ss
Sophia, who was leaning on her arm, kindly readjusted the
ornament upon her brow. Knowing, as we do, the hauteur of the
archduchess, such condescension is almost inconceivable.

The next morning I was invited, together with a few other
persons, to be present at the marriage of the grand duke with
Madame la Marquise d'Harville. I had never seen the princess so
radiant and happy.

Some days after the duke's marriage I had a long interview with
him. He questioned me about my past life, my future career. He
gave me the most admirable advice, the kindest encouragement. So
much so that the idea crossed my mind that he had perceived my
love and wished to bring me to confess it.

But this idea was soon dispelled. The prince concluded by
telling me that the great wars were over, that I ought to avail
myself of my name, my connections, the education I had received,
and my father's friendship with the Prince de M----, prime
minister of the emperor, in order to follow a diplomatic instead
of a military career. In a word, he offered me his sovereign
protection to facilitate my entry in the career he proposed to
me.

I thanked him for his offers with gratitude, and added that I
felt the weight of his advice and would follow it.

I at first visited the palace very seldom; but, thanks to the
duke's reiterated invitations, I was soon there almost every
day. We lived in the peaceful retirement resembling that of some
English mansions. When the weather permitted we rode out with
the duke, the duchess, and the grand personages of the court.

When we were forced to remain at home we sang, and I accompanied
the grand duchess and my cousin, who had the sweetest and most
expressive voice I ever heard. At other times we inspected the
magnificent picture galleries and museums, and the library of
the prince, who is one of the most accomplished men in Europe. I
often dined at the palace, and on the opera nights I accompanied
the duke's family to the theatre.

Could this intimacy have lasted for ever I should have been
happy, perhaps, but I reflected that I should be summoned to
Vienna by my duties. I reflected, also, that the duke would soon
think of finding a suitable alliance for his daughter.

My cousin remarked this change in me. The evening before I
quitted Gerolstein she