chool. The princess palatine's advice has
prevailed, and Madame Strumle has received the preference over the
Sisters of the Holy Sacrament. God be praised, for I really was very
anxious to come here. I received a most flattering reception.

On our way to Warsaw we stopped at Sulgustow. We found her ladyship the
starostine gay and most hospitable; the presence of our dear parents
filled the measure of her happiness. She assured me that the delight of
receiving one's parents in one's own house could be neither expressed
nor understood. 'You must yourself experience it,' added she, 'before
you can form any idea of it.'

On the table were all the dishes, confections, and beverages preferred
by our parents. Barbara forgot nothing which could be agreeable to them,
and the starost aided her wonderfully in all her efforts. My mother
remarked that Barbara was still better since her marriage than before,
to which the starost replied:

'Indeed, she is no better, for thus did I receive her from the hands of
your highnesses. But she gladly profits by the present opportunity to
testify her gratitude; she shows here those lovely and precious
qualities which you have cultivated in her soul, and during the past
three days she has been for her parents what she is every day for me.'

There was no flattery in what the starost said--it came really from his
heart. He adores Barbara, and she respects, honors, and obeys him as if
he were her father.

She understands perfectly the whole management of a household, and does
the honors of her mansion most gracefully. Every one praises her, and
the young ladies and waiting women who followed her from Maleszow are
delighted with their new position.

My parents regretted the necessity of parting from their daughter; they
would willingly have remained longer; but I must confess I was very
anxious to see Warsaw, and was charmed when they received letters
obliging them to hasten their departure.

It was really a true instinct which gave me a preference for this place.
I study well, and must improve. My education will be complete, and I may
perhaps become a superior woman, as I have always desired to do; but I
need much study and close application to bring me to that point; above
all, must I chain my wandering fancies, and not suffer them to stray
about so vaguely as I have hitherto done.

Yesterday my mother came to take me to church. I made my confession, and
communed for the intention of usin