memory,
and fear to weaken their impression should I write them.

When, at midnight, the cannon were fired to announce the end of one year
and the beginning of another, the prince said to me, 'Ah! never can I
forget the hours I have just passed; this is not a new year which I am
beginning, but a new life which I am receiving.'

This is but one of the many things he said to me; but as he always spoke
French, I should find great difficulty, in my present agitated state of
mind, in translating his conversation into Polish.

All that I have read in Mademoiselle Scudery, or in Madame de Lafayette,
is flat, compared with what the prince himself said to me; but perhaps
this may all be nothing more than simple politeness. Ah! merciful
Heaven, if it should be indeed an illusion, a mere court flattery,
applicable to all women, or, perhaps,--a series of empty compliments,
due solely to my dress, which became me wonderfully well! I am a prey to
the most inconceivable perplexities, and dare confide in no one; I
should not venture to say to any one: 'Has he a real preference for me?'

My parents are far away, and the princess does not invite my confidence;
I fear her as a cold, severe, and uninterested judge.... The prince
palatine is very kind, but can one expose to a man all the weakness of a
woman's heart? ... I am then abandoned to myself, without a standard of
judgment, without experience or advice.... Yesterday, I was at school,
studying as a child, and now I am thrown into a world entirely new, and
in which I am playing a part envied by all my sex.... I surely dream, or
I have lost my reason.

In ten days Barbara will be here, and she must be my good angel; she
will guide and protect me: she is so wise, and has so much judgment! I
will be so glad to lay my soul bare before her; I have no fear of her,
she is so compassionate; she is beautiful and happy, and I have always
remarked that such women are the best.

I have not seen my dear sister for nine months; but I see from her
letters that she is every day more and more loved by her husband, and
satisfied with her destiny.

Shall I again see the prince royal? Will he recognize me in my ordinary
dress, and will he still think me beautiful?...

MAIDEN'S DREAMING.

Fast the sunset light is fading,
Nearer comes the lonely night,
On a maid intently dreaming
Dimly falls the evening light.

Far into the future gazing,
Heeds she not the waning lig