ress to pass
two or three days with her in the country; and the empress, as the
countess was first-cousin to the princess, did not withhold her consent;
on the contrary, when the princess left the palace, she put a case of
jewels in her hand, saying, "These are for the bride, with the good
wishes and protection of the empress, as long as she remains in this
country." One hour afterwards O'Donahue was rewarded for all his long
forbearance by clasping his fair one in his arms. A priest had been
provided, and was sent forward to the country chateau, and at ten in the
morning all the parties were ready. The princess and her cousin set off
in the carriage, followed by O'Donahue, with McShane and his suite.
Everything was _en regle_. The passports had been made out for Germany,
to which country it was reported the countess would proceed a few days
after the marriage, and the princess was to return to the palace. As
soon as they arrived at the chateau the ceremony was performed, and
O'Donahue obtained his prize; and to guard against any mishap, it was
decided that they should leave the next morning, on their way to the
frontier. Dimitri had been of the greatest use, had prepared against
every difficulty, and had fully proved his fidelity. The parting
between the countess and her cousin was tender. "How much do I owe,
dear friend!" said the princess. "What risk do you incur for me! How
will you brave the anger of the emperor?"

"I care little for his anger. I am a woman, and not a subject of his;
but, before you go, you must both write a letter--your husband to the
emperor, reminding him of his having given his consent to the marriage,
and his wish that he should remain in his dominions; and let him add his
sincere wish, if permitted, to be employed in his Majesty's service.
You, my dear cousin, must write to the empress, reminding her of her
promise of protection, and soliciting her good offices with the emperor.
I shall play my own game; but, depend upon it, it will all end in a
laugh."

O'Donahue and his wife both wrote their letters, and O'Donahue also
wrote one to the English ambassador, informing him of what had taken
place, and requesting his kind offices. As soon as they were finished,
the countess bade them farewell, saying, "I shall not send these letters
until you are well out of reach, depend upon it;" and, with many thanks
for her kindness, O'Donahue and his bride bade her adieu, and set off on
their