antly lighted, and glittering with gold and the
most gorgeous costumes, presented a dazzling spectacle; the women,
nearly all robed in fancy dresses, were charming; I did not know to
which one I should give the preference.

A few moments after our arrival, we learned that the Duke of Courland
was in the hall; my eyes sought and found him, surrounded by a brilliant
group of young men. His dress differed but little from that of the lords
of his court; but I could distinguish him among them all. His figure is
tall and dignified, his air noble and affable; his beautiful blue eyes
and his charming smile eclipse all that approach him; where he is, no
one can see anything but himself.

I looked at him until our eyes met; then I avoided his gaze, but found
it always fixed upon me. But what was my confusion when I understood
that he was asking the Prince Palatine Lubomirski who I was! His face
lighted up with joy when he heard the answer; be made no delay in
approaching the Princess Lubomirska, and saluted her with a grace
peculiar to himself. After the exchange of the preliminary compliments,
the princess introduced me as her niece. I do not know what kind of a
courtesy I made, doubtless quite different from that which I had learned
from my dancing master; I was so agitated, and still am so much so,
that I cannot remember the words used by the prince as he saluted me;
but the impression is not fugitive like the words.

What an evening! The prince opened the ball with the princess
palatiness, and danced the second polonaise--with me; he had then time
to speak to me; and I, at first so timid, embarrassed, and agitated,
found myself replying to him with inconceivable assurance. He questioned
me about my parents, my sister the starostine, and all the details of
her marriage. I was surprised to find him so well acquainted with my
family affairs; but then I remembered that Kochanowski, son of the
castellan, is his favorite. What a good, forgiving soul that Kochanowski
must have; not only has he digested the goose dressed with the black
sauce, but he has said so many kind things of us all!

The prince danced with me nearly the whole evening, and talked all the
time ... The words would seem insignificant and absurd, were I to write
them down; but with him, tone, manner, expression, all speak and say
more than words, and yet his very words signify more, depict better, and
penetrate more deeply than those of others. I keep them in my