head a long lace veil.
+
+When we returned breakfast was served, and soon afterwards the
+dressing of the bride commenced; twelve noble ladies headed by
+my honored Mother undertook that important task. The dress was
+of white satin, with watered silk stripes, a frill of Brabant
+lace with silver ornaments at the bottom, and a long train; a
+rosemary bouquet fastened the front of the corsage. On her head
+the bride wore a rosemary wreath held in place by a gold circlet
+on which was engraved the date of the wedding and good wishes in
+rhyme. According to the old Polish custom, my honored Mother
+fastened in the wreath a ducat with the date of Basia's
+birth-year, and a bit of bread for good luck; she also added to
+the above a lump of sugar in order to sweeten the married life,
+which they say has many difficulties. No jewels were allowed,
+for it is said that for each precious stone worn on the wedding
+day, one has to pay afterwards with a vial of tears. As it is,
+Basia has wept enough, so that her eyes are red and swollen.
+
+A little in advance, the bridesmaids went downstairs; we were
+twelve, all dressed in white, and the eldest of us was not more
+than eighteen. The bridegroom with twelve groomsmen met us at
+the door of the parlor, and there we found all the guests
+assembled. An enormous tray was carried behind us, heaped with
+bouquets of rosemary and orange sprays, each tied with a white
+ribbon, which were destined for the young ladies and bachelors
+present at the wedding. To fasten on these bouquets, each
+bridesmaid had a certain number of gold and silver pins, and
+great care was to be used in distributing the different values
+according to the rank of each person. The elderly ladies have
+been teaching us for a long time about the method we should
+follow in order not to cause offence by giving the priority to
+persons of lesser rank, and we were sure we understood the
+lesson perfectly; but as soon as we were in the hall, everything
+was forgotten. At first, we began our task very gravely, then we
+went on with a smile, and finally we broke into laughter; many
+and many mistakes were committed, but all were pardoned, and
+our gaiety was so contagious that soon the married people and
+even the elderly ladies and venerable gentleman,--none of whom
+have any right to wear flowers on a wedding day,--all wanted a
+bouquet. The first heap disappeared; they brought a second tray
+full, and a third one; we had no more gold or silver pins, and
+had to use the ordinary ones, but they were received just as
+well. At the end everybody looked happy; all had their bouquets,
+and the room was like a garden.
+
+But no, I am mistaken, not everybody was happy,--Matenko stood
+sad in a corner; although a bachelor he had received no flowers,
+and he looked as if he did not belong to the wedding party. I
+stepped up to him, and he said in a low, grieved voice: "I do
+not wonder that the other young ladies have not thought of
+me,--but Miss Frances, whom I have known as a baby, whom, for so
+many years, I have played with and amused, that she should
+forget me! Well, I will not come to her wedding, even if she
+marries a king's son!" I knew that I blushed half pleased, but
+was still more vexed at my forgetfulness.
+
+I ran to the dressing-room, but there was not one bouquet left,
+for my honored Mother, hearing how the flowers were being
+appropriated in the hall, took the remaining ones for the ladies
+who were dressing the bride and for herself. The greenhouses
+were too far off to send there, and I wanted, at any price, a
+bouquet for poor Matenko. Suddenly a happy thought came to my
+mind: I caught a piece of white ribbon and returning hastily to
+the parlor, took off my bouquet and gave half of it, with the
+golden pin, to Matenko. He was so pleased! "Franulka," he
+exclaimed, "you are as kind as you are handsome! I am sometimes
+a prophet; remember, young lady, what I have said to you.... I
+shall keep these flowers till your wedding day, and who knows
+with what title I shall address you when giving them back?" How
+strange! Notwithstanding all the distractions of the day, his
+words are still ringing in my ears; and here I am writing about
+myself, when I ought to think only about Basia.
+
+To return to the wedding: the folding doors were thrown open and
+Basia entered timidly, surrounded by the elderly ladies. The
+bridegroom approached and took her by the hand, and the two
+knelt down before my honored Parents, asking them for their
+blessing; then they went with the same request to us, to all the
+relatives, guests, and the whole household present, and there
+was not one person who did not bless them with his whole heart
+and with tears in his eyes.
+
+The chapel door opened. Father Albert put on a lace surplice, and
+standing before the altar, called upon us to draw near. The
+Secretary Borch as the king's representative, and the Castellanic
+Kochanowski, led the bride; Mademoiselle Malachowska and I, as
+first bridesmaids, were directed to lead the bridegroom. All the
+other people went behind us, two by two, in such deep silence that
+one could hear the rustle of the silk dresses, even the tinkling of
+the diamond aigrettes in the ladies' coiffures.
+
+The altar was glittering with lights; a carpet woven with golden
+threads covered the steps, and on the highest were two red
+velvet cushions with the coats of arms of the two families,
+embroidered in gold.
+
+The young pair knelt down; the bridesmaids were placed on the
+right side of the altar; the groomsmen on the left; I held a
+small gold tray with the wedding rings on it, my honored Parents
+stood behind Basia, the Woivode behind the Staroste. The castle
+band in the choir played "Veni Creator," after which Father
+Albert recited an allocution, almost the whole in Latin, and
+then he began to read the words of the marriage vow. Basia,
+although in tears, repeated distinctly enough: "I, Barbara, take
+you, Michael, for my wedded husband," etc., but the Staroste
+pronounced the words much louder. After the rings were exchanged
+the married pair fell down at the feet of my honored Parents
+and the Woivode's, and were blessed again.
+
+Then the marshal gave a sign; the band in the choir and the
+Italian singers fetched from Warsaw began a triumphal march,
+accompanied by the discharge of cannons outside, and when this
+was all over, and silence re-established, the Count pronounced a
+fine and very moving exhortation, at the end of which Basia fell
+again at his feet, sobbing; she tried to speak, but not a word
+could she utter.
+
+After mutual embracings, salutations, and congratulations,
+Father Albert sprinkled us with holy water, and presented a
+cross with relics to be kissed. But he made a mistake, giving it
+first to Madame the Castellan Jordan before Madame Kochanowska,
+mother of the duke's envoy. Fortunately, my honored Mother
+noticed the error, and begged the latter lady to lead the
+bridegroom from the altar, and thus happily all unpleasantness
+was avoided. The bride was attended by the king's envoy, and
+again, two by two, we returned from the chapel. Soon afterwards
+the dinner was announced. The tables in the banquet-hall were
+arranged so as to form the letter B; in the centre stood the
+result of the fortnight's invention and labor of our French
+confectioner,--an ell[10]-high pyramid representing the temple of
+Hymen, where, amidst all kind of ornaments, allegorical figures,
+and inscriptions, were the coats of arms of the two families.
+There were also many other devices on the table, in silver
+baskets, vases, epergnes, porcelain figures, etc.; it was so
+crowded that our little dwarf could not have easily walked on
+the table this time. It would not be possible to enumerate all
+the courses of the dinner, and as for the wine which was drunk,
+I wonder if the butler himself could give an account. Besides
+other wines, they drank at that dinner a barrel of wine which
+was called "Miss Barbara's wine," which the Count, according to
+the Polish custom, brought from Hungary in the year of Basia's
+birth, and which had been kept for her wedding day. Each of us
+has such a barrel. Then they began the toasts: first for Poland,
+then for the young pair, then for the king, the Duke of
+Courland, the royal princes, the primate, the master of the
+house, the ladies, etc., each accompanied with loud shoutings,
+hurrahs, breaking of the glasses, with the music of the band and
+the firing of cannons; altogether there was such a tumult that I
+think there will not be a greater one on doomsday.
+
+    [10] Two feet.
+
+After dessert was served, and we thought it was time to leave the
+table, the Count gave a sign to the marshal, who brought in a black
+leather box with brass ornaments, which I had never seen before. My
+honored Father opened it and took out a golden cup embossed with
+precious stones and shaped like a raven; then rising, he announced
+with great solemnity that this cup was a souvenir from the time of
+the Corvins of Rome, and it had not been taken from its box since
+the day of his own wedding. The butler placed before him a bottle
+covered with mould, containing, as they said, wine a hundred years
+old. The Count poured out the whole into the cup, and lifting it
+cried: "Good luck to the young pair!" The hurrahs began anew, the
+music was louder than ever, the cannons fired, every man drank that
+toast in one draught, and after that we rose from the table.
+
+The daylight was gone already. The lady-guests went to change
+their dresses, but the bride and the bridesmaids remained in the
+same toilets. About eight o'clock the dances began. The bride
+opened the ball with the king's envoy, and during the whole
+evening danced in the first set. At first there were grave
+polonaises, minuets, and contra-dances, but by and by, the
+gaiety increasing, we had the mazourkas and the cracoviaks. The
+Castellanic Kochanowski dances the cracoviak like an angel; and
+according to the custom, when he was in the first set he sang
+impromptu verses, very witty and apropos.
+
+At midnight the music stopped and the "Cap" ceremony began. A
+stool was placed in the middle of the room, the bride sat down,
+and the bridesmaids began to undo her hair, singing in plaintive
+voices the old song: "Ah! we are losing you, Basia." Then my
+honored Mother removed the rosemary wreath and the Woivodine
+Malachowska put in its place a big lace cap. It seemed Basia was
+costumed for fun, and I should have laughed had not her eyes
+been overflowed with tears. The cap is very becoming to her,
+which they say is a sign that her husband will love her very
+much. I am sure he will; he could not help it, she is so good.
+
+When this ceremony was over the bride was ordered to dance the
+"drabant" with the king's envoy, in honor of the reigning
+family, who introduced that dance in our country; after that,
+the music played again a very solemn polonaise, and the bride
+danced it with all the gentlemen present, one after another,
+beginning with the Woivode Swidinski, and ending with my
+honored Father, who, having once paced the ballroom with her,
+led her to the Staroste and gave her to him, not only for that
+dance, but for her whole lifetime.
+
+This was the end of that night's entertainment for us girls; my
+honored Mother ordered us to go to bed, and the elder ladies
+took the bride to the apartment reserved for the young couple.
+Other married and elderly people followed them, and I was told
+there were still more speeches in giving away the bride,
+returning of thanks from the bridegroom, new toasts, and all,
+that lasted very late into the night.
+
+I slept wonderfully after all the excitement, and my feet are so
+rested that I am quite ready for to-night's ball. I danced
+mostly with the duke's envoy, the Castellanic Kochanowski, who
+returned from Luneville one year ago, and since then has been
+with the duke. He speaks very highly of his master; judging from
+the confidant, the other must be really a wonder.
+
+I have not seen Basia yet, or rather Madame Starostine, as my honored
+Parents order us to call her. It seems so strange not to have her in
+our room. I have inherited her bed, her work-table, and all the rights
+of the eldest daughter. They will call me now "Mademoiselle Staroste,"
+not simply "Mademoiselle Francoise," or "Franulka," as they did until
+now. It is a very little compensation, but still....
+
+We shall begin the dances very early to-night, as it is the last
+Tuesday before Lent, so we have to stop at midnight.
+
+
+     _Ash Wednesday_, February 27.
+
+Ash Wednesday, what a pity! no more dancing till next Carnival.
+Our guests begin to depart: the king's envoy is gone, the young
+married couple are going the day after to-morrow, and we shall
+accompany them as far as their home, for the house-warming. The
+Staroste invited no guests but his relations, as big parties are
+not proper in Lent. I am very anxious to see the new home of my
+dearest sister; I cannot get accustomed to call her "Madame
+Starostine," but it would not be proper to speak to her
+otherwise, as even my honored Parents always call her so. She
+grew very grave from her wedding day; the cap she is wearing and
+the robes with long trains make her look several years older;
+she is sad and speaks very little; I am sure she grieves to
+leave her home, and to go away with a man whom she knows so
+little. It must be awful!
+
+
+     _Saturday_, March 9.
+
+Last night we returned from Sulgostow. I had a lovely time, but
+it is a pity not to have Madame Starostine back with us. Last
+Friday, before we started, she went very early to our parish
+church in Lisow, where she hung the half of a golden heart as a
+token that the half of her own heart will remain here. When she
+came back home she went around the whole castle, as if wishing
+to say good-bye to each corner, then she took her farewell of
+all the people in the household, and had a kind word for
+everybody.
+
+When we were finishing a hasty breakfast, we heard loud
+crackings of the whip, and a chamberlain entered announcing that
+everything was ready for the journey. The Staroste looked at his
+wife, and whispered that it was time to set out. She fell then,
+sobbing, at the feet of my honored Parents, thanking them for
+all their favors that she had received during the eighteen years
+of her life, asking their pardon for all the offences she might
+have committed, and telling them that she wished nothing more
+than to be henceforth as happy as she had been. For the first
+time in my life I saw the Count crying; oh! how they blessed
+her! it did one's heart good to hear it, and there was not a
+person in the room whose eyes were dry.
+
+We went to the bridge, but the captain ordered it to be lifted, and
+refused to let the bride go away until the Staroste gave him a ring
+as a token that he would bring her back again. The carriages of the
+Staroste were splendid,--a closed carriage painted yellow, lined with
+red damask, with seats for two persons, a landau with four seats, a
+coach, and several curricles. The horses were beautiful, especially
+six white ones drawing the yellow carriage in which the young couple
+were seated by themselves; behind them came the carriages with the
+women, and we came last. Madame Staroste sobbed so loud that we
+could hear her. Many courtiers and peasants followed the carriage,
+crying and blessing her. She gave them all the money she had with
+her, and the Staroste threw silver pieces bountifully.
+
+At each halting-place where we stopped everything was prepared
+for our arrival: the floors were covered with rugs, the tables
+laid, and the waiters dressed in livery. On the following
+evening we reached Sulgostow. The Woivode and Father Albert
+started on ahead of us, in order to receive the bride in her new
+home. At the frontier of the property the peasants stopped the
+carriage of the young pair and offered bread and salt; one of
+the oldest men made a speech, followed by loud shouts of "Long
+live!" and when we entered the gate a company of hussars, whom
+the Staroste keeps in his court, fired salutes. Before the
+entrance door, the Woivode stood, with the whole court, and all
+of them gave the heartiest welcome to their new mistress. When
+we entered, the Staroste brought his wife a big bundle of keys,
+placing thus the whole house under her direction. From the
+following morning Madame Starostine took the management, and it
+was really wonderful how everything seemed easy to her and went
+smoothly; but, as the eldest of us, she was accustomed for many
+years to assist my honored Mother in her household duties.
+
+Sulgostow looks quite different from Maleszow. It is a palace,
+not a castle, but still it is very grand and gay; the retinue is
+numerous, the house well provided, and, what is best, all the
+people seem so very happy to have my sister there.
+
+For the first time in my life I tasted coffee in Sulgostow. My
+honored Parents do not like this fashionable beverage, which
+was introduced recently to Poland; they say that it spoils the
+complexion, so it is never served in our house. But the people
+in Sulgostow like it exceedingly, and the Staroste begged
+permission for me to drink a small cup of it.
+
+It was rather melancholy to come back, although the Castellanic
+Kochanowski, who accompanied us on horseback, tried his best to
+entertain me. The young man has been invited to Sulgostow, as a former
+comrade of the young Swidinski at Luneville, but he is much younger
+than they are. In society they call him a "charmer," and really he
+deserves the title; what then must be the duke, his master!
+
+I have had no time yet to look about me in Maleszow, as we
+arrived late in the evening, and the first thing I did to-day
+was to begin to write, but I am sure it will seem very sad here
+for a time.
+
+
+     March 12.
+
+I guessed right, it is desolate without my dearest sister; the
+castle seems void as if she had taken away all the life with
+her. My honored Parents also miss her very much, for she, as the
+eldest daughter, was more with them, and she was so clever! I
+try my best to take her place, but I know neither how to fill
+the Count's pipe as well as she did, nor to assort the colors
+for my honored Mother's embroidery. And then she was so
+thoughtful, never forgetting anything,--just the reverse of me.
+We talk of her constantly. To-day a chamberlain will be sent to
+Sulgostow with compliments and inquiries about my dear sister's
+health, and there was almost a fight among the young men, all of
+them wanted so much to go.
+
+The Castellanic has departed, and for the last three days we
+have had no visitors but two begging friars from a neighboring
+convent.
+
+I have laughed but once. My honored Mother had distributed all
+of Basia's dresses among our waiting-ladies and maids, and last
+Sunday, as by a tacit understanding, each of them appeared
+wearing a part of Basia's former attire: one had a skirt,
+another a cape or a waist, etc. Matenko looked around and sighed
+heavily. "What is the matter?" we asked. "I am grieved," he
+answered, "to see the property of the late Miss Barbara so
+scattered." We began to laugh, but were reproved by the Count,
+who quoted the old proverb: "Quiet at table as in church."
+
+Something quite new and unexpected happened to me yesterday.
+When we came down at noon, I saw the Castellanic Kochanowski,
+who was standing with the Count in a window's embrasure, talking
+so eagerly that he did not see us entering. I could not hear
+their conversation, but my ear caught the last words, spoken
+with some emphasis by my honored Parent: "Yes, sir, you will
+soon hear about the final resolution." Having said this he
+whispered a word to my honored Mother, who made a sign to the
+marshal and gave him a secret order. The dinner was served, the
+Castellanic sat opposite to me, and then I observed how
+elegantly he was dressed,--a velvet coat all embroidered, a
+white satin waistcoat, lace frills at his shirt, lace ruffles,
+and a coiffure as fresh as from a bandbox. He never was so
+lively and brilliant, and he mixed such beautiful French with
+his Polish, and looked really charming. The dinner was longer
+than usual; we waited a while for the roast, and when they
+brought it in, I saw my Castellanic changing his color and
+growing pale. I looked at the dishes; I saw a goose with black
+gravy,[11] and then I guessed all.
+
+    [11]It was a generally observed custom to serve a goose
+        with dark gravy as a polite but positive answer that
+        the proposal of marriage was not accepted. A pumpkin
+        put in the carriage of the young man when he was
+        leaving had the same meaning. Until now the saying
+        "He received a pumpkin," or "He was treated to a
+        goose fricassee," is often used.
+
+I did not dare to lift my eyes; queer thoughts were whirling in
+my head. I remembered the lively cracoviaks and graceful
+minuets, the elegant seat on horseback, the fine French
+conversation, the beautiful compliments, and I felt a pang in my
+heart. I had not the courage to touch the dish; my honored
+Parents refused it also, and but for the end of the table the
+dishes would have been untouched. Matenko was the first to help
+himself, and looking at his plate said aloud: "Well, it is
+rather a hard morsel, but still, it will be digested." I thought
+that was disagreeable of him.
+
+It seemed to me that we stayed ages at table. Finally the Count
+gave the sign to rise, and as we were saying our "benedicite" I
+saw the Castellanic stealing away, and he did not appear again.
+
+When the courtiers had withdrawn, my honored Parents called me
+from my work, and the Count spoke thus: "Mademoiselle, to-day
+the Castellanic Kochanowski asked for your hand. Although his
+lineage is noble and ancient, and his fortune considerable,
+nevertheless we did not think it was a suitable match. First,
+the Castellanic is very young; he has no position of his own,
+and is called only by the title of his deceased father;
+secondly, he did not set about the matter in the proper way. He
+asked no notable person to speak for him,--he came by himself,
+made his declaration at once, and wanted an immediate reply,
+which he received unreservedly. We do not doubt, Frances, that
+you are of the same opinion." Having said this, without waiting
+for my answer, he bade me return to my work.
+
+Well, thinking it over, certainly I am of the same opinion as my
+honored Parents, as well by duty as by my own conviction; but to
+be quite sincere, I do not find fault with the Castellanic
+because he is young and spoke for himself, but because he is
+nothing by himself. A "castellanic"? that is not enough for me,
+and I do not think a castellan would be too much. In any case, I
+have not the slightest desire to be married yet, I am happy as I
+am; for several days after our return from Sulgostow I felt
+rather sad, but now I feel merry again and life is before me.
+Marriage puts an end to all expectations; a married woman knows
+who she is and who she shall be until her death, and I like so
+much to dream! When I sit at my embroidery frame, or at my
+netting, my thoughts are always travelling far and fast; all the
+things I have ever read come back to my mind; I share the fate
+of all the heroines of Madame de Beaumont, Madame de La Fayette,
+and Mademoiselle de Scudery; and it seems to me that I am
+destined to adventures similar to theirs. Basia often scolded me
+for these fancies, but her habits of thought were quite
+different from mine. She often told me that she never brooded
+over her future, and never thought of the husband to come,
+except at her prayers,--for it must be said that with the
+beginning of the sixteenth year, by the direction of our honored
+Mother, we have to add to our every-day prayer the request for a
+"good husband." Basia thought it was a very right thing to ask
+God that the one who is to take the place of our Father and
+Mother, and with whom we have to live till our death, should be
+good, but it never occurred to her to wonder what he would be,
+and where and when she should meet him. She always said: "There
+will be time enough to think of him when he comes." And she was
+right; she got such a good and sensible man. She wrote to my
+honored Parents that, but for being homesick for Maleszow, she
+would be the happiest woman in this world. One can see that she
+loves the Staroste more and more, and that she is quite
+satisfied with her lot. Who knows? perhaps I should also be
+happy in such a position. In any case, my honored Parents were
+right in refusing the Castellanic; I am very sorry that the poor
+fellow has been disappointed, but I hope that, as Matenko says,
+he will digest the hard morsel.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 17.
+
+Yesterday, when we were just going to supper, there arrived quite
+unexpected but very agreeable guests: my aunt the Princess
+Woivodine of Lublin and her husband. They could not come to the
+wedding, for the Woivode, being the Duke of Courland's marshal,
+was obliged to remain in Warsaw; but as the duke is now away, they
+came here to offer their congratulations. The arrival of such
+eminent guests gave new life to our castle. The Count is overjoyed;
+he loves and worships his sister. They have not been here for five
+years; in the mean time I have grown from a child to a young lady,
+and they were very much astonished at the change. Really, they
+spoke so much about my comeliness that I felt quite shy and
+uncomfortable. The Prince Woivode said quite seriously that, if I
+appeared in Warsaw, I should eclipse Mademoiselle Wessel, Madame
+Potocka, and the Princess Sapieha,--the three belles of Warsaw. The
+princess said that I need only hold myself more erect, to be more
+dignified, and to have more worldly polish, and then I should be
+perfect. Never in my life have I heard such compliments, and I was
+never aware that I was so handsome. I observed how my honored
+Father's countenance brightened at hearing these praises, but as
+for my gracious Mother, she called me this morning to her room and
+admonished me severely not to give credit to all these fine words,
+which she said were only court civility.
+
+I am sure they are making plans for me. I should like so much to
+know about it. I was so excited that I could not sleep well last
+night, dreaming most extraordinary things. It is true that I
+heard many curious and amusing things which the prince and his
+wife related. My honored Parents wanted me to leave the room
+with my sisters as usual at nine, but the Prince Woivode pleaded
+for me to stay till the end of the evening; thus I heard all
+about Warsaw, the court, the balls, and the festivals attending
+the investiture of the duke, and many praises of this prince,
+who I hope will one day be the King of Poland. I felt happy; he
+is my hero, and I am sure he will be a great man. Shall I ever
+meet him?
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, March 19.
+
+The Prince Woivode and his wife departed half an hour ago. They
+wanted to set out yesterday, but the Count ordered the wheels to be
+taken from their carriages, and persuaded them that it was not safe
+to begin a journey on Monday, which is known as an unlucky day.
+During the whole time they were very gracious to me, and advised my
+honored Parents to send me to a boarding-school in Warsaw, in order
+to finish my education. For some time a French lady, Madame
+Strumle, has conducted a school for young ladies in Warsaw; before
+this they were educated in convents only. This school has a great
+reputation. The daughters of the first families are sent there to
+study and to be taught good manners, and the Prince Woivode thinks
+I should there acquire all the accomplishments which I lack. But my
+honored Parents prefer the Ladies of the Visitation, and certainly
+a convent is the most proper place. Well, I do not know how all
+this will end, but I feel uneasy and absent-minded; I do not
+understand what I am reading; my work is not so well done as
+before; I feel as if something extraordinary were going to happen.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 24.
+
+We are going to Warsaw! We are going the day after to-morrow. I
+do not know yet where I shall be placed, but in any case I shall
+not come back soon, as my gracious Mother ordered all my clothes
+to be packed, and two of her dresses were made over for me. My
+honored Parents were unexpectedly called to Warsaw on business
+about an inheritance from our cousin Vincent Krasinski, who died
+childless and left a great fortune. They take me with them and I
+feel so very happy! As we have to stop at Sulgostow, I shall see
+my dearest sister. She has just returned from a very agreeable
+trip, having visited with the Staroste all his relations,
+friends, and neighbors; she was welcomed and admired everywhere.
+Now she will stay at home, and is very much pleased with that
+prospect. She is going to be a perfect house-keeper; the old
+Woivode Swidinski wrote about her with such enthusiasm and
+gratitude that both my honored Parents cried with pleasure over
+the letter. Such tears are a blessing!
+
+
+     WARSAW, _Sunday_, April 7.
+
+I can hardly believe that I am in that celebrated school of
+Madame Strumle; I entered it yesterday. It was not very hard
+work to persuade my honored Father to abandon the prospect of a
+convent for me, as he relies much on the Princess Woivodine's
+judgment, and I must say I am glad of it, as, in the secret of
+my heart, I did not care much for the convent.
+
+On our way to Warsaw we stopped at Sulgostow. Madame Starostine
+looks gay and happy, and how she welcomed us! She remembered
+everything my honored Parents liked; all their favorite dishes
+and delicacies were prepared; everything appeared to be there
+for their own pleasure; and she seemed so happy to serve them in
+her own house! I heard my honored Mother saying to the Staroste
+that the marriage made Basia better than ever. "No," he
+answered, "such she was from the beginning when I received her
+from your hands. God bless her!" One can see how dearly he loves
+her; and she respects him and obeys him as if he were her
+Father. She manages her house perfectly, and knows how to
+receive guests, and what to say to everybody; she is quite an
+accomplished woman. My honored Parents were not very willing to
+go away from Sulgostow, but I must confess I was very anxious to
+get to Warsaw, and I welcomed the letters which made us proceed
+on our journey. I was right to be anxious about my coming here,
+for here I shall become an accomplished woman. I want to be
+distinguished. Therefore I will not lose one moment, and
+henceforth I will not think of the future or dream of it, but
+will study hard and learn all that I can.
+
+Yesterday my honored Mother took me to the Cathedral, where I
+went to confession and communion, and prayed that the knowledge
+that I shall get here may do me good and honor.
+
+When I feel a little more at home here I will write about everything.
+Now I am bewildered. I was accustomed to see around me well-known
+faces and rooms, but here I know nobody; everything seems strange.
+
+
+     _Friday_, April 12.
+
+I am getting acquainted with my new home. I like Madame Strumle
+very much. She is a very dignified lady, and very gracious to
+me. Certainly it is not as grand and lively here as in Maleszow,
+but still it is comfortable and even gay. Some things seem to me
+strange, but amusing and quite new. For instance, there are no
+valets, not one man-servant in the house; dinner is brought and
+served by women! We are about twenty young girls, all from the
+best families and all very young. My honored Parents, after
+having visited the school, were well satisfied that young girls
+could not be better cared for and instructed in a convent.
+Madame carries the key of the entrance door in her own pocket;
+nobody can come in or go out without her knowledge, and but for
+the few old teachers, one could forget how the face of a man
+looks. No male cousins, not even brothers, are allowed to pay
+their visits. Once the dancing teacher asked leave for the young
+Potockis, who are at the Jesuit college, to come here and
+practise the contra-dances with their sisters, but Madame
+Strumle would not hear of it. "Those gentlemen," she said, "are
+the brothers of two of my pupils, but not of the others, so I
+cannot allow them to come."
+
+I have a teacher for the French language, another for German,
+others for dancing, drawing, artistic embroidery, and music. There
+is a beautiful harpsichord; not a spinet as in Maleszow,--it has
+five and a half octaves. Some of the young ladies can play
+polonaises, not only by ear but from a music-book. The teacher
+assures me that in less than six months I shall be able to do as
+well,--it is true that I had a little instruction in Maleszow. I
+am now only drawing some small patterns for embroideries, but
+before the end of my education, I must learn enough to be able to
+paint with colors a dead tree, on one branch of which is a wreath
+of flowers with the initials of my honored Parents, to whom I shall
+offer my work as a token of gratitude for the education I have
+received. The young Princess Sapieha, who has been here for one
+year, is just painting such a tree, and I feel quite jealous of her
+skill whenever I look at her work. What a fine effect mine will
+have when hung in our parlor hall!
+
+The dancing-master, besides the minuets and contra-dances, is
+showing us how to walk and to courtesy; until now I knew only one
+way of courtesying, but I hear there are several varieties,--one
+before the king; another before the royal princes, still another
+for other dignitaries or their wives.
+
+I asked to be taught first the courtesy for the duke: some day,
+perhaps, I shall salute my hero.
+
+My gracious Mother came once to see me. They are having much
+trouble with the affairs of the inheritance.
+
+The lessons and studies take all my time from morning till
+night, but I do not complain, for I want to learn much. I must
+say that on the first days I felt a little bewildered; the
+incessant scoldings and admonitions, the iron cross which was
+put on my back to hold me erect, the machine in which we have to
+stand for an hour, in order to make our feet straight,--all this
+was not quite to my taste.
+
+After Basia's departure, I grew to be quite a young lady; the
+proposal of the Castellanic, the compliments and the whisperings
+of the Prince Woivode made my thoughts travel far away,--I began
+to think I was quite a personage; but here I am again treated
+like a child. Madame Strumle even ordered me to stop the prayer
+for obtaining a good husband, and to ask for good knowledge
+instead. Really, one cannot think of anything else here.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, April 28.
+
+I have not opened my journal for two weeks, but the days are
+going on each so like the others that I have nothing to relate,
+and I am thinking now what I shall write down to-day. My honored
+Parents will leave soon. The Princess Woivodine deigned to pay
+me a visit, and found that I stood straighter; Madame is very
+kind, my comrades very agreeable; that is all I know. Really, I
+hardly believe I am in Warsaw, for I know much less about public
+affairs than I knew in Maleszow, and I see none of the grand
+persons whom I sometimes met there. My eyes have not once beheld
+the king. The duke is away, and they do not expect him back
+soon.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, June 9.
+
+If I were to pass my whole life in school, my journal would soon
+be ended. There is nothing to write about; and it is a pity, for
+I may forget the Polish language. I never use it but when
+writing my diary or letters to my honored Parents or talking to
+my little maid; on all other occasions I use French.
+
+They say that I have made great progress in my studies, and the
+Princess Woivodine, who has not seen me for one month, finds
+that I have grown much and that I have now a very good carriage.
+Really, I am the tallest of all the girls in the school, and my
+waistband does not measure quite an ell.
+
+Now when the weather is so beautiful, the sky so blue and the
+trees green, I feel often a kind of sadness coming over me. I
+wish I were a bird! I would then spread my wings and fly away,
+far away from the cage. But there is no help for it; I must stay
+here on Bednarska Street, the ugliest in all Warsaw, they say.
+But next year, if God grants me life, things will be different.
+
+
+     _Friday_, July 26.
+
+I see that when one is busy the days pass quickly, even in
+school. I could not believe my eyes when looking now in the
+calendar, in order to put the date in my journal, I found out
+that for seven weeks I had not opened my book. But this day
+will be forever memorable to me: I received this morning, for
+the first time in my life, a letter addressed directly to me.
+The dearest and kindest Madame Starostine gave me that surprise,
+and wrote my full name on the envelope. So now they know at the
+Post-office that there is a "Mlle. la Comtesse Francoise
+Krasinska" in Warsaw. I felt like dancing for joy when I
+received that letter, and I will keep it with its envelope as an
+eternal souvenir.
+
+Madame Starostine is in good health, very happy, and so gracious
+as to send me out of the income from the garden, which the
+Staroste leaves to her own disposal, four golden ducats with
+which I may do just as I please. It is the first money I have
+ever owned, and it seems to me that I could buy all Warsaw with
+it. I have been planning ever so many ways to spend it: first, I
+wished to give a golden ring as a keepsake to each of the young
+ladies, my school-mates, but Madame told me that I had just
+money enough to buy four rings and no more. Then I wanted to
+get for Madame a mantle in blond lace, and again I was told
+that it would cost fifty ducats at least. Finally I decided
+thus: I shall send one ducat to the Cathedral, in order to have
+a Mass said before the miraculous image of Christ, with the
+desire that the affairs of my honored Parents turn out according
+to their wishes, and also that Madame Starostine be always as
+happy as she is now. The second ducat I shall change into small
+coin and distribute among the house servants; and with the other
+two ducats I shall give a little banquet next Sunday. There will
+be ices, cake, also coffee which we never taste here. Madame has
+already given me permission to use my money in that way, but the
+young ladies know nothing about the surprise. May the Lord grant
+his best benediction on Madame Starostine for the great pleasure
+she has given me.
+
+My education is progressing rapidly. I am playing several
+quadrilles and minuets from a book. In a few weeks I shall begin to
+paint the dead tree with the garland, and I am also embroidering,
+in cross-stitch, a hunter with his gun and a dog. I read much, and
+write from dictation, or copy whole pages from French books, and I
+begin to talk in French more easily than in Polish. As for dancing,
+the teacher says that there is not in Warsaw a better dancer than
+I; but perhaps he flatters me.
+
+Sometimes I go to see the Prince Woivode and the princess, but
+only in the morning when they are alone. I always hear very
+agreeable things about myself, especially from the Prince
+Woivode, who wishes me out of school; but the princess and also
+my honored Parents say that I must wait until winter. Alas! it
+is only July. Will that winter ever come?
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, December 24.
+
+Winter has come and the moment for leaving school is near. What
+a different kind of life I shall soon begin! Only God knows when
+I shall return to Maleszow, for the Prince Woivode and the
+princess graciously urged my honored Parents to let them keep
+me for the winter and bring me out in society. The permission
+was granted and so I shall stay in Warsaw. I am rather sorry to
+leave Madame Strumle and the young ladies, but the joy of
+becoming acquainted with that world of which I have so often
+heard and dreamt, is still stronger than my regrets. I shall
+soon see the king and the royal princes, as I shall be presented
+at court; the Duke of Courland is expected soon.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, December 28.
+
+This day begins a new life for me. In the morning the Princess
+Woivodine came to take me away, and in her presence I said
+good-bye to Madame Strumle and my school-mates. I could not help
+crying, although I have been wishing so long for that moment. On
+our way we stopped at church, but I could not pray; my thoughts
+were too wandering.
+
+I am settled now. My relations live on the street called the
+"Faubourg de Cracovie." Their palace is not very large, but
+extremely handsome and elegant; from the rear the view extends
+over a large garden to the river Vistula. I am occupying a
+pretty room which must be especially agreeable in summer,
+because there is a balcony leading into a little garden; on one
+side are the apartments of the princess, on the other is my
+maid's room.
+
+A tailor has already been to take my measure and he seemed
+surprised at the smallness of my waist. He will make several
+dresses for me, but I do not know what they will be; the
+princess ordered them herself, and she inspires me with such
+awe, not to say fear, that I do not dare to ask her about
+anything. The Prince Woivode intimidates me less, although he is
+a man; he has gentle manners and seems to like me. I regret that
+he is not here at present; he went to meet the Duke of Courland
+at the frontier.
+
+To-morrow we are going to pay visits. The princess will
+introduce me to all the first families here. I feel a little
+afraid and nervous.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, December 29.
+
+I have three good things to write to-day. The Duke of Courland
+arrived yesterday; the Prince Woivode returned with him and
+greeted me as if I were his own daughter, and the visits are
+over. In some houses such as the primate's, the French and
+Spanish envoys', and some others, the princess only left small
+cards with her name and title on them.
+
+Among the visits I remember best was the one to the Princess
+Lubomirska, _nee_ Princess Czartoryska, the sister-in-law of the
+Woivode. She is the leading woman among the young set, and
+affects everything French. I observe that here the more
+fashionable the house, and the younger the hostess, the more one
+hears French; as the old men sprinkle their conversation with
+Latin, so the young do with French. But in the salon of Madame
+Woivodine of Russ, the conversation was only in Polish. She is
+an elderly and very stately lady, and she pleased me immensely.
+I met there her only son, a fine cavalier, who paid me many
+agreeable compliments, and I think I enjoyed that visit most.
+
+I enjoyed also the visit at Madame Poniatowska's, the widow of
+the Castellan of Cracow. She is a very remarkable woman and
+talks with great eloquence. She was giving a reception on that
+day, in honor of her son Stanislaus who had returned from St.
+Petersburg, and of whom it is said secretly that he may become
+King of Poland. I watched him intently, but I cannot say that he
+pleased me, although I acknowledge that he is handsome, and has
+grand manners, I should say royal.
+
+Another good visit was at Madame Rzevuska's, where we found her
+husband, the Woivode of Podolie. I was very glad to see him, as
+I had often heard from my honored Father about his adventures
+when a child; how he was brought up among peasant boys and
+tramped barefoot as they do, and thus grew tough and fearless.
+He is over fifty now, but looks young and vigorous. He is said
+to be also extremely learned. The Prince Woivode told me that
+he writes beautiful tragedies.
+
+We went also to Madame Bruhl's, the wife of the minister and
+special favorite of the king; although he is neither liked nor
+respected by anybody, she is received everywhere, and called
+upon, as she is a very refined lady. Our next call was upon
+Madame Soltyk, the widow of the Castellan of Sandomir. She
+introduced us to her son Stanislaus, a boy of nine years, but
+gallant as a young cavalier; the elderly ladies were not yet
+seated, when he brought a chair for me, paying me a compliment,
+and Madame Castellan said that he was always enraptured with
+pretty faces and black eyes. She also was very enthusiastic
+about my looks, and to tell the truth, everywhere they spoke
+about my beauty,--sometimes in a whisper, but I heard it as
+well. But then I never have been dressed so beautifully, even at
+Basia's wedding. I had a dress of white brocade with wide
+flounces of gauze, a court train of turquoise blue, and pearls
+in my hair.
+
+I should have been quite satisfied with those visits, if I had
+met the Duke of Courland anywhere. I started from home with that
+hope, but I was disappointed. After his long absence he spends
+his days now with his father, and has not yet been seen out of
+the royal castle. It is quite natural; I myself have been so
+often homesick for my honored Parents, especially when in
+school. But soon the carnival will begin; there will be balls
+and assemblies without end. The duke goes everywhere, and he
+likes dancing very much, the Woivode says, so I am sure to meet
+him.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 1, 1760.
+
+My wishes have been fulfilled, how much fulfilled! Not only have
+I seen the duke, but I talked with him; I not only talked with
+him but ... but will it not be too bold to write down that which
+I would not dare to whisper to anybody, what I do not dare to
+believe myself, what perhaps I only dreamed of? Well! no, I did
+not dream, I am sure of that; I always know very well when I
+please any one. And then is there anything extraordinary, since
+God has made me handsome, and everybody acknowledges it, that
+the duke looked at me with the same eyes as other people? The
+same eyes?--was there not in his eyes something more than in
+others?...
+
+But everything ought to be set down in order. Yesterday morning the
+Princess Woivodine had me called to her and spoke thus: "To-night,
+as on the last night in the year, there is generally a ridotto,
+which means a masked ball. All the best people, even the king and
+the royal princes go to it; and you, mademoiselle, will come with
+us, dressed as the 'Goddess of the Sun.'" I was delighted and I
+kissed the princess' hand. Soon after dinner they began to dress me
+in a costume quite different from the usual, being without powder
+or hoops. The princess told me very earnestly that although such a
+dress was not decent at all, and that a woman would ruin her
+reputation if she wore it on any other occasion, still she hoped
+that by the expression of my face, and my demeanor, I would make
+up for the deficiency of my costume. Obeying her instructions I
+tried to look very dignified, and I think I succeeded, for I heard
+people at the ball asking, "Who is that queen in disguise?" Now,
+when I think of it I feel uneasy; perhaps in that costume I was
+prettier than on other days.... In any case I certainly looked
+quite different. My hair, thoroughly cleansed from powder, fell in
+loose curls over my neck and shoulders; my dress of white gauze was
+clasped with a golden band at the waist; on my breast I wore a
+golden sun, and over my head a long, flowing veil, which enveloped
+me like a cloud. I did not recognize myself when after dressing I
+was allowed to look in a mirror. Perhaps others would not recognize
+me as I am now....
+
+The ballroom was almost full when we entered. I felt dizzy,
+seeing such a crowd of people, so diversely and handsomely
+dressed, with and without masks, in ordinary and extraordinary
+costumes. I did not know which way to turn my eyes, and what to
+look at first.
+
+Suddenly a murmur arose in the crowd. Some voices said, "The
+Duke of Courland," and surrounded by a group of handsome and
+richly dressed young men, there he was. I knew him at once,
+although his costume did not differ much from those of the
+others; but his stature, his large blue eyes, extremely soft,
+and his charming smile made him different from every body else.
+I gazed at him as long as he did not see me, but when our eyes
+once met I could not look at him any more, for I always met his
+glance. I saw him inquiring about me,--and of whom? Of the
+Prince Woivode! I noticed the pleasant smile when he learned who
+I was, and he at once approached the princess, greeting her in a
+most charming voice. After the first compliments were over, the
+princess took my hand, and introduced me as her niece.
+
+I do not know at all how I bowed, but I fear it was not that
+special courtesy which the dancing-master taught me. Neither do I
+know what the duke said to me; I only remember that he opened the
+ball with the princess, and danced the second polonaise with me.
+Then when he talked, to my great surprise, I answered without any
+embarrassment. He inquired about my honored Parents, about Madame
+Starostine, and her wedding. I wondered how he knew so well about
+everything, when I recollected that the Castellanic Kochanowski was
+his favorite. The good boy has not only "digested the goose with
+the black gravy," but he gave the duke the best report of us all.
+"He praised you much, but not half enough," said the duke. I heard
+many other nice things during that dance and the following ones,
+for the duke invited me for almost all the minuets and quadrilles,
+and talked to me all the time.
+
+When at midnight they fired the cannon as a sign of the
+beginning of the new year, he said to me, "I shall forever
+remember this night; it is not only a new year, it is the
+beginning of a new life for me." And how many clever comparisons
+about my costume! (Only, it does not sound as well in any other
+language as in French.) "It was not the gold on my breast which
+was the sun, but rather my eyes; their glance lighted an eternal
+fire in the heart, etc., etc." Finer compliments could not be
+found in the novels of Mademoiselle de Scudery or Madame
+Lafayette.
+
+Can all that be only sham, courtly civility? It is a pity I
+cannot ask anybody about it, but I am afraid of the princess,
+and I cannot ask the Prince Woivode; it would not be proper to
+talk about those things to a man. I feel too much left to
+myself; one week ago I was a school-girl among books and
+teachers, and to-day I am playing a part in the world of which I
+know nothing. But in about ten days Basia is coming here; she is
+so wise she will enlighten me. I am so very happy thinking that
+she will come. I have not seen that dearest sister of mine for
+three quarters of the year, but I know that she is more and
+more happy, more and more beloved by her husband.
+
+When shall I see the duke again? Will he recognize me in my
+every-day dress?
+
+
+     _Friday_, January 3.
+
+I have seen the duke, I have seen him twice, and I am laughing
+now at that childish anxiety I had, wondering if he would
+recognize me. Why, I should always know him, no matter how well
+disguised he might be.
+
+I just finished writing my journal on New Year's day, when the
+Prince Woivode came to my room. "Francoise," he said, "you
+surpassed all our expectations; your demeanor at the ball
+yesterday was perfect, and it pleased generally, even the most
+notable persons. I have just returned from the Castle, where we
+went with the senators and ministers to pay our New Year's
+compliments to his Majesty. His Royal Highness the Duke of
+Courland approached me, and declared that he had never seen
+anybody like you, and that if it were not for the etiquette of
+the court, which requires him to spend the New Year's day with
+the king, he would come to pay you his respects in person." I
+felt my cheeks growing red when I heard these flattering words,
+but the prince seemed not to notice it, and went away leaving me
+with my thoughts.
+
+And so I shall meet the duke, not only at the balls, but in this
+very house! "He has never seen anybody like you." These words
+are still sounding in my ears, as if somebody were repeating
+them constantly.
+
+I was so gay at dinner that the princess had to reproach me
+several times. After dinner we went again to pay some visits,
+but we left the carriage only twice, as all the people were out
+for the same purpose. We met in the streets, the carriages
+stopped, sometimes several of them at one time, and cards were
+exchanged amid much laughing, noise, and confusion. In the
+evening it was still gayer when the pages and the torch-bearers
+were moving about with their lights and brilliant uniforms.
+There were even several accidents, but we fortunately arrived
+safe. We returned home quite late. I went to sleep at once,
+being very tired, but queer dreams flitted through my head.
+
+The following day at noon, when I sat with the princess in the
+drawing-room, beginning a new piece of work on the frame, the
+chamberlain announced: "His Royal Highness the Duke of Courland."
+The princess rose quickly, and hastened to meet him at the
+entrance. I, in the first moment wanted to run away, but my wish to
+see him was still stronger than my timidity, and I stayed. As soon
+as he entered he approached me and inquired about my health. I
+answered distinctly, although I felt very much embarrassed, and
+when he sat near my working-frame, I had sufficient command of
+myself to thread at once some very fine needles with rather coarse
+silk, in spite of my trembling hands.
+
+He praised my skill; stayed about half an hour, and although he
+talked most with the princess, still he found an opportunity to
+say many amiable things to me. I could thus ascertain that my
+different dress did not change me in his eyes. He departed
+saying that he hoped to see us the same evening at the ball. I
+heard then that the Marquis d'Argenson, the French ambassador,
+was giving a ball to which I was to go.
+
+What a reception it was! Why, Basia's wedding was nothing in
+comparison. And how highly educated are all these people in
+Warsaw! Whenever they open their mouths it is to compliment, but
+the duke's compliments surpass them all. He could not talk with
+me as much as at the _bal-masque_, neither did I answer as
+boldly. But then I was no longer the Goddess of the Sun, and
+besides, it always happened that somebody was standing near us
+as if to listen to what we were saying. I do not like it; it is
+not nice, especially in well-bred people, to be inquisitive.
+
+The princess is in high spirits; she was the only elderly lady
+with whom the duke danced last night. The Prince Woivode is
+more gracious to me than ever, but he seems to avoid any
+questions from me or counselling me in any way. I look forward
+with growing impatience to my dear sister's coming.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 5.
+
+During the whole of yesterday, the duke, the balls, all my
+dreams, everything went from my mind; all my thoughts were with
+my sister, although I have not seen her yet. She arrived
+yesterday morning and was taken suddenly ill. The princess
+hastened at once to her house, but I was not allowed to go. I
+spent the whole day in the most dreadful anxiety, and sent to
+three churches to have masses said. At last, after midnight the
+princess returned with the news that Basia was as well as could
+be expected, and that she had a little daughter. This morning I
+begged on my knees to be allowed to go there, but they said it
+would not be proper, and that I should have to wait several
+weeks. The Staroste came here for one moment, very happy to be a
+father. The little girl is, they say, beautiful. If they would
+only let me see her! She will be named Angela in honor of my
+gracious Mother.
+
+This morning the duke sent his congratulations and best wishes
+for the little grand-niece. Oh! I am longing to see my sister.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 8.
+
+Basia is still in bed, but the news from her and her little
+daughter is the best.
+
+I have seen the duke once only; he was away hunting with the
+king, but yesterday he appeared unexpectedly and stayed over an
+hour. How good he must be, and how he loves his father! He spoke
+about the late queen, his mother, with tears in his eyes. One
+can see also that he loves Poland, and that he has a most noble
+and valiant heart. Everything I ever heard of him is true; he is
+not praised even enough; one cannot well describe the charm of
+his voice, his sweet smile, and the look of his blue eyes, so
+deep and so soft! I do not wonder that the Russian empress was
+charmed with him,--that he carried away the hearts of the
+Courland people; and I shall not be surprised if after his
+father's death, Poland calls him to the throne. And he likes
+me!... Sometimes I think that it cannot be. Still, yesterday his
+eyes told me that so plainly; and not only his eyes, but some of
+his words too, and the Prince Woivode also seems to think so.
+
+The princess made me feel a little sad when, at table, she said,
+with some meaning, it appeared to me, that "many women have
+already pleased the duke" and that the last one he sees always
+seems to him the most beautiful. But how childish I am! how
+should that trouble me?
+
+Am I the only pretty woman in this world? In my eyes the three
+Warsaw belles, Mademoiselle Wessel, the Countess Potocka, and
+the Princess Sapieha are without any comparison more handsome
+than I. And what is more, they know how to enhance their beauty,
+which is an art quite unknown to me. The duke says that that is
+my great charm, but it seems to me that my complexion is quite
+eclipsed by theirs. Especially at the ball in the French
+embassy Madame Potocka was ravishing, and the duke danced with
+her twice. Well, what right have I to be displeased with that?
+
+
+     _Sunday_, January 12.
+
+I ought to be quite pleased now! At the ball of the Woivode of
+Russ, last Thursday, the duke danced only with me. On Friday he
+called here again. Yesterday he sent us by his aide-de-camp an
+invitation for a new Italian opera, "Semiramide," given in the
+court theatre, and there he devoted himself exclusively to me.
+There I was also presented to the king, who was very gracious
+and inquired about both my honored Parents. Still more, the
+Staroste came here an hour ago announcing that the duke wished
+to stand godfather to the little Angela, and desires me to be
+the godmother,--me, nobody else; he insisted upon that.
+
+The christening will be magnificent, in the royal Collegiate
+Church. There were to be more couples invited to assist, but
+out of respect to the duke the honor will be left solely to
+him; the others will only be witnesses of the ceremony. Many
+of the most distinguished persons will be invited. The whole
+of Warsaw will talk about the affair, and certainly the
+"Courier" will describe it, and our two names will stand there
+together.
+
+What will Madame Strumle and the young ladies in the school say
+to that, and my honored Parents, and all the people in Maleszow,
+and the good Matenko? I am sure he will say that it is because
+of his predictions.
+
+Oh, that Matenko! how often his words come to my mind. He is
+responsible for all my troubles; but for his hints no foolish
+notions would have entered my head. As it is, I do not feel two
+days alike: sometimes the happy thoughts crowd around me, life
+seems full of hope, and I hardly know that there is an earth
+under my feet; then suddenly everything seems to fade, and my
+heart feels heavy and so sad!
+
+For instance, to-day when I was so enraptured at the news of
+the christening, the princess mentioned,--I do not know
+why,--that the law of the Church forbids the godparents to marry
+each other, and I shuddered.
+
+But what makes me feel really happy is that at last I shall see
+my dearest sister. After the christening we go to her house.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 15.
+
+The ceremony took place yesterday and I have seen Basia, who
+looks beautiful, although she has grown a little thin and pale.
+She is always as good as an angel, and as happy as a queen.
+
+The duke begged that the little girl be named after me, but
+Basia was firm in her first purpose; and she was right, for this
+honor was due to our gracious Mother. Thus the little girl was
+christened "Angela;" she is a dear little thing, and she cried
+during the whole ceremony, which is a good sign that she will
+live to be aged. It was the first time in my life that I stood
+as godmother; I did not know how to hold the baby, so the duke
+had to help me. It seemed so queer to stand with him before the
+altar surrounded by so many people, and to write down my name
+next to his in the large book. Perhaps it was to this event that
+Matenko's predictions referred.
+
+Everybody is congratulating me on the great honor which befell
+me. The duke is still more attentive than before, and a little
+more familiar; he calls me "my beautiful partner," and the
+little girl is always "our little Angela." He presented handsome
+gifts to Madame Starostine and to me, and threw handfuls of gold
+among the attendants and the poor in the church.
+
+I for my part could not do so much, but the little embroidered
+christening robe, my gift to Angela, has cost me more than a few
+hours' work.
+
+But I forget to speak about an important affair. The topic of
+conversation in Warsaw has for some time been a hunting party
+which the Prince Jerome Radzivill, the Hetman of the Lithuania
+army, is preparing for the pleasure of the king and the duke.
+He is spending thousands in order to make a grand display, and
+has had the game brought from the forests of Lithuania, over 500
+miles away. The fete will be to-morrow; the weather is fine and
+the sleighing excellent. The duke wished to drive his "partner,"
+and it shall be so. The four Warsaw belles--for I am counted now
+as the fourth--will go in one sleigh, and the duke will be our
+driver. All four will have costumes alike, but of different
+colors,--long velvet coats, tight at the waist, trimmed with
+sable, and small caps with fur to match. The Countess Potocka
+has selected blue, the Princess Sapieha dark green, Mademoiselle
+Wessel marroon, and I shall wear dark crimson.
+
+It is a pity Basia will not see all this, but she is so happy
+with her little Angela that she does not care for anything else.
+
+
+     _Friday_, January 17.
+
+I have never in my life seen anything so magnificent as this
+hunting party. We started at nine o'clock in the morning. One
+could not possibly count all the horses and sleighs which were
+assembled before the king's castle, but ours was the handsomest
+of all, and we followed first after the king. The duke, in a
+hunting costume of green velvet, looked superb!
+
+We had a long drive far beyond the Church of the Holy Cross, to
+Ujazdow. There, coming down the hill on which is built the city
+of Warsaw, is a large field usually planted with wheat.[12] This
+field was enclosed by a fence with a gate, ornamented with
+escutcheons, devices, and inscriptions. In the middle stood an
+iron kiosk into which the king and the duke entered. Near the
+kiosk was a space covered with bear-skins for the most notable
+men, and further on, an amphitheatre with an iron railing for
+the ladies. The whole place looked like a forest, for except a
+space left around the kiosk, the ground was covered with big
+pine-trees planted for the occasion. In the background, one saw
+the hills covered with a throng of spectators.
+
+    [12]That place is now Lazienki, with a park and a
+        charming little palace built by the last Polish
+        king, Stanislaus Poniatowski, for his summer
+        residence.
+
+As soon as we arrived and took our seats the trumpets and the
+horns gave the signal, and the hunters of the Prince Radzivill
+let the wild beasts loose from the enclosure. There were bears,
+deer, wild boars and wolves; the trained dogs chased them toward
+the kiosk, and one cannot describe the howling and the roaring
+of the wild animals, the barking of the dogs, the shrieking of
+the ladies, and all the noise which ensued. The king himself
+shot three wild boars; the duke killed much game, and fought a
+bear with the spear, a proof of great strength and skill. The
+skin of that bear was presented to me for a rug.
+
+The hunt lasted until four o'clock in the afternoon; we had a
+lunch served to us during that time. There were perhaps a
+hundred hunters and game-keepers of the Prince Radzivill, all
+dressed in red livery and armed with guns and pikes.
+
+This entertainment was given in honor of the anniversary of the
+coronation of the king; for the same purpose there will be a
+ball to-night given by the Marshal of the Crown, Bielinski.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, January 18.
+
+The ball was splendid. The duke was very gay and happy, as on
+that day he received a diamond-star order from the king. I
+danced a great deal and my feet are aching; but I am sorry that
+I spoke of it, for now I shall have to stay at home and rest for
+ten days. The princess fears that the incessant dancing and late
+hours will injure my health; really, my cheeks have become
+rather pale.
+
+We received letters from Maleszow. My honored Mother deigned to
+write to me herself, recommending earnestly that I be prudent
+about my health and that I take the greatest care of my
+reputation, so as to give no cause for the slightest reproach
+for frivolity. She says that I ought not to believe all the
+compliments I may hear, that often a young girl is called a
+belle through some passing fancy, not because her beauty really
+deserves it; and that it sometimes spoils her whole life, for
+her head is turned, her expectations aim too high, and she may
+be forsaken and laughed at in the end. I am sure that will never
+be the case with me. My ambition may be ever so high, but nobody
+shall know about my disappointment if it comes. Still I could
+not help crying when I read that letter; I carry it with me and
+often read it over. Happy is the young girl who never leaves her
+parents' home! I often regret the old Maleszow Castle.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, January 29.
+
+At last the ten days of my retirement are over. There were four
+balls during that time, and one of them a _bal-masque_, where I
+was to appear in a Scotch quadrille with the three other belles.
+But no entreaties of the duke or others could make the princess
+relent; when she has said anything she never changes her
+decision.
+
+I was sorry to miss the balls, but no one looking at me would
+have guessed it. It is true that the duke came here often, and
+praised my patience and courage so much that it was a great
+comfort. The hours spent in his company are delightful. He talks
+about Saint Petersburg, or Vienna, where he also spent some
+time; he describes the good people in Courland; and he always
+knows how to put in a word the meaning of which, I think,
+escapes all other ears but mine.
+
+How well he knows the bad affairs of our country! It is only
+through respect to his father that he does not dare to speak
+about them openly. What a good king he would make! The princess
+says that his extreme amiability has a particular aim,--to gain
+partisans for the future,--and that if he were elected king, he
+would perhaps not even look at us. I do not believe it. I can
+see plainly that the princess is not in favor of him; she would
+like rather to see a Lubomirski on the throne.
+
+To-night there will be an entertainment at the Ladies Canonesses'; a
+very agreeable house and much frequented. This order was founded by
+the Countess Zamoyska, in imitation of the Ladies' Chapter House of
+Remiremont in Lorraine. It is said that it originated from the pity
+the countess felt for a young girl of a noble family, who was to be
+married in spite of her dislike and even despair. She was an orphan
+and had no inclination for the convent life, but her high birth
+forbade her accepting a situation, so she was obliged to marry,
+merely for a home. In order to give a shelter to other homeless
+Polish girls, where they could lead a Christian life and be free
+to marry according to their liking, the countess bought Maryville,
+a large building once belonging to the Jesuits, and had it altered
+into small apartments, with a common dining-room and large
+reception-parlors; she endowed it and also completed an adjoining
+chapel, erected by the Queen Mary Kasimir, the wife of John Sobieski,
+in memory of his victory over the Turks near Vienna in 1685.
+
+There are eleven canonesses and the abbess. In order to be
+elected, the young girls must be fifteen years old, and prove
+their nobility for six generations on both parents' sides. They
+are addressed with the title of "Madame."
+
+
+     _Ash Wednesday_, February 19.
+
+Thank God, the carnival is over! I see that one can grow tired
+even with entertainments. There have been so many during the
+last weeks that I felt in a continual whirl. I could do nothing,
+nor think of anything else but dresses, visits, assemblies, and
+other festivities. At first such a life seems amusing, but by
+and by one feels disheartened, and in my life I have never known
+such tedious hours as those I passed in the last fortnight. And
+yet so many people think that I am so very happy, and they envy
+me.
+
+How beautiful the Countess Potocka looked at the ball last
+night, dressed as a sultana! She was the queen of the ball, and
+danced the whole evening. I danced only the first polonaise; I
+hurt my foot and refused all the invitations. Toward the end the
+duke came to ask me for a dance, but I did not care to dance
+then. Thank God, the carnival is over!
+
+
+     _Saturday_, February 29.
+
+A few words in haste: I am going unexpectedly to Sulgostow.
+There was nothing said about it yesterday when the Staroste and
+Basia came to take their leave, but this morning the Prince
+Woivode came to my room and said that my sister and her husband
+begged me to go with them; that I shall have a good rest there
+and probably see my honored Parents, so I ought to go. I believe
+that all the prince's advice tends to my good, so I did not
+hesitate, but I am sorry the duke does not know anything about
+it. Perhaps he will not mind it at all; perhaps he will not even
+notice it, as there are so many pretty women in Warsaw; and the
+Countess Potocka, she does not go away.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 15.
+
+I returned two days ago. My diary was forgotten here in my desk, so
+I could not write in Sulgostow. I was away a fortnight, but it seemed
+much longer. My honored Parents are expected in Sulgostow in a few
+days, but the Prince Woivode, who came for me, did not want to wait
+even a few hours; we were almost flying on the road, with fresh
+horses waiting at each station, and we reached Warsaw in one day.
+The duke came the following morning; he looked pale, almost ill. He
+gave me to understand that it was my sudden departure, without saying
+good-bye, which made him feel so badly. He said almost bitterly that
+"a friend deserves better treatment." I am sorry now that I went
+away, and to be sincere, I was sorry for it more than once during
+that fortnight, but the Prince Woivode says that it was for the best.
+I must confess that often I do not understand him at all, but I obey
+him blindly, for I feel that he is interested in my future. The
+princess greeted me very graciously.
+
+In Sulgostow I spent most of the time petting the little Angela,
+and embroidering a cushion for the Christ's chapel, in order to
+propitiate Heaven in a certain direction, which I do not dare
+to name here. I worked assiduously; it seemed to me that every
+stitch made the fulfilment of my wishes nearer, and now my work
+is finished.
+
+They celebrated with great magnificence the anniversary of
+Basia's wedding in Sulgostow. How many changes in this one year!
+
+
+     _Thursday_, March 19.
+
+Yesterday was one of the most pleasant days I can remember. The
+duke was as gay and charming as at the beginning of our
+acquaintance. He came here first in the morning, but only for a
+moment, as he was going to a hunt with the king; then in the
+evening, when we did not expect him at all, he ran in,--I think
+he walked, as no carriage was heard,--and he stayed a few hours.
+He is freer now to leave the castle, as his two brothers, Albert
+and Clement, are in Warsaw, and they keep the king company.
+
+The Duke Clement is said to be very good and religious, and he
+is to enter the Church. It is quite right that the king, having
+several sons, wishes to give one of them to the service of God,
+but it is as well that it was not the lot of the Duke of
+Courland.
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, March 24.
+
+Although it is Lent, I have a delightful time; the duke runs in
+as often as he can leave the Castle. He says that he rests here
+from the etiquette of the court. But to-morrow will be the end
+of all the worldly pleasure. The princess has a few rooms kept
+for her in the Convent of the Holy Sacrament, and every year,
+before Easter, she secludes herself for eight days in order to
+be well prepared for confession. All the ladies do the same, and
+I naturally shall accompany the princess. During eight days we
+shall see only priests and nuns; we shall read only religious
+books, and work for the Church or the poor.
+
+
+     _Holy Thursday_, April 2.
+
+Our retirement is over, Easter confession is made, and I feel so
+free in my mind and so quiet in my heart! I had an excellent
+confessor, Father Bodue; he is all the fashion, as he is French,
+but even in spite of fashion I would always choose him for my
+director. He is a saint, and he is so wise! We had many and long
+conversations with him. He knew so well how to speak to my heart
+and make it humble and full of contrition, he was so convincing
+when speaking of the voidness of the things of the world and the
+dangers of it, that really there were moments when I wanted to
+leave everything and become a sister of charity in his hospital.
+I was just pacing my little cell thinking earnestly about it,
+when my maid entered and whispered that she saw one of the
+duke's hunters passing near the convent. My devout thoughts were
+thus scattered and I could not grasp them again.
+
+Still, Father Bodue told me also that one can be saved as well
+in the world when living virtuously, and that such a life is
+still more meritorious, as it is more difficult. Why, then,
+should I shrink from it?
+
+I really regret that this week is over, although we lived in
+perfect seclusion. To-day we shall see everybody, as we are
+going to the Castle for the ceremonies of Holy Thursday.
+
+
+     _Friday_, April 10.
+
+Easter is over. I cannot say that those days were unpleasant,
+but the quietude of thought and heart of one week ago, they are
+mine no more. Moreover, my conscience has more than one thing to
+reproach me for, so soon after my most earnest resolves!
+
+For instance, that as early as Holy Thursday I was guilty of a
+dreadful piece of vanity! Was such a thing ever heard of?
+
+It occurred thus: when I was to put on my mourning-dress, as is
+the custom in holy week, the princess entered my room followed
+by two maids carrying a magnificent gown of white satin with a
+long transparent veil, a wreath of white roses for my hair, and
+a bouquet for my corsage. I was amazed, but the princess
+explained that on Holy Thursday after Mass, said in the chapel
+of the Castle, the king and all the assemblage go to a large
+room where twelve poor men are sitting at table, and the king,
+in imitation of Christ's humility, washes their feet and serves
+them at dinner. During this ceremony, one of the society young
+ladies is to make a collection for the poor. The king himself
+appoints the young lady; this time he named me, and promised to
+give the collected money to Father Bodue for his hospital, which
+is being built. I felt overcome with joy hearing this, but it
+was not because of the poor or Father Bodue; it was simply
+vanity. I saw myself, not in a heavy black and unbecoming dress,
+but clad in white, I alone among all the other women,--and thus
+the handsomest of all! It was wicked, but my conscience feels
+better now for having confessed it here.
+
+The collection was extremely successful; I had over five
+thousand ducats. The Prince Charles Radzivill alone, saying "My
+love![13] one has to give something to such a fair lady," tossed
+down five hundred gold pieces, so that the tray bent.
+
+    [13]The Prince Charles Radzivill had the habit of
+        beginning each sentence with the exclamation "My
+        love!" and therefore he himself was generally
+        called, "the Prince My-love." He was the wealthiest
+        magnate of Lithuania. After the dismemberment of
+        Poland, when all his estates were confiscated, he
+        emigrated to Paris and there bought the whole street
+        between his palace and the market, in order, as he
+        said, that his Polish cook might not lose his way.
+        That street, near the Louvre, has still the name of
+        "Rue Radzivill."
+
+At first I felt rather timid, my knees were shaking at each low
+courtesy which I had to make before every person, but by and by
+I grew bolder, and on that day the lessons of my dancing-master
+proved to be really useful. The marshal of the court accompanied
+me telling the names of the persons we were approaching, and
+when the tray grew too heavy he emptied it into a bag carried by
+the king's page.
+
+My ears were filled with compliments. The duke told me that it was
+fortunate that I begged for money, not for hearts, as every man would
+have to give me his. "I would never ask for such a thing," I answered;
+"for who would value a heart begged for?" He seemed pleased with my
+answer,--I wonder how he could imagine that I should think otherwise.
+A woman to beg for a heart--even of the king himself,--why! it would
+be a shameful, base thing. To accept it, when it is offered to her,
+earnestly and honorably, that is another thing.
+
+But again my thoughts are wandering. To return to my narrative;
+the ceremony of the washing of the feet was very touching. I
+have still before my eyes the king as he was bending over the
+feet of the poor old men, and as he stood behind their stools at
+dinner. Moreover, our Augustus III., although no longer young,
+is very handsome and stately, and everything he does is done in
+a proper manner. The Duke Charles is quite the likeness of his
+father.
+
+On Good Friday, we went, dressed in deep mourning, to visit the
+Holy Sepulchre. We were in seven churches, saying in each of
+them five Paters and five Aves in honor of the five wounds of
+Christ; in the cathedral I knelt one hour before the holy
+Sacrament.
+
+On Saturday evening there was a grand "Resurrection Service" in
+the cathedral; the music by the court orchestra was admirable.
+
+The Easter table in our house was sumptuous, and until yesterday
+the tables remained covered with all kinds of meat and pastry.[14]
+Who would have thought one year ago, when, on the third day after
+my arrival at the boarding-school, I was sitting at the poor Easter
+table feeling very melancholy--who would have guessed then that one
+year later I would eat an Easter egg with the Duke of Courland?
+
+    [14]The Easter dinner, or the "consecrated meal," is
+        still a special feature in Poland, and an elaborate
+        affair even among the poorer people. During several
+        days meat and pastry are prepared, and on Holy
+        Saturday the tables are set, with the symbolical
+        lamb in the middle, and every dish garnished with
+        sprays of boxwood. Then a priest is summoned, who
+        puts on a white surplice, and saying the appointed
+        prayers he sprinkles the table with holy water.
+
+        In the villages on Easter morning the peasants bring
+        baskets with eggs, bread, cheese, and perhaps a
+        sausage, to church, and standing in two rows have
+        them consecrated.
+
+        At noon the dinner begins with hot bouillon served
+        in cups; all the other dishes are cold. But first of
+        all, the lady of the house, holding a plate of
+        hard-boiled eggs cut in pieces, presents them to
+        every one in turn, wishing a "glad Alleluia." The
+        table sometimes stays covered several days, hot
+        dishes being added to succeeding dinners, and the
+        pastry lasts sometimes several weeks, by some
+        mystery remaining as fresh as on the first day.
+
+        The children always have their own table, with
+        miniature dishes ornamented with boxwood, a lamb in
+        candy, colored eggs, etc. They would never forget to
+        have them consecrated, and the little girls very
+        earnestly play the hostess, partaking of the eggs
+        with their own guests.
+
+        In olden times, the Polish houses tried to surpass
+        each other in setting the most sumptuous Easter
+        tables. In an old manuscript is found the following
+        description of a festival given by Prince Sapieha,
+        in the sixteenth century.
+
+        In the middle of huge tables stood a lamb of candies
+        and marzipan, which were distributed "only to
+        ladies, dignitaries, and church men." Around it,
+        representing the seasons of the year, stood four
+        wild boars, each stuffed with hams, sausages, and
+        turkeys. The prince's chef showed wonderful skill in
+        roasting those boars whole. Then came twelve deer,
+        also roasted whole, and stuffed with a variety of
+        game: hares, woodcocks, partridges, hazel-hens,
+        etc.; these were for the twelve months of the year.
+        Around the table, numbering the weeks of the year,
+        were fifty-two mazourkas, that is, large square
+        cakes stuffed with all kinds of fruit, and three
+        hundred and sixty-five babas, for the days of the
+        year; each was one ell high and on their iced
+        surfaces were various inscriptions, mottoes,
+        proverbs, and witty verses, which the invited guests
+        took pleasure in deciphering.
+
+        In the way of beverages there were: first, four
+        antique silver tankards with wine from "King
+        Batory's time" (that is, one hundred years old);
+        then twelve silver pitchers of old Tokai; then
+        fifty-two silver barrels of Spanish, Italian, and
+        Cypress wines, and three hundred and sixty-five
+        bottles of Hungarian wine. For the household there
+        were 8,760 quarts, as many as there are hours in one
+        year, of home-made mead. The invited guests feasted
+        during one whole week. As soon as the morning
+        service was over they surrounded the tables, and the
+        entertainment lasted till midnight; the prince's
+        court band played lively airs, and the young people
+        were never tired of dancing, nor the elderly ones of
+        talking of "the good old times," sipping the
+        Hungarian Malmsey, and drinking to the health of the
+        prince.
+
+He seemed to have grown thin; it is perhaps because of the long
+fast. We also have not had any meat for forty days, and neither
+butter nor milk during the holy week; everything was cooked with
+oil, and on Friday we fasted the whole day. I did not mind it at
+all, but for a man it must be different. Yesterday I was looking
+anxiously at him: I thought he would not notice it, as he was
+talking with the Prince Woivode, but he thanked me afterwards
+for my solicitude. I felt quite ashamed; how careful a young
+girl ought to be, not only of her words, but even of her eyes!
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, April 15.
+
+We leave Warsaw to-morrow. The Prince Woivode and his wife are
+going to their estate "Opole," and they take me with them. My
+honored Father wrote a letter to the princess saying that she
+may keep me as long as she is not tired of me. I hope that will
+never be; I endeavor to please her as well as I can, and I feel
+the greatest awe of her. If I ever live to be old I wish to have
+her dignity of demeanor; even the duke is afraid of her.
+
+I am glad that I am not yet going to Maleszow. I have it in my
+head that I ought not to return there just as I was, and if I
+arrived now there would be no change. No change? Oh! yes, there
+is a great change, but not the one I mean. Yet, things cannot
+stay long as they are now, something must take place. Will it be
+yes, or no? I shall not be surprised if it is yes, and in the
+other case--well, I will not bend my head, even if my heart
+break. It sounds like riddles, but if when I think of him I am
+afraid that some one may guess my thoughts, how could I write
+more plainly? As it is I have already said too much; it is
+better to stop and put my book under lock and key.
+
+
+     OPOLE, _Wednesday_, April 24.
+
+We have been here for nearly a week; the place is pretty, but I do
+not feel very cheerful, and nothing seems to go right. The trees
+ought to become green, but they are as black as in mid-winter; it
+ought to grow warm, and it is still cold. I wanted to begin some
+embroidery, but I have not the necessary silks; I wished to play,
+but the harpsichord is most dreadfully out of tune, and they have
+to send to town for the organist. There is a large library, but the
+princess has the key of it, and I am afraid to ask her for it. The
+prince has bought some new French books, the works of Voltaire, the
+most celebrated author in France; he paid, before my eyes, six
+golden ducats for a few volumes, and not very large ones; but the
+princess does not allow me to read them. What is still worse, there
+arrived, just fresh from Paris, a novel which is all the rage, the
+"Nouvelle Heloise," written by a certain M. Rousseau. I took the
+book eagerly in my hand, but the author says in the introduction,
+"No mother will allow her daughter to read this book," and the
+princess most sternly forbade it to me.
+
+I had still another disappointment yesterday; the physicians in
+Warsaw ordered the princess to ride horseback for her health; she
+laughed at them, saying that she would never do it, but the Prince
+Woivode believed their advice good, and he bought a beautiful mare,
+quite gentle, which was brought here. The princess very reluctantly
+consented to ride a little in the garden, but I, who am not afraid
+of horses, was just dying to learn how to ride, and I said so
+yesterday. I got a terrible scolding; the princess said that such
+an exercise would be quite indecent for a young lady, and I had to
+give up all my plans,--such beautiful plans, of riding and hunting
+with--well, with some one.
+
+There are many people coming here to pay their respects to the
+prince, who is the Woivode of this province, but they are not
+very interesting. The one person whom I like to see is the
+Prince Martin Lubomirski, the first cousin of the Woivode, but
+much younger, and whom I have already met in Warsaw. He owns
+the earldom of Janow, which is not far from here, and he has
+invited us very eagerly to pay him a visit; I hope we shall go.
+The princess always finds something to censure in him, but I
+like him very much; he talks most agreeably, and is a great
+friend of the Duke of Courland.
+
+
+     JANOW, _Friday_, May 1.
+
+We have been here two days, and the Prince Martin announced from
+the very first that he would not let us go away soon. I do not
+think there can be found anywhere a host more generous, gay, and
+hospitable than the Prince Martin. The princess says that he
+sows his money broadcast as though he expected it to grow. He
+has now a new scheme on foot: they are cutting a road through a
+beautiful forest near the castle,--from my window I can see the
+magnificent trees fall under the axes of at least a hundred
+workmen,--and at the end of the road they are building a small
+palace, but in such haste that it seems to grow under one's
+eyes. There is a wager between the Prince Martin and the Prince
+Woivode that the building will be ready in four weeks, and I am
+sure the younger prince will be the winner. The whole forest is
+to be enclosed with a hedge and serve as a preserve. Men have
+been sent to distant places to bring deer and bears, besides the
+game which is found around here. There is some mystery about all
+that hasty work; I wonder what it is!
+
+This place is beautiful indeed. The old and majestic castle
+stands upon a hill above the Vistula, and commands a most
+admirable view over picturesque villages, forests, and the
+winding river. The halls and rooms are innumerable, the
+furniture rich and elegant, and the gallery of portraits is said
+to be the finest in the country. But my room seems to me the
+most charming of all; it is in a high tower, and it makes me
+feel like the heroine of a novel. From each of the three windows
+is a different view, each beautiful, but I sit most near the
+window looking towards the little palace, the progress of the
+work going on there interests me so very much. On the walls of
+my room is Olympus painted in fresco. "Venus lui manquait, mais
+il la possede maintenant," said Prince Martin, gallantly, when
+he brought me in.
+
+
+     _Sunday_, March 3.
+
+I rose before the sun, and I must have looked like a ghost when
+I glided through the large halls, on my way to the gallery of
+portraits.
+
+The Prince Martin, following the example of our ancestors, who
+kept with great care the pictures of their most illustrious
+members, and the memory of their great deeds, determined to
+gather all such souvenirs of the Lubomirski family in one room.
+He brought from Italy a skilful painter, also called in the help
+of a very learned man, who knew all about the Polish history,
+and after long researches and debates the plan was carried out
+in 1746; as the inscription above the door testifies. The
+princess says it is a pity that all these portraits and pictures
+are not painted in oil on canvas instead of "in fresco," as
+they never can be removed, and it is more difficult to take care
+of them. In any case the gallery, as it is now, is superb.
+
+Yesterday after dinner our host brought us in and explained the
+meaning of the large paintings, relating the facts and the
+anecdotes about them. It was so interesting that I decided to
+get up very early this morning, before the house was awake, and
+come here alone to look again at the pictures, and write about
+some of them.
+
+The first picture represents the three brothers Lubomirski,
+young and handsome men, who in the presence of the king, and
+many lords and witnesses, are dividing the inheritance of their
+father. Two scriveners are writing the deed upon a roll of
+parchment, and this document, dating from 1088, was the first
+historical title-deed known in Poland; it is still in existence,
+and the family are very proud of it.
+
+After that picture, comes a row of portraits of stately men and
+great warriors, which I must pass over. Then I see a painting
+representing a chapel, where, before a miraculous image of the
+Virgin, a baby is being weighed, and the other scale is covered
+with gold pieces. One Prince Lubomirski, being childless, made a
+vow that if a son were born to him he would offer to the Church
+its weight in gold, and he kept his promise.
+
+Farther on, I see a nun on her deathbed, with a halo round her
+head; sick people touch her garments and are healed; it was
+Sophy Lubomirska, who in the sixteenth century was renowned for
+her sanctity.
+
+On the other wall is represented an amusing scene: Among young
+damsels at work stands a pretty little girl in a very uncomfortable
+position, as her foot is tied to the leg of the table. Her aunt,
+who has punished her thus for some mischief, is sternly looking at
+her. But the naughty little Christina has grown to be a young lady,
+and in the following picture we see her kneeling before the altar
+in her room, her beautiful eyes full of ecstasy; she has just
+pricked her finger with a golden needle, and gathering her blood on
+a pen, she writes down her determination always to lead a saintly
+life. She kept her word; married to Felixe Potocki, she was as
+famous for her virtues as for her beauty. All her accomplishments,
+her rare talent for music, her great skill in handiwork, were given
+to God's service. She adorned His churches, composed and sang
+verses to His glory, founded several convents, and her charitable
+deeds were innumerable. Her own confessor wrote her life and called
+her a saint.
+
+Next come the portraits of her two brothers. First, Stanislaus,
+an eminent writer, surnamed the "Polish Solomon," is surrounded
+with books, and Fame crowns him with a laurel wreath. The
+second, Jerome, famous for his valor, is represented with the
+King Sobieski, when after the victory near Vienna they are
+examining the flag of Mahomet, captured from the Turks; in the
+distance the Polish army can be seen occupying the Turkish
+camps.
+
+Then I stop at a large picture representing a very exciting
+adventure. In a forest covered with snow, a man is fighting with
+a bear, who seems to have the better of him, when from behind a
+woman in a hunting costume approaches, and holds two pistols to
+the animal's ears; in the background a horse is seen running
+away with a sleigh. The story runs thus: A Princess Lubomirska,
+who was very fond of horses, was returning one day from a
+hunting party, with only one servant, when an infuriated bear
+sprang upon them. The frightened horse threw over the little
+sleigh and ran away with it, and the two people were left to the
+fury of the beast. The faithful servant having only said, "Your
+Grace, remember my wife and children," threw himself forward to
+meet the bear, who was advancing on his hind legs, and give his
+mistress time to run away. But the courageous Pole did not leave
+the brave man to perish; drawing two pistols from her belt, she
+stepped from behind and shot the bear on the spot.
+
+But I hear the Prince Martin talking to his dogs, which he loves
+and pets as if they were children; his greyhounds are famous in
+the whole country. It is time to stop and run back to my tower.
+
+
+     _Thursday_, May 14.
+
+We went to Opole, and returned here again, urged by Prince
+Martin to see the villa finished; he won the wager. I asked him
+to-day why he wanted another house, and he answered smiling,
+"For your ladyship's sake." What does he mean?
+
+
+     _Saturday_, May 16.
+
+The duke is here! And, oh!--I can hardly believe it,--he loves
+me! He loves me so much that he could stay no longer without
+seeing me, and the two princes, to please him, thought to build
+the villa and to give hunting parties, in order to bring him
+near the object of his affection. It is fortunate that it was
+dark when he appeared yesterday. Everybody would have seen how
+I blushed, and he himself might have read in my eyes more joy
+than I ought to have shown. How will all this end? Until now I
+feigned not to understand the hidden meaning of his words. I
+tried most carefully to conceal my feelings toward him; shall I
+be able to do it any longer, especially here, where I shall see
+him so often,--live almost under the same roof?
+
+I cannot express the state that my heart and head are in. I see
+before me either a destiny so grand that I am afraid to think of
+it, or so dark and miserable that I shiver. What ought I to do?
+I would rather die than ask the princess; she said, not later
+than to-day, that the woman who would believe in the love of the
+duke would be simply mad, and that his wife would be most
+unhappy. The Prince Woivode visibly shuns any confidence.
+
+
+     May 18.
+
+I am betrothed. Is it really true? I, Frances Krasinska, I shall
+be Duchess of Courland, and perhaps one day something more!
+
+To-day we went to the little palace. The princess made a false
+step mounting the stairs, and was obliged to stay in the room
+with her companion, and we four went to the park. The Prince
+Martin stopped to show the Woivode some preparations for the
+hunt, but the duke said he preferred to walk, and took my arm.
+He was silent for awhile, which seemed strange, as he generally
+talks a great deal. At last he asked me if I would never be
+willing to understand for whom and for what he had come here. I
+tried to answer, calmly, that I knew him to be a lover of
+hunting, and that there promised to be great sport. Then he put
+aside all metaphors, and said plainly that he came for my sake,
+"and to find his whole life's happiness." I was stunned, it came
+so suddenly; but I composed myself and said: "Monsieur le Duc,
+are you forgetting who you are, and what you may be one day? You
+must look for a wife among the royal daughters." "You are my
+queen!" he exclaimed; "you, who first by your beauty have
+charmed my eyes, and afterwards by your modesty and virtues have
+won my heart. I am used to having women run to me as soon as I
+have spoken one word. But you, although you loved me perhaps
+more than any one of them, you shunned me; I could only guess
+what you were feeling. You are worthy of the first throne in the
+world. If I wish to be one day King of Poland, it is in order to
+put a crown on that beautiful brow of yours." How can I believe
+that all that was not merely a dream!
+
+I stood silent; no words could pass my lips. Then the two
+princes drew near us. "I take Heaven and you for witnesses,"
+said the duke, turning to them, "that I will never marry any
+other woman but the Countess Francoise Krasinska. For reasons
+easily understood, I wish my decision kept secret until the
+time comes, and I am sure of your loyalty and discretion." The
+princes saluted; they said something about the great honor and
+their faithfulness; they whispered in my ear, "You are worthy of
+it," and withdrew.
+
+I stood as yet in a dream, but at last I had to answer to the
+affectionate words; I had even to confess that I loved him much,
+and had done so for a long time. Should I not have made that
+avowal to my future husband? My husband! No, it cannot be true.
+But then, what means the exchanged ring on my finger? I had from
+Basia a little golden snake-ring which she gave me at my last
+visit; the duke had observed it, and ordered a similar one with
+the words "for ever" engraved inside; he put it on my finger and
+took mine for himself. The trees and the birds were the only
+witnesses of that silent betrothal. But these rings were not
+consecrated; a Father's hand had not given me away, nor a Mother
+bestowed her blessing. Oh! yes, now I believe that all is true,
+for I feel hot tears on my cheeks.
+
+
+     _Monday_, May 25.
+
+One week has passed, a week of such bliss! To-day for the first
+time, I was struck with the thought that my happiness might fly
+away. The Dukes Clement and Albert arrived here on Thursday; the
+hunt took place on Friday and Saturday, and they leave this
+afternoon; perhaps he also will have to go soon! How could I
+have so totally forgotten about it? Perhaps I had not time to
+think of what would come next, the days are so full--not only
+with my heart's content, but also with the duties of the lady of
+the house; the princess is confined to her room, as her foot has
+grown worse, and I have had to take her place. Or perhaps I did
+not want to think at all and spoil my happiness. Now I can think
+of nothing else but that departure. What will it be when he has
+gone? With what thought shall I awake in the morning? For whom
+shall I want to dress? What shall I do with the whole day when
+he is not here!
+
+I looked out of the window toward the villa, and saw a white
+handkerchief waving from the balcony; it is the "good-morning"
+he sends me every day. How early he is,--it is not yet six
+o'clock! Now I see a rider galloping along the road. It cannot
+be he! No, it is his favorite hunter who brings me flowers, a
+message every day from him. Oh! no, my anxiety was premature; I
+have not heard yet that he was going away; we may have another
+happy week, and a third, and perhaps a fourth,--why did I fret?
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, May 27.
+
+My forebodings were right; he is going. A special courier came
+last night with the king's order that he return at once. I saw
+him this morning; I shall see him again in half an hour, when he
+will come to say good-bye, and then when shall we meet again?
+
+
+     _Sunday_, June 7.
+
+Two weeks have passed. Two couriers brought me short notes under
+the Prince Woivode's seal; but what is a letter, written words,
+for two people who have been accustomed to talk to each other
+for hours, who knew each other's thoughts without even using any
+words, only looking into each other's eyes. He left me his
+miniature, a fairly good likeness, but it has always the same
+expression; I have a better portrait of him in my heart. I do
+not answer his letters; it is hard, but I was positive when I
+told him that until we were married he would not receive a
+single written word from me. I think my hand would be paralyzed
+if I wrote a letter without the knowledge of my aunt and my
+honored Parents, and I will keep my word, although God knows how
+much it costs.
+
+How long the days seemed when he was gone! I felt in a kind of
+lethargy, caring for nothing, without will or desire to do anything.
+I was aroused by a very sad occurrence: the princess' health grew
+worse, her foot swelled, and the doctor for whom they sent to Warsaw
+declared her to be in a critical condition. I cannot express what I
+felt during the three days of uncertainty. Notwithstanding all that
+the duke and the princes have said to quiet my conscience, I know
+very well that my silence about what has happened is an offence
+toward her. From the very beginning I planned and lived in hopes
+that the day would come when I should confess my involuntary fault to
+her, and to my honored Parents, explaining how everything happened,
+how I could not help it, and I was sure I would be pardoned. But
+during those three days of danger my hopes might at any moment have
+been crushed, and then what would have become of me? How could I
+live without having her forgiveness? It came to my mind also that
+my honored Parents are no longer young, and an unexpected illness
+may come to them, and I felt utterly desperate.
+
+The Lord be praised and thanked! The princess is better, and we
+had good news from Maleszow; both my honored Parents are in
+excellent health.
+
+But it is time to return to the princess; she likes to have me
+near her, and now I feel most happy at her bedside when I can do
+something for her.
+
+
+     OPOLE, _Thursday_, June 18.
+
+The princess felt so much better in health and strength that we
+returned here the day before yesterday. I left Janow with
+regret; after all, the remembrance of the happy hours spent
+there is the strongest.
+
+In his last letter the duke frightened me, writing that he will
+be obliged to go to his dukedom of Courland, and that he is
+puzzling his brain as to how he shall see me before he leaves.
+How long those months will be! But his sufferings are worse to
+me than my own. Several guests arrived here from Warsaw, and
+spoke about the change that everybody notices in him; he does
+not look well, he is sad, and avoids society. People find me
+also changed and looking pale. I would not care, but when I hear
+the princess explaining that it is on account of the trouble and
+care I took of her during her illness, then my conscience makes
+me feel miserable.
+
+
+     _Saturday_, July 11.
+
+One moment of bliss, and it is gone; he has been here, but only
+for one hour. He left Warsaw last Wednesday, as if to go to
+Courland, but as soon as he was out of town, he left his
+equipage and turned south instead of going north; now he is
+travelling day and night to meet his court at the frontier. I
+saw him such a short time, that I cannot realize it was not all
+a dream. He came disguised as one of his hunters; nobody
+recognized him but the prince and myself, but nobody ought to
+have recognized him. He implored me with tears in his eyes to
+write to him, and it was perhaps fortunate that he could not
+stay longer, for it was hard to resist those tears.
+
+Three months is the shortest time for his stay in Courland; how
+many weeks, and days, and hours in three months!
+
+
+     _Thursday_, September 3.
+
+I have not opened my book for two months; they passed as
+everything passes in this world, but that they were sad it is
+needless to say. One month more to wait. In each letter the duke
+assures me he will be here in October. To-day I was so glad at
+seeing some dry leaves on the ground in the garden; I thought it
+might already be October. We shall go to Warsaw ere long; the
+princess has forgotten that she was ever ill.
+
+I had great trouble lately,--a proposal of marriage, and a
+splendid match, as they say. The princess, who from the time of
+her illness is kinder to me than ever, arranged everything,
+acting in concert with my honored Parents, and never a doubt
+arose in her mind that I might object. It was extremely painful
+to me to destroy her plans, to incur her just anger, to hear her
+reproaches, and especially her innuendoes concerning the duke.
+It was also very difficult to write to my honored Parents, not
+knowing what excuses to make for my refusal. My honored Mother
+deigned to answer me. "The Parents who allow their daughter to
+leave their guidance," she writes, "cannot be very much
+surprised if she does not obey their wishes." Could I ever have
+foreseen that what I called the height of happiness could have
+thrown me into such a depth of misery!
+
+
+     WARSAW, September 22.
+
+We have been in Warsaw for several days. With what joy I
+approached the city! Here I shall see him again; he is coming on
+October 1st, that is, in one week. If it was not for that hope,
+life here would be intolerable. Those visits and receptions
+which seemed so amusing are now a trial. I think everybody is
+reading my secret in my eyes, and that all my acquaintances are
+laughing at me, especially the women. Yesterday one of them made
+me so nervous with her inquiries and her false solicitude that
+my tears were quite near,--in the presence of at least fifty
+people. But the Prince Woivode took pity upon me and came to my
+rescue; he is always so good, only he does not believe in my
+sorrow and troubles, and calls them "childishness."
+
+
+     _Thursday_, October 1.
+
+He arrived and is well; I have seen him, but before much
+company, and when my heart was leaping to meet him I had to
+stand still and wait until he entered and saluted the Prince
+Woivode, and then to make the low courtesy as etiquette
+requires. No matter; as long as he is here and well, everything
+seems more cheerful, and all will be well.
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, October 20.
+
+My God! what a promise have I given one hour ago! The fourth of
+November, when will it be? It is the birthday of the duke, and
+as a gift he wants my hand. He said that he will doubt my
+affection if I refuse. The Prince Woivode also pleaded for him,
+and I said "yes," before I realized that I had no right to do it
+without the knowledge and permission of my honored Parents. But
+I will not marry without their consent; I said that I must write
+to them, or otherwise I would rather enter a convent. At last
+the duke submitted and promised to add a postscript to my
+letter. Here my pride received a shock; is it not the young man
+who ought to humbly ask the Parents for their daughter's hand?
+Yes, but not a royal prince. For the first time, I felt the
+difference in our rank,--that it is he who does me a favor in
+marrying me. But it is too late for any regrets; my word is
+given.
+
+
+     _Thursday_, October 22.
+
+A chamberlain of the Prince Woivode has gone to Maleszow with
+the letters. The duke said that my letter was too humble, but I
+thought it was his postscript which was too royal. What will the
+answer be? My life is in suspense until then. I had the happy
+thought to ask if the curate of Maleszow could not come to give
+the wedding blessing; it would at least be somebody from my
+home. The Prince Woivode promised to have him come, and he will
+also obtain the necessary papers.
+
+
+     _Wednesday_, October 28.
+
+My honored Parents consent and give their blessing, but it is not
+such an affectionate blessing as they gave Basia when she was to be
+married, and it is just, for I do not deserve it. The duke expected
+a separate letter for himself; as there was none, he felt a little
+offended and talked with the Prince Woivode about the pride of the
+Polish seigneurs. No matter, it is a relief to think that they know
+everything; it is as if a stone were lifted from my heart. They
+promise to keep the secret until the duke releases them. One sees
+in their letter some surprise, even satisfaction at such an
+alliance, but there is also, especially in the words of my dear
+Mother, a kind of affectionate reproach which pierces my heart. She
+writes, "If you are unhappy, you cannot ascribe your misfortune to
+us; if you find felicity in your decision, for which I shall never
+stop praying the Lord, your Parents will rejoice over you, but not
+as much as over their other children, as you have not allowed them
+to share in making your happiness." I cried so much over these
+words that they are almost illegible.
+
+The curate will come, and in six days I shall be a bride. I
+cannot believe it; there are no preparations for the wedding,
+everything around me is so quiet and every-day-like.
+
+One week before Basia's wedding, what was there not in Maleszow!
+If at least I could see the duke often, but sometimes two, and
+sometimes three days pass without my seeing him. He fears to
+awaken the suspicion of the king, and still more that of Bruehl;
+therefore he avoids me at receptions, and does not appear here
+as often. I feel so lonesome with nobody to confide in or ask
+for any advice. Even my little maid is to be sent away, and a
+married woman, whom the Prince Woivode knows, but I have never
+seen, is to take her place. I do not even know how to dress for
+the wedding; I asked the prince, and he answered, "As every
+day."
+
+What a strange occurrence! I am making the grandest marriage in
+Poland, and my shoemaker's daughter will be more dressed on her
+wedding day than I on mine.
+
+
+     November 4.
+
+Married! One hour ago, before the altar, before God, we swore to
+each other faith and love until death. What a terrible wedding!
+At five o'clock in the morning the Prince Woivode knocked at my
+door. I was quite dressed, we went out stealthily; at the gate
+the duke and Prince Martin were waiting for us. It was quite
+dark, the wind blew fiercely; we walked to the church, as a
+carriage would have made a noise. It was not far, but I should
+have fallen several times, if the duke had not supported me. At
+the door of the church the good curate met us. The church was
+dark and silent as a grave; at a side altar two candles were
+lighted; no living soul but the priest and the sacristan. Our
+steps resounded on the flagstones as in a cavern.
+
+The ceremony did not last ten minutes, and then we hastened away
+as if pursued. The duke brought us to the gate, and the Prince
+Martin had to compel him to go away. I had my every-day dress
+on, not even white, only I hastily put a bit of rosemary in my
+hair. Yesterday, remembering Basia's wedding, I prepared for
+myself, with tears, a golden coin, a piece of bread, and a lump
+of sugar, but in my haste I forgot to take them this morning.
+
+Now I am again in my room, alone. Nobody is blessing or
+congratulating me, the whole house is asleep, and if it were not
+for the wedding ring, which I shall soon have to take off and
+hide, I could not believe that I have returned from my wedding,
+that I am a married woman, that I am his forever.
+
+
+     SULGOSTOW, December 24.
+
+I was not going to write in this book any more; I saw no use for
+it, as the friend I have won for my life had all my thoughts
+confided to him. But cruel destiny has separated us, and I open
+my book again to relate the sorrowful event. In the days of
+happiness, if they ever come, it will be agreeable perhaps to
+read over the accounts of the past misfortunes, although I do
+not think the most perfect bliss could ever wipe them out of my
+memory.
+
+Six weeks have passed since the day of our wedding. Nobody has
+guessed what happened. My new maid swore to the Prince Woivode
+on the crucifix that she would be silent on whatever she may
+know. Our meetings and interviews, managed by the Woivode, were
+kept perfectly secret. I was still Mademoiselle la Comtesse
+Krasinska to everybody. The duke, in order to be ready for any
+sign from the Prince Woivode, pretended illness and did not
+leave the castle, but in the end he was obliged to appear in
+society, and paid a visit to the princess. It was the first
+time I saw him in public; I could not control my emotion, which
+was perceived by the princess. After his departure, she
+overwhelmed me with reproaches, scoldings, and warnings. Sure of
+my innocence, I answered perhaps too boldly, and imprudently
+made her understand that it was not a mere flirtation between
+the duke and me. On the following day, the princess was very
+much agitated; the duke came again, and knowing he could not see
+me on that day in private, he had written a short note, which he
+discreetly slipped into my work-basket,--but not discreetly
+enough for the watchful eye of the princess. As soon as he was
+gone, she seized the basket, and when she read the inscription
+on the note, "Pour ma bien aimee," her wrath burst forth in the
+most dreadful and offensive words. I heard myself called the
+shame, the blot on the Krasinskis' name. I heard that I would
+send my Father and Mother to the grave. "But now," she added,
+"this low intrigue shall be ended. I have written to Bruehl,
+telling him that honesty and honor are more to me than my family
+ties, and I feel it to be my sacred duty to let him know that
+the duke is in love with you, and that he must do what he thinks
+best to stop this unlawful affection. So at this moment the king
+himself is perhaps informed of your mad scheme, and of your
+shame." "There is no shame," I answered, "I am his wife." As
+soon as I uttered these words I realized what I had done in
+revealing the secret, but it was too late. The princess was
+amazed. I fell at her feet and confessed everything; there was
+nothing else to be done. I implored her pardon, and begged her
+in the name of God to keep the secret to herself. She seemed
+surprised, but not soothed; she compelled me to rise from her
+feet, saying that it was not a proper position for a lady of my
+standing. She asked to be pardoned for having often treated me
+not according to my dignity, of which she was unaware; but she
+did not allow me to kiss her hand, and under the pretence that
+her house was not good enough for a duchess, perhaps the future
+Queen of Poland, she gave at once the orders for my departure. I
+controlled myself so that not one disagreeable word fell from my
+lips, and I shall always be thankful to the Lord for it; the
+princess is my aunt, and I shall never forget the care she has
+bestowed upon me during so many months.
+
+I did not know at all where I was to go. Fortunately some one
+happened to mention Sulgostow. The marshal, who came to take the
+orders, heard it, and the news spread in the house that I was
+going to spend Christmas with my sister. Glad of the suggestion,
+I confirmed it. I wrote a letter to the duke, in care of the
+princess, in which I told him about the necessity of letting my
+sister know the truth, and in less than two hours, in a closed
+carriage with my maid, I was travelling fast, not knowing what
+was to become of me. I reached Sulgostow in such a confused
+state of mind that when Basia saw me and heard the disconnected
+sentences,--that the princess sent me away from her house, that
+I was innocent, that the duke was my husband,--she was so
+frightened that she wanted to call for help, and to send for the
+doctor; she was sure that I was insane. No news yet from Warsaw!
+
+
+     _Saturday_, December 30.
+
+I received a letter from the duke (I think I shall never call
+him otherwise). He is in despair about my departure, angry with
+the princess, and much afraid of Bruehl discovering everything. I
+am leaving Sulgostow; the happiness of my sister makes my lot
+still more miserable. I love her with my whole heart, and I pray
+God that she may always be as happy, but this comfortable home,
+the attention her husband's family pay to her, the many tokens
+of affection from our honored Parents, the little Angela who is
+so fond of her mother, and of whom her father is so proud,--all
+this stabs my heart when I compare her fate with mine. I will
+go to Maleszow. When I shall hear the words of forgiveness from
+the lips of my honored Parents, and they embrace me, I shall
+perhaps feel more tranquil. Perhaps the year begun with them
+will be as happy as those that I spent under their roof, when a
+gay and careless girl.
+
+
+     IN MALESZOW CASTLE, January 5, 1761.
+
+I have been here for several days, but I am not any happier. My
+honored Parents greeted me in such a strange manner. I wanted to
+throw myself at their feet, and I would have felt better for it,
+but they did not allow it. The Count bowed low to me as if I
+were a stranger; even now he will not sit next me, and he gets
+up when I enter the room. This homage paid to my new title is
+grievous to my heart. At the first dinner he whispered in my
+ear, "I could under the pretence of testing, order a bottle of
+'Miss Frances' wine.' I am sorry not to taste it at the first
+dinner, but the custom requires that the first cup be emptied
+by the father, and the second by the bridegroom; any other order
+is considered a bad omen. But will that happy moment ever come?"
+he added, so sadly that I was hardly able to restrain my tears.
+Oh! that dinner was for me a real suffering; everybody seemed to
+be under some constraint; even Matenko was not up to his
+standard. The Count winked at him to make him tell some jokes,
+but they were not a success.
+
+He is a sharp fellow, Matenko. Yesterday he entered my room
+mysteriously, when I was alone, and kneeling on both knees, with
+an expression which was half droll and half melancholy, he drew
+from his vest a little bunch of dried leaves tied with a white
+ribbon and a golden pin in it. I could not at first make out
+what he meant when he said, "I am sometimes a prophet." Then I
+recollected the bouquet from Basia's wedding. I ran after
+Matenko, who still on his knees was retreating toward the door,
+and put in his coat a diamond pin I had received from the duke.
+Neither of us said a word, but both perhaps thought that if it
+was strange that his joking prophecy was fulfilled, how much
+more strange it was that its fulfilment failed to satisfy my
+expectations. When I think how I dreamed about my return to
+Maleszow after my wedding! What royal presents and surprises
+there would be for everybody! Even each of the peasant-women was
+to receive a new cap, the girls bright ribbons, and what
+entertainments and banquets were to be given to all! And here I
+return to my paternal home after nearly two years of absence,
+and bring no gifts to any one. When Basia came home from the
+convent she had a little surprise for everybody, although she
+had no more money than I; but she had leisure of time and mind,
+and with her own hands she prepared the little trifles which
+were valued so much. How could I do it?
+
+Here my beloved Mother interrupted my writing. She came into my
+room carrying heavy bundles of costly silks, laces, and jewels,
+and laying them down on the chairs she said rather timidly: "I
+have brought here a part of the things which are destined for
+each of our daughters; I would have brought more, but nothing
+seems to me good enough. I have been talking to my honored
+husband; he will sell a few villages in order that when the
+happy moment comes, and the marriage is announced to the world,
+our second daughter may receive an outfit in accordance with her
+high rank." Moved to tears, I wanted to embrace her knees, but
+she did not permit me, and was still making excuses for the
+"miserable presents," as she called them.
+
+Oh no! I cannot stand all this. I will return to Sulgostow.
+There are too many eyes fixed on me here, too many exclamations
+about how pale I look. My dear little sisters are asking
+continually, "Why are you not married yet?" or, "When will you
+marry?" Even the old servants ask me the same questions.
+Yesterday the three girls whom I promised to take to my court,
+came to see me. Old Peter brought his daughter himself; it was
+so painful to send them away. How astonished they will be if
+they hear that am I married, but cannot take them, for my
+husband is a son of the king!
+
+
+     SULGOSTOW, January 9.
+
+I found no letter here from the duke. I am dreadfully anxious;
+perhaps he is ill, or the king is informed about everything, and
+does not let him write. If the Prince Woivode were in Warsaw he
+would let me know, but he left a few days before me and probably
+has not yet returned.
+
+The farewell of my honored Parents was more tender than their
+reception, but the best moments I spent were in Lisow, where I
+went to visit our curate. I found him planting spruce-trees in
+his garden, and he allowed me to plant one in the cemetery near
+the church.[15] I leave a sad souvenir behind me, but I am not
+gay myself. I heard kind and comforting words from the good
+Father, and went away with more courage. If only I had news that
+the duke is quite well!
+
+    [15] This tree still shades the old building.
+        (Note in 1858.)
+
+
+     _Tuesday_, January 15.
+
+New trials and new sufferings during these past days! Will there
+be any kind of grief which I have not experienced?
+
+On Saturday when we were going to dinner we heard the
+postilion's horn before the palace; the door opened and Borch,
+the minister of the king, entered the hall. I knew at once the
+purpose of his coming, and I trembled like a leaf, but he
+pretended that he wanted to pay his respects to the Staroste and
+Madame Starostine, at whose wedding he had the honor to be
+present. He played this part during the whole dinner, but when
+it was over he asked me for a moment of private conversation,
+and then told me at once that Bruehl and he were informed of all
+that had happened, but to them the marriage of the duke was a
+mere joke; that a wedding without the knowledge of the parents,
+and not blessed by the pastor of the parish, is void, and can
+be annulled without any difficulty.
+
+In the first moment I believed his words and felt doomed and
+helpless, but God had mercy upon me, and suddenly my mind was
+cleared. I considered whose representative was before me; I felt
+sure that the Prince Woivode would not have countenanced an
+illegal marriage; I was aware that upon my firmness in that
+moment depended the future of my whole life; and I replied as
+follows: "It is wrong of Minister Bruehl, and it is wrong of you
+who speak for him, to want to deceive a woman who is not yet
+eighteen years old; but I am not so ignorant as you may
+imagine," I continued, while he was listening in blank
+amazement,--"I know that our marriage is valid; it was
+consecrated by the curate of my parish before two witnesses, and
+with the consent of my Parents. Yes, there is the divorce, but
+the signature of both parties is necessary for it, is it not so?
+and neither prayers nor threats will obtain mine or the duke's
+signature." Borch was confounded. On the following day,
+however, he tried to secure my signature by offering me a large
+donation, and when that failed he wanted at least my promise
+that, if the duke gave his consent to the divorce, I should not
+withhold mine. I gave that promise in writing; I am sure of my
+husband's faith and love.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Here ends the journal of Francoise Krasinska. Continual sorrows
+and misfortunes took away her strength, and her wish to write
+about them any more. The most painful of her trials was the
+inconstancy of her husband, and the apprehension of the divorce
+with which she was threatened more than once. After the early
+death of her parents, the homeless young woman led a wandering
+life for several years, between her sister Barbara's, her aunt's
+the Princess Lubomirska (who could not remain angry very long
+with her favorite niece), and convents in Warsaw and in Cracow.
+Her fickle husband returned to her from time to time, but their
+marriage was still kept secret, under the pretence of sparing
+the old king the shock. Furthermore, the visions of a brilliant
+future which the young girl once nourished vanished one after
+the other; as Matenko had predicted, the mitre and the crown
+both slipped away. Count Biron became Duke of Courland, and
+after the death of Augustus III., Stanislaus Poniatowski was
+elected King of Poland.
+
+The family of the late king moved to Saxony. Then the Duke
+Charles wrote a most tender letter to his wife, asking her
+forgiveness for the past, and imploring her to come to Dresden,
+where, he wrote, he would publicly call her his wife, and he
+would devote his whole life to her happiness, in order to redeem
+the years of her beautiful youth spent in wandering and
+humiliation. Although she had longed for this moment for years,
+she did not yield at once to her husband's request. Her heart
+wished perhaps otherwise, but her self-respect commanded her to
+await at least a second invitation. She had not long to wait;
+letter followed letter, and every word breathed the most tender
+affection, and news came that under this suspense, the duke's
+health began to give way. Convinced at last of the sincerity of
+his re-awakened attachment, the young duchess, surrounded by a
+numerous retinue sent from Dresden to accompany her, left her
+native country; and from that time she lived in Saxony, not in
+the splendor once dreamed of, but in a happy home. Her husband
+now clung to her with all the passion of a young lover; her
+little daughter, Marie Christine, their only child, promised to
+be as beautiful as her mother, and numerous friends, among
+others the Empress Maria Theresa, who was very fond of her, and
+bestowed upon her the estate of Landscrown, surrounded the
+"handsome Pole" with affection and admiration.
+
+But she never forgot Poland and her relatives, nor lost the hope
+of living there once again. The numerous letters written to her
+sisters, her goddaughter Angela, the Princess Lubomirska, and
+others, are still kept by the family and show her deep affection
+and solicitude for them and her country. She did not live to a
+great age, having died in 1796; and as if to prove his deep
+attachment, her husband survived her only a few months.
+
+Their daughter, Marie Christine, married Charles de Carignan, Duke of
+Savoy, and had two children,--a daughter, Elizabeth Francoise, married
+to the Archduke Regnier, King of Lombardy-Venice, and second cousin
+of the present Emperor of Austria; and a son, Charles Albert, the
+father of Victor Emmanuel, and of the Duke of Genoa, the latter being
+the father of Marguerite, the "Pearl of Savoy." Thus both the King
+and Queen of Italy are the great-great-grandchildren of Francoise
+Krasinska.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Journal of Countess Francoise
+Krasinska, by Kasimir Dziekonska (translator)
+
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