BetweenKoporieandSt。Petersburgthereisonlyawretchedhutfortheaccommodationoftravellers。Thecountryisawilderness，andtheinhabitantsdonotevenspeakRussian。ThedistrictiscalledIngria，andIbelievethejargonspokenhasnoaffinitywithanyotherlanguage。Theprincipaloccupationofthepeasantsisrobbery，andthetravellerdoeswellnottoleaveanyofhiseffectsaloneforamoment。
　　IgottoSt。Petersburgjustasthefirstraysofthesunbegantogildthehorizon。Itwasinthewintersolstice，andthesunroseattheextremityofanimmenseplainattwenty—fourminutespastnine，soIamabletostatethatthelongestnightinRussiaconsistsofeighteenhoursandthreequarters。
　　IgotdowninafinestreetcalledtheMillione。Ifoundacoupleofemptyrooms，whichthepeopleofthehousefurnishedwithtwobeds，fourchairs，andtwosmalltables，andrentedtomeverycheaply。
　　Seeingtheenormousstoves，Iconcludedtheymustconsumeavastamountofwood，butIwasmistaken。RussiaisthelandofstovesasVeniceisthatofcisterns。Ihaveinspectedtheinteriorofthesestovesinsummer—timeasminutelyasifIwishedtofindoutthesecretofmakingthem；theyaretwelvefeethighbysixbroad，andarecapableofwarmingavastroom。Theyareonlyrefuelledonceintwenty—fourhours，forassoonasthewoodisreducedtothestateofcharcoalavalveisshutintheupperpartofthestove。
　　Itisonlyinthehousesofnoblementhatthestovesarerefuelledtwiceaday，becauseservantsarestrictlyforbiddentoclosethevalve，andforaverygoodreason。
　　Ifagentlemanchancetocomehomeandorderhisservantstowarmhisroombeforehegoestobed，andiftheservantiscarelessenoughtoclosethevalvebeforethewoodisreducedtocharcoal，thenthemastersleepshislastsleep，beingsuffocatedinthreeorfourhours。Whenthedoorisopenedinthemorningheisfounddead，andthepoordevilofaservantisimmediatelyhanged，whateverhemaysay。Thissoundssevere，andevencruel；butitisanecessaryregulation，orelseaservantwouldbeabletogetridofhismasteronthesmallestprovocation。
　　AfterIhadmadeanagreementformyboardandlodging，bothofwhichwereverycheap（nowSt。Petersburg，isasdearasLondon），Ibroughtsomepiecesoffurniturewhichwerenecessariesforme，butwhichwerenotasyetmuchinuseinRussia，suchasacommode，abureau，&c。
　　GermanisthelanguageprincipallyspokeninSt。Petersburg，andI
　　didnotspeakGermanmuchbetterthenthanIdonow，soIhadagooddealofdifficultyinmakingmyselfunderstood，andusuallyexcitedmyauditorstolaughter。
　　AfterdinnermylandlordtoldmethattheCourtwasgivingamaskedballtofivethousandpersonstolastsixtyhours。Hegavemeaticket，andtoldmeIonlyneededtoshewitattheentranceoftheimperialpalace。
　　Idecidedtousetheticket，forIfeltthatIshouldliketobepresentatsonumerousanassembly，andasIhadmydominostillbymeamaskwasallIwanted。Iwenttothepalaceinasedan—chair，andfoundanimmensecrowdassembled，anddancinggoingoninseveralhallsineachofwhichanorchestrawasstationed。Therewerelongcountersloadedwitheatablesanddrinkablesatwhichthosewhowerehungryorthirstyateordrankasmuchastheyliked。Gaietyandfreedomreignedeverywhere，andthelightofathousandwaxcandlesilluminatedthehall。Everythingwaswonderful，andallthemoresofromitscontrastwiththecoldanddarknessthatwerewithout。AllatonceIheardamasquerbesidemesaytoanother，——
　　"There’stheczarina。"
　　WesoonsawGregoryOrloff，forhisordersweretofollowtheempressatadistance。
　　Ifollowedthemasquer，andIwassoonpersuadedthatitwasreallytheempress，foreverybodywasrepeatingit，thoughnooneopenlyrecognizedher。Thosewhoreallydidnotknowherjostledherinthecrowd，andIimaginedthatshewouldbedelightedatbeingtreatedthus，asitwasaproofofthesuccessofherdisguise。SeveraltimesIsawherspeakinginRussiantoonemasquerandanother。Nodoubtsheexposedhervanitytosomerudeshocks，butshehadalsotheinestimableadvantageofhearingtruthswhichhercourtierswouldcertainlynottellher。ThemasquerwhowaspronouncedtobeOrlofffollowedhereverywhere，anddidnotletheroutofhissightforamoment。Hecouldnotbemistaken，ashewasanexceptionallytallmanandhadapeculiarcarriageofthehead。
　　IarrestedmyprogressinahallwheretheFrenchsquaredancewasbeingperformed，andsuddenlythereappearedamasquerdisguisedintheVenetianstyle。ThecostumewassocompletethatIatoncesethimdownasafellow—countryman，forveryfewstrangerscanimitateussoastoescapedetection。Asithappened，hecameandstoodnexttome。
　　"OnewouldthinkyouwereaVenetian，"IsaidtohiminFrench。
　　"SoIam。"
　　"Likemyself。"
　　"Iamnotjesting。"
　　"NomoreamI。"
　　"ThenletusspeakinVenetian。"
　　"Doyoubegin，andIwillreply。"
　　Webeganourconversation，butwhenhecametothewordSabato，Saturday，whichisaSaboinVenetian，IdiscoveredthathewasarealVenetian，butnotfromVeniceitself。HesaidIwasright，andthathejudgedfrommyaccentthatIcamefromVenice。
　　"Quiteso，"saidI。
　　"IthoughtBernadiwastheonlyVenetianbesidesmyselfinSt。
　　Petersburg。"
　　"Youseeyouaremistaken。"
　　"MynameisCountVolpatidiTreviso。"
　　"Givemeyouraddress，andIwillcomeandtellyouwhoIam，forI
　　cannotdosohere。"
　　"Hereitis。"
　　AfterleavingthecountIcontinuedmyprogressthroughthiswonderfulhall，andtwoorthreehoursafterIwasattractedbythevoiceofafemalemasquerspeakingParisianFrenchinahighfalsetto，suchasiscommonatanoperaball。
　　IdidnotrecognizethevoicebutIknewthestyle，andfeltquitecertainthatthemasquermustbeoneofmyoldfriends，forshespokewiththeintonationsandphraseologywhichIhadrenderedpopularinmychiefplacesofresortatParis。
　　Iwascurioustoseewhoitcouldbe，andnotwishingtospeakbeforeIknewher，Ihadthepatiencetowaittillsheliftedhermask，andthisoccurredattheendofanhour。WhatwasmysurprisetoseeMadameBaret，thestocking—selleroftheRueSt。Honor&Myloveawokefromitslongsleep，andcominguptoherIsaid，inafalsettovoice，——
　　"Iamyourfriendofthe’Hoteld’Elbeuf。’"
　　Shewaspuzzled，andlookedthepictureofbewilderment。Iwhisperedinherear，"GilbertBaret，RuedesProuveres，"andcertainotherfactswhichcouldonlybeknowntoherselfandafortunatelover。
　　ShesawIknewherinmostsecrets，anddrawingmeawayshebeggedmetotellherwhoIwas。
　　"Iwasyourlover，andafortunateone，too，"Ireplied；"butbeforeItellyoumyname，withwhomareyou，andhowareyou？"
　　"Verywell；butpraydonotdivulgewhatItellyou。IleftPariswithM。d’Anglade，counsellorintheCourtofRouen。Ilivedhappilyenoughforsometimewithhim，andthenlefthimtogowithatheatricalmanager，whobroughtmehereasanactressunderthenameofdel’Anglade，andnowIamkeptbyCountRzewuski，thePolishambassador。Andnowtellmewhoyouare？"
　　Feelingsureofenjoyingheragain，Iliftedmymask。Shegaveacryofjoy，andexclaimed，——
　　"MygoodangelhasbroughtyoutoSt。Petersburg。"
　　"Howdoyoumean？"
　　"RzewuskiisobligedtogobacktoPoland，andnowIcountonyoutogetmeoutofthecountry，forIcannolongercontinueinastationforwhichIwasnotintended，sinceIcanneithersingnoract。"
　　Shegavemeheraddress，andIleftherdelightedwithmydiscovery。
　　Afterhavingpassedhalfanhouratthecounter，eatinganddrinkingofthebest，Ireturnedtothecrowdandsawmyfairstocking—sellertalkingtoCountVolpati。Hehadseenherwithme，andhastenedtoenquiremynameofher。However，shewasfaithfultoourmutualpromise，andtoldhimIwasherhusband，thoughtheVenetiandidnotseemtogivetheleastcredencetothispieceofinformation。
　　AtlastIwastiredandlefttheball，andwenttobedintendingtogotomassinthemorning。Isleptforsometimeandwoke，butasitwasstilldarkIturnedontheothersideandwenttosleepagain。
　　AtlastIawokeagain，andseeingthedaylightstealingthroughmydoublewindows，Isentforahairdresser，tellingmymantomakehasteasIwantedtohearmassonthefirstSundayaftermyarrivalinSt。Petersburg。
　　"Butsir，"saidhe，"thefirstSundaywasyesterday；weareatMondaynow。"
　　"What！Monday？"
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　Ihadspenttwenty—sevenhoursinbed，andafterlaughingatthemishapIfeltasifIcouldeasilybelieveit，formyhungerwaslikethatofacannibal。
　　ThisistheonlydaywhichIreallylostinmylife；butIdonotweepliketheRomanemperor，Ilaugh。ButthisisnottheonlydifferencebetweenTitusandCasanova。
　　IcalledonDemetrioPapanelopulo，theGreekmerchant，whowastopaymeahundredroublesamonth。IwasalsocommendedtohimbyM。daLoglio，andIhadanexcellentreception。Hebeggedmetocomeanddinewithhimeveryday，paidmetheroublesforthemonthdue，andassuredmethathehadhonouredmybilldrawnatMitau。Healsofoundmeareliableservant，andacarriageateighteenroubles，orsixducatspermonth。Suchcheapnesshas，alas！departedforever。
　　Thenextday，asIwasdiningwiththeworthyGreekandyoungBernardi，whowasafterwardspoisoned，CountVolpaticameinwiththedessert，andtoldushowhehadmetaVenetianattheballwhohadpromisedtocomeandseehim。
　　"TheVenetianwouldhavekepthispromise，"saidI，"ifhehadnothadalongsleepoftwenty—sevenhours。IamtheVenetian，andamdelightedtocontinueouracquaintance。"
　　Thecountwasabouttoleave，andhisdeparturehadalreadybeenannouncedintheSt。PetersburgGazette。TheRussiancustomisnottogiveatravellerhispassportstillafortnighthaselapsedaftertheappearanceofhisnameinthepaper。Thisregulationisfortheadvantageoftradesmen，whileitmakesforeignersthinktwicebeforetheycontractanydebts。
　　ThenextdayItookaletterofintroductiontoM。PietroIvanovitchMelissino，colonelandafterwardsgeneralofartillery。TheletterwaswrittenbyMadamedaLoglio，whowasveryintimatewithMelissino。Iwasmostpolitelywelcomed，andafterpresentingmetohispleasantwife，heaskedmeonceforalltosupwithhimeverynight。ThehousewasmanagedintheFrenchstyle，andbothplayandsupperwereconductedwithoutanyceremony。ImetthereMelissino’selderbrother，theprocuratoroftheHolySynodandhusbandofthePrincessDolgorouki。Farowenton，andthecompanywascomposedoftrustworthypersonswhoneitherboastedoftheirgainsnorbewailedtheirlossestoanyone，andsotherewasnofearoftheGovernmentdiscoveringthisinfrigementofthelawagainstgaming。ThebankwasheldbyBaronLefort，sonofthecelebratedadmiralofPetertheGreat。Lefortwasanexampleoftheinconstancyoffortune；hewasthenindisgraceonaccountofalotterywhichhehadheldatMoscowtocelebratethecoronationoftheempress，whohadfurnishedhimwiththenecessaryfunds。Thelotteryhadbeenbrokenandthefactwasattributedtothebaron’ssupposeddishonesty。
　　Iplayedforsmallstakesandwonafewroubles。ImadefriendswithBaronLefortatsupper，andheafterwardstoldmeofthevicissitudeshehadexperienced。
　　AsIwaspraisingthenoblecalmnesswithwhichacertainprincehadlostathousandroublestohim，helaughedandsaidthatthefinegamesterIhadmentionedplayeduponcreditbutneverpaid。
　　"Howabouthishonour？"
　　"Itisnotaffectedbythenon—paymentofgamingdebts。ItisanunderstoodthinginRussiathatonewhoplaysoncreditandlosesmaypayornotpayashewishes，andthewinneronlymakeshimselfridiculousbyremindingtheloserofhisdebt。"
　　"Thentheholderofthebankhastherighttorefusetoacceptbetswhicharenotbackedbyreadymoney。"
　　"Certainly；andnobodyhasarighttobeoffendedwithhimfordoingso。GamingisinaverybadstateinRussia。Iknowyoungmenofthehighestrankwhosechiefboastisthattheyknowhowtoconquerfortune；thatis，tocheat。OneoftheMatuschkinsgoessofarastochallengeallforeigncheatstomasterhim。Hehasjustreceivedpermissiontotravelforthreeyears，anditisanopensecretthathewishestotravelthathemayexercisehisskill。HeintendsreturningtoRussialadenwiththespoilsofthedupeshehasmade。"
　　AyoungofficeroftheguardsnamedZinowieff，arelationoftheOrloffs，whomIhadmetatMelissino’s，introducedmetoMacartney，theEnglishambassador，ayoungmanofpartsandfondofpleasure。
　　HehadfalleninlovewithayoungladyoftheChitrofffamily，andmaidofhonourtotheempress，andfindinghisaffectionreciprocatedababywastheresult。TheempressdisapprovedstronglyofthispieceofEnglishfreedom，andhadtheambassadorrecalled，thoughsheforgavehermaidofhonour。Thisforgivenesswasattributedtotheyounglady’sskillindancing。Iknewthebrotherofthislady，afineandintelligentyoungofficer。IhadthegoodfortunetobeadmittedtotheCourt，andthereIhadthepleasureofseeingMdlle。
　　Chitroffdancing，andalsoMdlle。Sievers，nowPrincesss，whomIsawagainatDresdenfouryearsagowithherdaughter，anextremelygenteelyoungprincess。IwasenchantedwithMdlle。Sievers，andfeltquiteinlovewithher；butaswewereneverintroducedIhadnoopportunityofdeclaringmypassion。Putini，thecastrato，washighinherfavour，asindeedhedeservedtobe，bothforhistalentsandthebeautiesofhisperson。
　　TheworthyPapanelopulointroducedmetoAlsuwieff，oneoftheministers，amanofwitandletters，andonlyoneofthekindwhomI
　　metinRussia。HehadbeenanindustriousstudentattheUniversityofUpsala，andlovedwine，women，andgoodcheer。HeaskedmetodinewithLocatelliatCatherinhoff，oneoftheimperialmansions，whichtheempresshadassignedtotheoldtheatricalmanagerfortheremainderofhisdays。Hewasastonishedtoseeme，andIwasmoreastonishedstilltofindthathehadturnedtaverner，forhegaveanexcellentdinnereverydaytoallwhocaredtopayarouble，exclusiveofwine。M。d’Alsuwieffintroducedmetohiscolleagueintheministry，Teploff，whosevicewasthathelovedboys，andhisvirtuethathehadstrangledPeterIII。
　　MadameMecour，thedancer，introducedmetoherlover，Ghelaghin，alsoaminister。HehadspenttwentyyearsofhislifeinSiberia。
　　AletterfromDaLogliogotmeawarmwelcomefromthecastratoLuini，adelightfulman，whokeptasplendidtable。HewastheloverofColonna，thesinger，buttheiraffectionseemedtomeatorment，fortheycouldscarcelivetogetherinpeaceforasingleday。AtLuini’shouseImetanothercastrato，Millico，agreatfriendofthechiefhuntsman，Narischkin，whoalsobecameoneofmyfriends。ThisNarischkin，apleasantandawell—informedman，wasthehusbandofthefamousMariaPaulovna。Itwasatthechiefhuntsman’ssplendidtablethatImetCalogesoPlato，nowarchbishopofNovgorod，andthenchaplaintotheempress。ThismonkwasaRussian，andamasterofruses，understoodGreek，andspokeLatinandFrench，andwaswhatwouldbecalledafineman。Itwasnowonderthatherosetosuchaheight，asinRussiathenobilityneverlowerthemselvesbyacceptingchurchdignities。
　　DaLogliohadgivenmealetterforthePrincessDaschkoff，andI
　　tookittohercountryhouse，atthedistanceofthreeverstsfromSt。Petersburg。Shehadbeenexiledfromthecapital，because，havingassistedCatherinetoascendthethrone，sheclaimedtoshareitwithher。
　　Ifoundtheprincessmourningforthelossofherhusband。Shewelcomedmekindly，andpromisedtospeaktoM。Paninonmybehalf；
　　andthreedayslatershewrotetomethatIcouldcallonthatnoblemanassoonasIliked。Thiswasaspecimenoftheempress’smagnanimity；shehaddisgracedtheprincess，butsheallowedherfavouriteministertopayhiscourttohereveryevening。Ihaveheard，ongoodauthority，thatPaninwasnottheprincess’slover，butherfather。SheisnowthePresidentoftheAcademyofScience，andIsupposetheliteratimustlookuponherasanotherMinerva，orelsetheywouldbeashamedtohaveawomanattheirhead。Forcompleteness’saketheRussiansshouldgetawomantocommandtheirarmies，butJoand’Arcsarescarce。
　　MelissinoandIwerepresentatanextraordinaryceremonyontheDayoftheEpiphany，namelytheblessingoftheNeva，thencoveredwithfivefeetofice。
　　Afterthebenedictionofthewaterschildrenwerebaptizedbybeingplungedintoalargeholewhichhadbeenmadeintheice。OnthedayonwhichIwaspresentthepriesthappenedtoletoneofthechildrenslipthroughhishands。
　　"Drugoi！"hecried。
　　Thatis，"Givemeanother。"ButmysurprisemaybeimaginedwhenI
　　sawthatthefatherandmotherofthechildwereinanecstasyofjoy；theywerecertainthatthebabehadbeencarriedstraighttoheaven。Happyignorance！
　　IhadaletterfromtheFlorentineMadameBregonciforherfriendtheVenetianRoccolini，whohadleftVenicetogoandsingattheSt。
　　PetersburgTheatre，thoughshedidnotknowanoteofmusic，andhadneverappearedonthestage。Theempresslaughedather，andsaidshefearedtherewasnoopeninginSt。Petersburgforherpeculiartalents，buttheRoccolini，whowasknownasLaVicenza，wasnotthewomantoloseheartforsosmallacheck。ShebecameanintimatefriendofaFrenchwomannamedProte，thewifeofamerchantwholivedwiththechiefhuntsman。ShewasatthesametimehismistressandtheconfidanteofhiswifeMariaPetrovna，whodidnotlikeherhusband，andwasverymuchobligedtotheFrenchwomanfordeliveringherfromtheconjugalimportunities。
　　ThisProtewasoneofthehandsomestwomenIhaveeverseen，andundoubtedlythehandsomestinSt。Petersburgatthattime。Shewasintheflowerofherage。Shehadatonceawonderfultasteforgallantryandforallthemysteriesofthetoilette。Indressshesurpassedeveryone，andasshewaswittyandamusingshecaptivatedallhearts。SuchwasthewomanwhosefriendandprocuressLaVicenzahadbecome。ShereceivedtheapplicationsofthosewhowereinlovewithMadameProte，andpassedthemon，while，whetheralover’ssuitwasacceptedornot，theprocuressgotsomethingoutofhim。
　　IrecognizedSignoraRoccoliniassoonasIsawher，butastwentyyearshadelapsedsinceourlastmeetingshedidnotwonderatmyappearingnottoknowher，andmadenoeffortstorefreshmymemory。
　　HerbrotherwascalledMontellato，andheitwaswhotriedtoassassinatemeonenightinSt。Mark’sSquare，asIwasleavingtheRidotto。Theplotthatwouldhavecostmemylife，ifIhadnotmademyescapefromthewindow，waslaidintheRoccolini’shouse。
　　Shewelcomedmeasafellow—countrymaninastrangeland，toldmeofherstruggles，andaddedthatnowshehadaneasylifeofit，andassociatedwiththepleasantestladiesinSt。Petersburg。
　　"IamastonishedthatyouhavenotmetthefairMadameProteatthechiefhuntsman’s，forsheisthedarlingofhisheart。Comeandtakecoffeewithmeto—morrow，andyoushallseeawonder。"
　　Ikepttheappointment，andIfoundtheladyevenmorebeautifulthantheVenetian’spraisesofherhadledmetoexpect。Iwasdazzledbyherbeauty，butnotbeingarichmanIfeltthatImustsetmywitstoworkifIwantedtoenjoyher。Iaskedhername，thoughIknewitquitewell，andshereplied，"Prote。"
　　"Iamgladtohearit，madam，"saidI，"foryoutherebypromisetobemine。"
　　"Howso？"saidshe，withacharmingsmile。Iexplainedthepun，andmadeherlaugh。Itoldheramusingstories，andletherknowtheeffectthatherbeautyhadproducedonme，andthatIhopedtimewouldsoftenherhearttome。Theacquaintancewasmade，andthenceforthIneverwenttoNarischkin’swithoutcallingonher，eitherbeforeorafterdinner。
　　ThePolishambassadorreturnedaboutthattime，andIhadtoforegomyenjoymentofthefairAnglade，whoacceptedaveryadvantegeousproposalwhichwasmadeherbyCountBrawn。ThischarmingFrenchwomandiedofthesmall—poxafewmonthslater，andtherecanbenodoubtthatherdeathwasablessing，asshewouldhavefallenintomiseryandpovertyafterherbeautyhadoncedecayed。
　　IdesiredtosucceedwithMadameProte，andwiththatideaIaskedhertodinneratLocatelli’swithLuini，Colonna，Zinowieff，SignoraVicenza，andaviolinist，herlover。Wehadanexcellentdinnerwasheddownwithplentyofwine，andthespiritsofthecompanywerewounduptothepitchIdesired。Aftertherepasteachgentlemanwentapartwithhislady，andIwasonthepointofsuccesswhenanuntowardaccidentinterruptedus。WeweresummonedtoseetheproofsofLuini’sprowess；hehadgoneoutshootingwithhisdogsandguns。
　　AsIwaswalkingawayfromCatherinhoffwithZinowieffInoticedayoungcountry—womanwhosebeautyastonishedme。Ipointedherouttotheyoungofficer，andwemadeforher；butshefledawaywithgreatactivitytoalittlecottage，wherewefollowedher。Wewentinandsawthefather，mother，andsomechildren，andinacornerthetimidformofthefairmaiden。
　　Zinowieff（who，bytheway，wasfortwentyyearsRussianambassadoratMadrid）hadalongconversationinRussianwiththefather。Ididnotunderstandwhatwassaid，butIguesseditreferredtothegirlbecause，whenherfathercalledher，sheadvancedsubmissively，andstoodmodestlybeforeus。
　　Theconversationover，Zinowieffwentout，andIfollowedhimaftergivingthemasterofthehousearouble。Zinowiefftoldmewhathadpassed，sayingthathehadaskedthefatherifhewouldlethimhavethedaughterasamaid—servant，andthefatherhadrepliedthatitshouldbesowithallhisheart，butthathemusthaveahundredroublesforher，asshewasstillavirgin。"Soyousee，"addedZinowieff，"thematterisquitesimple。"
　　"Howsimple？"
　　"Why，yes；onlyahundredroubles。"
　　"Andsupposingmetobeinclinedtogivethatsum？"
　　"Thenshewouldbeyourservant，andyoucoulddoanythingyoulikedwithher，exceptkillher。"
　　"Andsupposingsheisnotwilling？"
　　"Thatneverhappens，butifitdidyoucouldhavebeatenher。"
　　"Well，ifsheissatisfiedandIenjoyher，canIstillcontinuetokeepher？"
　　"Youwillbehermaster，Itellyou，andcanhaveherarrestedifsheattemptstoescape，unlessshecanreturnthehundredroublesyougaveforher。"
　　"WhatmustIgiveherpermonth？"
　　"Nothing，exceptenoughtoeatanddrink。YoumustalsolethergotothebathsonSaturdayandtothechurchonSunday。"
　　"CanImakehercomewithmewhenIleaveSt。Petersburg？"
　　"No，unlessyouobtainpermissionandfindasurety，forthoughthegirlwouldbeyourslaveshewouldstillbeaslavetotheempress。"
　　"Verygood；thenwillyouarrangethismatterforme？Iwillgivethehundredroubles，andIpromiseyouIwillnottreatherasaslave。ButIhopeyouwillcareformyinterests，asIdonotwishtobeduped。"
　　"Ipromiseyouyoushallnotbeduped；Iwillseetoeverything。
　　Wouldyoulikehernow？"
　　"No，to—morrow。"
　　"Verygood；thento—morrowitshallbe。"
　　WereturnedtoSt。Petersburginaphaeton，andthenextdayatnineo’clockIcalledonZinowieff，whosaidhewasdelightedtodomethissmallservice。OnthewayhesaidthatifIlikedhecouldgetmeaperfectseraglioofprettygirlsinafewdays。
　　"No，"saidI，"oneisenough。"AndIgavehimthehundredroubles。
　　Wearrivedatthecottage，wherewefoundthefather，mother，anddaughter。Zinowieffexplainedhisbusinesscrudelyenough，afterthecustomofthecountry，andthefatherthankedSt。Nicholasforthegoodluckhehadsenthim。Hespoketohisdaughter，wholookedatmeandsoftlyutteredthenecessaryyes。
　　ZinowieffthentoldmethatIoughttoascertainthatmatterswereintact，asIwasgoingtopayforavirgin。Iwasafraidofoffendingher，andwouldhavenothingtodowithit；butZinowieffsaidthegirlwouldbemortifiedifIdidnotexamineher，andthatshewouldbedelightedifIplaceherinapositiontoprovebeforeherfatherandmotherthatherconducthadalwaysbeenvirtuous。I
　　thereforemadetheexaminationasmodestlyasIcould，andIfoundhertobeintact。Totellthetruth，Ishouldnothavesaidanythingifthingshadbeenotherwise。
　　Zinowieffthengavethehundredroublestothefather，whohandedthemtohisdaughter，andsheonlytookthemtoreturnthemtohermother。Myservantandcoachmanwerethencalledintowitnessasarrangementofwhichtheyknewnothing。
　　IcalledherZaira，andshegotintothecarriageandreturnedwithmetoSt。Petersburginhercoarseclothes，withoutachemiseofanykind。AfterIhaddroppedZinowieffathislodgingIwenthome，andforfourdaysIwasengagedincollectingandarrangingmyslave’stoilet，notrestingtillIhaddressedhermodestlyintheFrenchstyle。InlessthanthreemonthsshehadlearntenoughItaliantotellmewhatshewantedandtounderstandme。Shesoonlovedme，andafterwardsshegotjealous。Butweshallhearmoreofherinthefollowingchapter。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　Crevecoeur——Bomback——JourneytoMoscow——MyAdventuresAtSt。PetersburgThedayonwhichItookZairaIsentLambertaway，forIdidnotknowwhattodowithhim。Hegotdrunkeveryday，andwheninhiscupshewasunbearable。Nobodywouldhaveanythingtosaytohimexceptasacommonsoldier，andthatisnotanenviablepositioninRussia。I
　　gothimapassportforBerlin，andgavehimenoughmoneyforthejourney。IheardafterwardsthatheenteredtheAustrianservice。
　　InMay，ZairahadbecomesobeautifulthatwhenIwenttoMoscowI
　　darednotleaveherbehindme，soItookherinplaceofaservant。
　　ItwasdelicioustometohearherchatteringintheVenetiandialectIhadtaughther。OnaSaturdayIwouldgowithhertothebathwherethirtyoffortynakedmenandwomenwerebathingtogetherwithouttheslightestconstraint。Thisabsenceofshamemustarise，Ishouldimagine，fromnativeinnocence；butIwonderedthatnonelookedatZaira，whoseemedtometheoriginalofthestatueofPsycheIhadseenattheVillaBorgheseatRome。Shewasonlyfourteen，soherbreastwasnotyetdeveloped，andsheboreaboutherfewtracesofpuberty。Herskinwasaswhiteassnow，andherebonytressescoveredthewholeofherbody，saveinafewplaceswherethedazzlingwhitenessofherskinshonethrough。Hereyebrowswereperfectlyshaped，andhereyes，thoughtheymighthavebeenlarger，couldnothavebeenmorebrilliantormoreexpressive。Ifithadnotbeenforherfuriousjealousyandherblindconfidenceinfortune—
　　tellingbycards，whichsheconsultedeveryday，Zairawouldhavebeenaparagonamongwomen，andIshouldneverhavelefther。
　　Ayounganddistinguished—lookingFrenchmancametoSt。PetersburgwithayoungParisiannamedLaRiviere，whowastolerablyprettybutquitedevoidofeducation，unlessitwerethateducationcommontoallthegirlswhoselltheircharmsinParis。ThisyoungmancametomewithaletterfromPrinceCharlesofCourland，whosaidthatifI
　　coulddoanythingfortheyoungcouplehewouldbegratefultome。
　　TheyarrivedjustasIwasbreakfastingwithZaira。
　　"Youmusttellme，"saidItotheyoungFrenchman，"inwhatwayIcanbeofusetoyou。"
　　"Byadmittingustoyourcompany，andintroducingustoyourfriends。"
　　"Well，Iamastrangerhere，andIwillcomeandseeyou，andyoucancomeandseeme，andIshallbedelighted；butIneverdineathome。
　　Astomyfriends，youmustfeelthat，beingastranger，Icouldnotintroduceyouandthelady。Issheyourwife？Peoplewillaskmewhoyouare，andwhatyouaredoingatSt。Petersburg。WhatamItosay？IwonderPrinceCharlesdidnotsendyoutosomeoneelse。"
　　"IamagentlemanofLorraine，andMadamelaRiviereismymistress，andmyobjectincomingtoSt。Petersburgistoamusemyself。"
　　"ThenIdon’tknowtowhomIcouldintroduceyouunderthecircumstances；butIshouldthinkyouwillbeabletofindplentyofamusementwithoutknowinganyone。Thetheatres，thestreets，andeventheCourtentertainments，areopentoeveryone。Isupposeyouhaveplentyofmoney？"
　　"That’sexactlywhatIhaven’tgot，andIdon’texpectanyeither。"
　　"Well，Ihavenotmuchmore，butyoureallyastonishme。Howcouldyouhavebeensofoolishastocomeherewithoutmoney？"
　　"Well，mymistresssaidwecoulddowithwhatmoneywegotfromdaytoday。SheinducedmetoleavePariswithoutafarthing，anduptonowitseemstomethatsheisright。Wehavemanagedtogetonsomehow。"
　　"Thenshehasthepurse？"
　　"Mypurse，"saidshe，"isinthepocketsofmyfriends。"
　　"Iunderstand，andIamsureyouhavenodifficultyinfindingthewherewithaltolive。IfIhadsuchapurse，itshouldbeopenedforyou，butIamnotarichman。"
　　Bomback，acitizenofHamburg，whomIhadknowninEnglandwhencehehadfledonaccountofhisdebts，hadcometoSt。Petersburgandenteredthearmy。Hewasthesonofarichmerchantandkeptupahouse，acarriage，andanarmyofservants；hewasaloverofgoodcheer，women，andgambling，andcontracteddebtseverywhere。Hewasanuglyman，butfullofwitandenergy。HehappenedtocallonmejustasIwasaddressingthestrangetravellerwhosepursewasinthepocketofherfriends。Iintroducedthecoupletohim，tellingthewholestory，theitemofthepurseexcepted。TheadventurewasjusttoBomback’staste，andhebeganmakingadvancestoMadamelaRiviere，whoreceivedtheminathoroughlyprofessionalspirit，andI
　　wasinwardlyamusedandfeltthatheraxiomwasatrueone。Bombackaskedthemtodinewithhimthenextday，andbeggedthemtocomeandtakeanunceremoniousdinnerthesamedaywithhimatCrasnacaback。
　　Iwasincludedintheinvitation，andZaira，notunderstandingFrench，askedmewhatweweretalkingabout，andonmytellingherexpressedadesiretoaccompanyme。Igaveintoappeaseher，forI
　　knewthewishproceededfromjealousy，andthatifIdidnotconsentIshouldbetormentedbytears，ill—humour，reproaches，melancholy，etc。Thishadoccurredseveraltimesbefore，andsoviolenthadshebeenthatIhadbeencompelledtoconformtothecustomofthecountryandbeather。Strangetosay，Icouldnothavetakenabetterwaytoprovemylove。SuchisthecharacteroftheRussianwomen。Aftertheblowshadbeengiven，byslowdegreesshebecameaffectionateagain，andaloveencountersealedthereconciliation。
　　Bombackleftustomakehispreparationsinhighspirits，andwhileZairawasdressing，MadameRivieretalkedinsuchamannerastomakemealmostthinkthatIwasabsolutelydeficientinknowledgeoftheworld。Theastonishingthingwasthatherloverdidnotseemintheleastashamedoftheparthehadtoplay。HemightsaythathewasinlovewiththeMessalina，buttheex。cusewouldnothavebeenadmissible。
　　Thepartywasamerryone。Bombacktalkedtotheadventuress，Zairasatonmyknee，andCrevecoeurateanddrank，laughedinseasonandoutofseason，andwalkedupanddown。ThecraftyMadameRiviereincitedBombacktorisktwenty—fiveroublesatquinze；helostandpaidpleasantly，andonlygotakissforhismoney。Zaira，whowasdelightedtobeabletowatchovermeandmyfidelity，jestedpleasantlyontheFrenchwomanandthecomplaisanceofherlover。
　　Thiswasaltogetherbeyondhercomprehension，andshecouldnotunderstandhowhecouldbearsuchdeedsasweredonebeforehisface。
　　ThenextdayIwenttoBombackbymyself，asIwassureofmeetingyoungRussianofficers，whowouldhaveannoyedmebymakinglovetoZairaintheirownlanguage。IfoundthetwotravellersandthebrothersLunin，thenlieutenantsbutnowgenerals。Theyoungerofthemwasasfairandprettyasanygirl。HehadbeenthebelovedoftheministerTeploff，and，likealadofwit，henotonlywasnotashamedbutopenlyboastedthatitwashiscustomtosecurethegood—
　　willofallmenbyhiscaresses。
　　HehadimaginedtherichcitizenofHamburgtobeofthesametastesasTeploff，andhehadnotbeenmistaken；andsohedegradedmebyformingthesamesupposition。Withthisideaheseatedhimselfnexttomeattable，andbehavedhimselfinsuchamannerduringdinnerthatIbegantobelievehimtobeagirlinman’sclothes。
　　Afterdinner，asIwassittingatthefire，betweenhimandtheFrenchman，Iimpartedmysuspicionstohim；butjealousofthesuperiorityofhissex，hedisplayedproofofitonthespot，andforthwithgotholdofmeandputhimselfinapositiontomakemyhappinessandhisownashecalledit。Iconfess，tomyshame，thathemightperhapshavesucceeded，ifMadamelaRiviere，indignantatthisencroachmentofherpeculiarprovince，hadnotmadehimdesist。
　　Lunintheelder，Crevecceur，andBomback，whohadbeenforawalk，returnedatnightfallwithtwoorthreefriends，andeasilyconsoledtheFrenchmanforthepoorentertainmenttheyoungerLuninandmyselfhadgivenhim。
　　Bombackheldabankatfaro，whichonlycametoanendateleven，whenthemoneywasallgone。Wethensupped，andtherealorgybegan，inwhichlaRiviereborethebruntinamannerthatwassimplyastonishing。IandmyfriendLuninweremerelyspectators，andpoorCrevecoeurhadgonetobed。Wedidnotseparatetillday—break。
　　Igothome，and，fortunatelyformyself，escapedthebottlewhichZairaflungatmyhead，andwhichwouldinfalliblyhavekilledmeifithadhitme。Shethrewherselfontotheground，andbegantostrikeitwithherforehead。Ithoughtshehadgonemad，andwonderedwhetherIhadbettercallforassistance；butshebecamequietenoughtocallmeassassinandtraitor，withalltheotherabusiveepithetsthatshecouldremember。Toconvictmeofmycrimesheshewedmetwenty—fivecards，placedinorder，andonthemshedisplayedthevariousenormitiesofwhichIhadbeenguilty。
　　Ilethergoontillherragewassomewhatexhausted，andthen，havingthrownherdiviningapparatusintothefire，Ilookedatherinpityandanger，andsaidthatwemustpartthenextday，asshehadnarrowlyescapedkillingme。IconfessedthatIhadbeenwithBomback，andthattherehadbeenagirlinthehouse；butIdeniedalltheothersinsofwhichsheaccusedme。Ithenwenttosleepwithouttakingtheslightestnoticeofher，inspiteofallshesaidanddidtoproveherrepentance。
　　Iwokeafterafewhourstofindhersleepingsoundly，andIbegantoconsiderhowIcouldbestridmyselfofthegirl，whowouldprobablykillmeifwecontinuedlivingtogether。WhilstIwasabsorbedinthesethoughtssheawoke，andfallingatmyfeetweptandprofessedherutterrepentance，andpromisednevertotouchanothercardaslongasIkepther。
　　AtlastIcouldresistherentreatiesnolonger，soItookherinmyarmsandforgaveher；andwedidnotparttillshehadreceivedundeniableproofsofthereturnofmyaffection。IintendedtostartforMoscowinthreedays，andshewasdelightedwhensheheardshewastogo。
　　Threecircumstanceshadwonmethisyounggirl’sfuriousaffection。
　　InthefirstplaceIoftentookhertoseeherfamily，withwhomI
　　alwaysleftarouble；inthesecondImadehereatwithme；andinthethirdIhadbeatenherthreeorfourtimeswhenshehadtriedtopreventmegoingout。
　　InRussiabeatingisamatterofnecessity，forwordshavenoforcewhatever。Aservant，mistress，orcourtezanunderstandsnothingbutthelash。Wordsarealtogetherthrownaway，butafewgoodstrokesareentirelyefficacious。Theservant，whosesoulisstillmoreenslavedthanhisbody，reasonssomewhatasfollows，afterhehashadabeating:
　　"Mymasterhasnotsentmeaway，butbeatenme；thereforehelovesme，andIoughttobeattachedtohim。"
　　ItisthesamewiththeRussiansoldier，andinfactwitheverybody。
　　Honourstandsfornothing，butwiththeknoutandbrandyonecangetanythingfromthemexceptheroicalenthusiasm。
　　PapanelopulolaughedatmewhenIsaidthatasIlikedmyCossackI
　　shouldendeavourtocorrecthimwithwordsonlywhenhetooktoomuchbrandy。
　　"Ifyoudonotbeathim，"hesaid，"hewillendbybeatingyou；"andhespokethetruth。
　　Oneday，whenhewassodrunkastobeunabletoattendonme，I
　　begantoscoldhim，andthreatenedhimwiththestickifhedidnotmendhisways。Assoonashesawmycanelifted，heranatmeandgotholdofit；andifIhadnotknockedhimdownimmediately，hewoulddoubtlesshavebeatenme。Idismissedhimonthespot。ThereisnotabetterservantintheworldthanaRussian。Heworkswithoutceasing，sleepsinfrontofthedoorofhismaster’sbedroomtobealwaysreadytofulfilhisorders，neveransweringhisreproaches，incapableoftheft。Butafterdrinkingalittletoomuchbrandyhebecomesaperfectmonster；anddrunkennessistheviceofthewholenation。
　　Acoachmanknowsnootherwayofresistingthebittercoldtowhichheisexposed，thanbydrinkingryebrandy。Itsometimeshappensthathedrinkstillhefallsasleep，andthenthereisnoawakingforhiminthisworld。Unlessoneisverycareful，itiseasytoloseanear，thenose，acheek，oralipbyfrostbites。OnedayasIwaswalkingoutonabitterlycoldday，aRussiannoticedthatoneofmyearswasfrozen。Heranuptomeandrubbedtheaffectedpartwithahandfulofsnowtillthecirculationwasrestored。Iaskedhimhowhehadnoticedmystate，andhesaidhehadremarkedthelividwhitenessofmyear，andthis，hesaid，wasalwaysasignthatthefrosthadtakenit。Whatsurprisedmemostofallisthatsometimesthepartgrowsagainafterithasdroppedoff。PrinceCharlesofCourlandassuredmethathehadcosthisnoseinSiberia，andthatithadgrownagainthenextsummer。IhavebeenassuredofthetruthofthisbyseveralRussians。
　　AboutthistimetheempressmadethearchitectRinaldi，whohadbeenfiftyyearsinSt。Petersburg，buildheranenormouswoodenamphitheatresolargeastocoverthewholeofthespaceinfrontofthepalace。Itwouldcontainahundredthousandspectators，andinitCatherineintendedtogiveavasttournamenttoalltheknightsofherempire。Thereweretobefourpartiesofahundredknightseach，andallthecavaliersweretobecladinthenationalcostumeofthenationstheyrepresented。AlltheRussianswereinformedofthisgreatfestival，whichwastobegivenattheexpenseofthesovereign，andtheprinces，counts，andbaronswerealreadyarrivingwiththeirchargersfromthemostremotepartsoftheempire。PrinceCharlesofCourlandwroteinformingmeofhisintentiontobepresent。
　　Ithadbeenordained，thatthetournamentshouldtakeplaceonthefirstfineday，andthisprecautionwasaverywiseone；for，exceptingintheseasonofthehardfrosts，adaywithoutrain，orsnow，orwind，isamarvel。InItaly，Spain，andFrance，onecanreckononfineweather，andbadweatheristheexception，butitisquitethecontraryinRussia。EversinceIhaveknownthishomeoffrostandthecoldnorthwind，IlaughwhenIheartravellingRussianstalkingofthefineclimateoftheirnativecountry。
　　However，itisapardonableweakness，mostofusprefer"mine"to"thine；"noblesaffecttoconsiderthemselvesofpurerbloodthanthepeasantsfromwhomtheysprang，andtheRomansandotherancientnationspretendedthattheywerethechildrenofthegods，todrawaveilovertheiractualancestorswhoweredoubtlessrobbers。Thetruthis，thatduringthewholeyear1756therewasnotonefinedayinRussia，orinIngriaatallevents，andthemereproofsofthisstatementmaybefoundinthefactthatthetournamentwasnotheldinthatyear。Itwaspostponedtillthenext，andtheprinces，counts，barons，andknightsspentthewinterinthecapital，unlesstheirpursesforbadethemtoindulgeintheluxuriesofCourtlife。
　　ThedearPrinceofCourlandwasinthiscase，tomygreatdisappointment。
　　HavingmadeallarrangementsformyjourneytoMoscow，IgotintomysleepingcarriagewithZaira，havingaservantbehindwhocouldspeakbothRussianandGerman。Fortwenty—fourroublesthechevochic（hireroutofhorses）engagedtocarrymetoMoscowinsixdaysandsevennightswithsixhorses。Thisstruckmeasbeingextremelycheap。Thedistanceisseventy—twoRussianstages，almostequivalenttofivehundredItalianmiles，orahundredandsixtyFrenchleagues。
　　Wesetoutjustasacannonshotfromthecitadelannouncedthecloseofday。ItwastowardstheendofMay，inwhichmonththereisliterallynonightatSt。Petersburg。Withoutthereportofthecannonnoonewouldbeabletotellwhenthedayendedandthenightbegan。Onecanreadaletteratmidnight，andthemoonlightmakesnoappreciabledifference。Thiscontinualdaylastsforeightweeks，andduringthattimenoonelightsacandle。AtMoscowitisdifferent；acandleisalwaysnecessaryatmidnightifonewishedtoread。
　　WereachedNovgorodinforty—eighthours，andherethechevochicallowedusarestoffivehours。Isawacircumstancetherewhichsurprisedmeverymuch，thoughonehasnobusinesstobesurprisedatanythingifonetravelsmuch，andespeciallyinalandofhalfsavages。Iaskedthechevochictodrink，butheappearedtobeingreatmelancholy。Ienquiredwhatwasthematter，andhetoldZairathatoneofhishorseshadrefusedtoeat，andthatitwasclearthatifhecouldnoteathecouldnotwork。Wefollowedhimintothestable，andfoundthehorselookingoppressedbycare，itsheadloweredandmotionless；ithadevidentlygotnoappetite。Hismasterbeganapatheticoration，lookingtenderlyattheanimal，asiftoarouseittoasenseofduty，andthentakingitshead，andkissingitlovingly，heputitintothemanger，buttonopurpose。Thenthemanbegantoweepbitterly，butinsuchawaythatIhadthegreatestdifficultytopreventmyselflaughing，forIcouldseethatheweptinthehopethathistearsmightsoftenthebrute’sheart。Whenhehadweptsometimeheagainputthehorse’sheadintothemanger，butagaintonopurpose。Atthishegotfuriousandsworetobeavenged。
　　Heledthehorseoutofthestable，tiedittoapost，andbeatitwithathickstickforaquarterofanhoursoviolentlythatmyheartbledforthepooranimal。Atlastthechevochicwastiredout，andtakingthehorsebacktothestablehefasteneduphisheadoncemore，andtomyastonishmentitbegantodevouritsprovenderwiththegreatestappetite。Atthisthemasterjumpedforjoy，laughed，sang，andcommittedathousandextravagancies，asiftoshewthehorsehowhappyithadmadehim。Iwasbesidemyselfwithastonishment，andconcludedthatsuchtreatmentwouldhavesucceedednowherebutinRussia，wherethestickseemstobethepanaceaoruniversalmedicine。
　　Theytellme，however，thatthestickisgraduallygoingoutoffashion。PetertheGreatusedtobeathisgeneralsblackandblue，andinhisdaysalieutenanthadtoreceivewithallsubmissionthecuffsofhiscaptain，whobentbeforetheblowsofhismajor，whodidthesametohiscolonel，whoreceivedchastisementfromhisgeneral。
　　SoIwasinformedbyoldGeneralWoyakoff，whowasapupilofPetertheGreat，andhadoftenbeenbeatenbythegreatemperor，thefounderofSt。Petersburg。
　　ItseemstomethatIhavescarcelysaidanythingaboutthisgreatandfamouscapital，whichinmyopinionisbuiltonsomewhatprecariousfoundations。NoonebutPetercouldhavethusgiventhelietoNaturebybuildinghisimmensepalacesofmarbleandgraniteonmudandshiftingsand。Theytellmethatthetownisnowinitsmanhood，tothehonourofthegreatCatherine；butintheyear1765
　　itwasstillinitsminority，andseemedtomeonlytohavebeenbuiltwiththechildishaimofseeingitfallintoruins。Streetswerebuiltwiththecertaintyofhavingtorepairtheminsixmonths’
　　time。Thewholeplaceproclaimeditselftobethewhimofadespot。
　　Ifitistobedurableconstantcarewillberequired，fornaturenevergivesupitsrightsandreassertsthemwhentheconstraintofmaniswithdrawn。Mytheoryisthatsoonerorlaterthesoilmustgivewayanddragthevastcitywithit。
　　WereachedMoscowinthetimethechevochichadpromised。Asthesamehorseswereusedforthewholejourney，itwouldhavebeenimpossibletotravelmotequickly。ARussiantoldmethattheEmpressElizabethhaddonethejourneyinfifty—twohours。
　　"Youmeanthatsheissuedaukasetotheeffectthatshehaddoneit，"saidaRussianoftheoldschool；"andifshehadlikedshecouldhavetravelledmorequicklystill；itwasonlyaquestionofthewordingoftheukase。"
　　EvenwhenIwasinRussiaitwasnotallowabletodoubttheinfallibilityofaukase，andtodosowas，equivalenttohightreason。OnedayIwascrossingacanalatSt。Petersburgbyasmallwoodenbridge；MelissinoPapanelopulo，andsomeotherRussianswerewithme。Ibegantoabusethewoodenbridge，whichIcharacterizedasbothmeananddangerous。Oneofmycompanionssaidthatonsuchadayitwouldbereplacedbyafinestonebridge，astheempresshadtopassthereonsomestateoccasion。Thedaynamedwaythreeweeksoff，andIsaidplainlythatitwasimpossible。OneoftheRussianslookedaskanceatme，andsaidtherewasnodoubtaboutit，asaukasehadbeenpublishedorderingthatthebridgeshouldbebuilt。I
　　wasgoingtoanswerhim，butPapanelopulogavemyhandasqueeze，andwhispered"Taci！"（hush）。
　　Thebridgewasnotbuilt，butIwasnotjustified，fortheempresspublishedanotherukaseinwhichshedeclaredittobehergraciouspleasurethatthebridgeshouldnotbebuilttillthefollowingyear。
　　Ifanyonewouldseewhatapuredespotismislike，lethimgotoRussia。
　　TheRussiansovereignsusethelanguageofdespotismonalloccasions。OnedayIsawtheempress，dressedinman’sclothes，goingoutforaride。Hermasterofthehorse，PrinceRepnin，heldthebridleofthehorse，whichsuddenlygavehimakickwhichbrokehisanklebone。Theempressinstantlyordainedthatthehorseshouldbetakenaway，andthatnooneshouldmountitagainunderpainofdeath。AllofficialpositionsinRussiahavemilitaryrankassignedtothem，andthissufficientlyindicatesthenatureoftheGovernment。Thecoachman—in—chiefofherimperialhighnessholdstherankofcolonel，asalsodoesherchiefcook。ThecastratoLuiniwasalieutenant—colonel，andthepainterTorettionlyacaptain，becausehehadonlyeighthundredroublesayear，whilethecoachmanhadthreethousand。Thesentinelsatthedoorsofthepalacehavetheirmusketscrossed，andaskthosewhowishtopassthroughwhatistheirrank。WhenIwasaskedthisquestion，Istoppedshort；butthequick—wittedofficeraskedmehowmuchIhadayear，andonmyreplying，atahazard，threethousandroubles，hegavemetherankofgeneral，andIwasallowedtopass。Isawtheczarinaforamoment；
　　shestoppedatthedoorandtookoffherglovestogiveherhandstobekissedbytheofficerandthetwosentinels。Bysuchmeansasthisshehadwontheaffectionofthecorps，commandedbyGregoriusGregorovitchOrloff，onwhichhersafetydependedincaseofrevolution。
　　ImadethefollowingnoteswhenIsawtheempresshearingmassinherchapel。Theprotopapa，orbishop，receivedheratthedoortogivehertheholywater，andshekissedhisepiscopalring，whiletheprelate，whosebeardwasacoupleoffeetinlength，loweredhisheadtokissthehandsofhistemporalsovereignandspiritualhead，forinRussiatheheorsheonthethroneisthespiritualaswellastemporalheadoftheChurch。
　　Shedidnotevidencetheleastdevotionduringmass；hypocrisydidnotseemtobeoneofhervices。Nowshesmiledatoneofhersuite，nowatanother，andoccasionallysheaddressedthefavourite，notbecauseshehadanythingtosaytohim，buttomakehimanobjectofenvytotheothers。
　　Oneevening，asshewasleavingthetheatrewhereMetastasio’sOlympiadehadbeenperformed，Iheardhersay，——
　　"Themusicofthatoperahasgiventhegreatestpleasuretoeveryone，soofcourseIamdelightedwithit；butitweariesme，nevertheless。
　　Musicisafinething，butIcannotunderstandhowanyonewhoisseriouslyoccupiedcanloveitpassionately。IwillhaveBuranellohere，andIwonderwhetherhewillinterestmeinmusic，butIamafraidnaturedidnotconstitutemetofeelallitscharms。"
　　Shealwaysarguedinthatway。InduetimeIwillsetdownherwordstomewhenIreturnedfromMoscow。WhenIarrivedatthatcityIgotdownatagoodinn，wheretheygavemetworoomsandacoach—houseformycarriage。AfterdinnerIhiredasmallcarriageandaguidewhocouldspeakFrench。Mycarriagewasdrawnbyfourhorses，forMoscowisavastcitycomposedoffourdistincttowns，andmanyofthestreetsareroughandill—paved。Ihadfiveorsixlettersofintroduction，andIdeterminedtotakethemall。ItookZairawithme，asshewasascurioustoseeeverythingasagirloffourteennaturallyis。IdonotrememberwhatfeasttheGreekChurchwaskeepingonthatday，butIshallneverforgettheterrificbell—
　　ringingwithwhichmyearswereassailed，fortherearechurcheseverywhere。Thecountrypeoplewereengagedinsowingtheirgrain，toreapitinSeptember。TheylaughedatourSoutherncustomofsowingeightmonthsearlier，asunnecessaryandevenprejudicialtothecrops，butIdonotknowwheretherightlies。Perhapswemaybothberight，forthereisnomastertocomparewithexperience。
　　ItookalltheintroductionsIhadreceivedfromNarischkin，PrinceRepnin，theworthyPananelopulo，andMelissino’sbrother。ThenextmorningthewholeofthepersonsatwhosehousesIhadleftletterscalledonme。TheyallaskedZairaandmyselftodinner，andI
　　acceptedtheinvitationofthefirstcomer，M。Dinidoff，andpromisedtodinewiththerestonthefollowingdays，Zaira，whohadbeentutoredbymetosomeextent，wasdelightedtoshewmethatshewasworthyofthepositionsheoccupied。Shewasexquisitelydressed，andwongoldenopinionseverywhere，forourhostsdidnotcaretoenquirewhethersheweremydaughter，mymistress，ormyservant，forinthismatter，asinmanyothers，theRussiansareexcessivelyindulgent。ThosewhohavenotseenMoscowhavenotseenRussia，forthepeopleofSt，PetersburgarenotreallyRussiansatall。Theircourtmannersareverydifferentfromtheirmanners’aunaturel’，anditmaybesaidwithtruththatthetrueRussianisasastrangerinSt。Petersburg。Thecitizensof，Moscow，andespeciallytherichones，speakwithpityofthose，whoforonereasonoranother，hadexpatriatedthemselves；andwiththemtoexpatriateone’sselfistoleaveMoscow，whichtheyconsiderastheirnativeland。TheylookonSt。Petersburgwithanenviouseve，andcallittheruinofRussia。
　　Idonotknowwhetherthisisajustviewtotakeofthecase，I
　　merelyrepeatwhatIhaveheard。
　　InthecourseofaweekIsawallthesightsofMoscow——themanufacturers，thechurches，theremainsoftheolddays，themuseums，thelibraries，（ofnointeresttomymind），notforgettingthefamousbell。Inoticedthattheirbellsarenotallowedtoswinglikeours，butaremotionless，beingrungbyaropeattachedtotheclapper。
　　IthoughttheMoscowwomenmorehandsomethanthoseofSt。
　　Petersburg，andIattributethistothegreatsuperiorityoftheair。
　　Theyaregentleandaccessiblebynature；andtoobtainthefavourofakissonthelips，oneneedonlymakeashowofkissingtheirhands。
　　Therewasgoodfareinplenty，butnodelicacyinitscompositionorarrangement。Theirtableisalwaysopentofriendsandacquaintances，andafriendmaybringtofiveorsixpersonstodinner，andevenattheendofthemealsyouwillneverhearaRussiansay，"Wehavehaddinner；youhavecometoolate。"Theirsoulsarenotblackenoughforthemtopronouncesuchwordsasthis。
　　Noticeisgiventothecook，andthedinnerbeginsoveragain。Theyhaveadeliciousdrink，thenameofwhichIdonotremember；butitismuchsuperiortothesherbetofConstantinople。Thenumerousservantsarenotgivenwater，butalight，nourishing，andagreeablefluid，whichmaybepurchasedverycheaply。TheyallholdSt。
　　Nicholasinthegreatestreverence，onlyprayingtoGodthroughthemediationofthissaint，whosepictureisalwayssuspendedintheprincipalroomofthehouse。Apersoncominginmakesfirstabowtotheimageandthenabowtothemaster，andifperchancetheimageisabsent，theRussian，aftergazingallround，standsconfusedandmotionless，notknowingwhattodo。AsageneralruletheMuscovitesarethemostsuperstitiousChristiansintheworld。TheirliturgyisinGreek，ofwhichthepeopleunderstandnothing，andtheclergy，themselvesextremelyignorant，gladlyleavethemcompletelyinthedarkonallmattersconnectedwithreligion。IcouldnevermakethemunderstandthattheonlyreasonfortheRomanChristiansmakingthesignoftheCrossfromlefttoright，whiletheGreeksmakeitfromrighttoleft，isthatwesay’spiritussancti’，whiletheysay’agionpneuma’。
　　"Ifyousaidpneumaagion，"Iusedtosay，"thenyouwouldcrossyourselflikeus，andifwesaidsanctispiritusweshouldcrossourselveslikeyou。"
　　"Theadjective，"repliedmyinterlocutor，"shouldalwaysprecedethesubstantive，forweshouldneverutterthenameofGodwithoutfirstgivingHimsomehonourableepithet。"
　　Sucharenearlyallthedifferenceswhichdividethetwochurches，withoutreckoningthenumerousidletaleswhichtheyhaveaswellasourselves，andwhicharebynomeanstheleastcherishedarticlesoftheirfaith。
　　WereturnedtoSt。Petersburgbythewaywehadcome，butZairawouldhavelikedmenevertoleaveMoscow。ShehadbecomesomuchinlovewithmebyforceofconstantassociationthatIcouldnotthinkwithoutapangofthemomentofseparation。ThedayafterourarrivalinthecapitalItookhertoherhome，wheresheshewedherfatherallthelittlepresentsIhadgivenher，andtoldhimofthehonourshehadreceivedasmydaughter，whichmadethegoodmanlaughheartily。
　　ThefirstpieceofnewsIheardwasthataukasehadbeenissued，orderingtheerectionofatemplededicatedtoGodintheMoscoioppositetothehousewhereIresided。TheempresshadentrustedRinaldi，thearchitect，withtheerection。Heaskedherwhatemblemheshouldputabovetheportal，andshereplied，——
　　"Noemblematall，onlythenameofGodinlargeletters。"
　　"Iwillputatriangle。"
　　"Notriangleatall；butonlythenameofGodinwhateverlanguageyoulike，andnothingmore。"
　　ThesecondpieceofnewswasthatBombackhadfledandhadbeencapturedatMitau，wherehebelievedhimselfinsafety。M。deSimoliahadarrestedhim。Itwasagravecase，forhehaddeserted；
　　however，hewasgivenhislife，andsentintobarracksatKamstchatka。Crevecoeurandhismistresshaddeparted，carryingsomemoneywiththem，andaFlorentineadventurernamedBillottihadfledwitheighteenthousandroublesbelongingtoPapanelopulo，butacertainBori，theworthyGreek’sfactotum，hadcaughthimatMitauandbroughthimbacktoSt。Petersburg，wherehewasnowinprison。
　　PrinceCharlesofCourlandarrivedaboutthistime，andIhastenedtocalluponhimassoonasheadvisedmeofhiscoming。HewaslodginginahousebelongingtoCountDimidoff，whoownedlargeironmines，andhadmadethewholehouseofiron，fromattictobasement。Theprincehadbroughthismistresswithhim，butshewasstillinanill—humour，andhewasbeginningtogetheartilysickofher。Themanwastobepitied，forhecouldnotgetridofherwithoutfindingherahusband，andthishusbandbecamemoredifficulttofindeveryday。WhentheprincesawhowhappyIwaswithmyZaira，hecouldnothelpthinkinghoweasilyhappinessmaybewon；butthefataldesireforluxuryandemptyshowspoilsall，andrenderstheverysweetsoflifeasbitterasgall。
　　Iwasindeedconsideredhappy，andIlikedtoappearso，butinmyheartIwaswretched。EversincemyimprisonmentunderTheLeads，I
　　hadbeensubjecttohaemorrhoids，whichcameonthreeorfourtimesayear。AtSt。PetersburgIhadaseriousattack，andthedailypainandanxietyembitteredmyexistence。AvegetariandoctorcalledSenapios，forwhomIhadsent，gavemethesadnewsthatIhadablindorincompletefistulaintherectum，andaccordingtohimnothingbutthecruelpistourywouldgivemeanyrelief，andindeedhesaidIhadnotimetolose。Ihadtoagree，inspiteofmydisliketotheoperation；butfortunatelythecleversurgeonwhomthedoctorsummonedpronouncedthatifIwouldhavepatiencenatureitselfwouldgivemerelief。Ihadmuchtoendure，especiallyfromtheseveredietingtowhichIwassubjected，butwhichdoubtlessdidmegood。
　　ColonelMelissinoaskedmetobepresentatareviewwhichwastotakeplaceatthreeverstsfromSt。Petersburg，andwastobesucceededbyadinnertotwenty—fourguests，givenbyGeneralOrloff。
　　Iwentwiththeprince，andsawacannonfiredtwentytimesinaminute，testingtheperformancewithmywatch。
　　MyneighbouratdinnerwastheFrenchambassador。Wishingtodrinkdeeply，aftertheRussianfashion，andthinkingtheHungarianwineasinnocentaschampagne，hedranksobravelythatattheendofdinnerhehadlosttheuseofhislegs。CountOrloffmadehimdrinkstillmore，andthenhefellasleepandwaslaidonabed。
　　ThegaietyofthemealgavemesomeideaofRussianwit。Ididnotunderstandthelanguage，soM。Zinowiefftranslatedthecurioussalliestomewhiletheapplausetheyhadraisedwasstillresounding。
　　Melissinorosetohisfeet，holdingalargegobletfullofHungarianwineinhishand。Therewasageneralsilencetolistentohim。HedrankthehealthofGeneralOrloffinthesewords:
　　"Mayyoudiewhenyoubecomerich。"
　　Theapplausewasgeneral，fortheallusionwastotheunboundedgenerosityofOrloff。Thegeneral’sreplystruckmeasbetterstill，butitwasequallyruggedincharacter。He，too，tookafullcup，andturningtoMelissino，said，"MayyouneverdietillIslayyou！"
　　Theapplausewasfurious，forhewastheirhostandtheirgeneral。
　　TheRussianwitisoftheenergetickind，devoidofgrace；alltheycareaboutisdirectnessandvigour。
　　Voltairehadjustsenttheempresshis"PhilosophyofHistory，"whichhehadwrittenforheranddedicatedtoher。Amonthafter，aneditionofthreethousandcopiescamebysea，andwassoldoutinaweek，foralltheRussianswhoknewalittleFrenchwereeagertopossessacopyofthework。TheleadersoftheVoltaireansweretwonoblemen，named，respectively，StroganoffandSchuvaloff。IhaveseenverseswrittenbytheformeroftheseasgoodasVoltaire’sownverses，andtwentyyearslaterIsawanodebythelatterofwhichVoltairewouldnothavebeenashamed，butthesubjectwasillchosen；
　　forittreatedofthedeathofthegreatphilosopherwhohadsostudiouslyavoidedusinghispenonmelancholythemes。InthosedaysallRussianswithanypretensionstoliteraturereadnothingbutVoltaire，andwhentheyhadreadallhiswritingstheythoughtthemselvesaswiseastheirmaster。Tometheyseemedpigmiesmimickingagiant。ItoldthemthattheyoughttoreadallthebooksfromwhichVoltairehaddrawnhisimmenselearning，andthen，perhaps，theymightbecomeaswiseashe。IrememberthesayingofawisemanatRome:"Bewareofthemanofonebook。"IwonderwhethertheRussiansaremoreprofoundnow；butthatisaquestionIcannotanswer。AtDresdenIknewPrinceBiloselski，whowasonhiswaybacktoRussiaafterhavingbeenambassadoratTurin。Hewastheauthorofanadmirableworldonmetaphysics，andtheanalysisofthesoulandreason。
　　CountPaninwasthetutorofPaulPetrovitch，heir—presumptivetothethrone。Theyoungprincehadaseveremaster，anddarednotevenapplaudanairattheoperaunlesshefirstreceivedpermissiontodosofromhismentor。
　　WhenacourierbroughtthenewsofthesuddendeathofFrancisI。，EmperorofGermanyandoftheHolyRomanEmpire，theczarinabeingatCzarsko—Zelo，thecountminister—tutorwasinthepalacewithhispupil，thenelevenyearsold。Thecouriercameatnoon，andgavethedispatchintothehandsoftheminister，whowasstandinginthemidstofacrowdofcourtiersofwhomIwasone。Theprinceimperialwasathisrighthand。Theministerreadthedispatchinalowvoice，andthensaid:
　　"Thisisnewsindeed。TheEmperoroftheRomanshasdiedsuddenly。"
　　HethenturnedtoPaul，andsaidtohim，——
　　"Fullcourtmourning，whichyourhighnesswillobserveforthreemonthslongerthantheempress。"
　　"Whyso？"saidPaul。
　　"Because，asDukeofHolstein，yourhighnesshasarighttoattendthedietoftheempire，aprivilege，"headded，turningtous，"whichPetertheGreatdesiredinvain。"
　　InotedtheattentionwithwhichtheGrandDukePaullistenedtohismentor，andthecarewithwhichheconcealedhisjoyatthenews。I
　　wasimmenselypleasedwiththiswayofgivinginstruction。IsaidasmuchtoPrinceLobkowitz，whowasstandingbyme，andherefinedonmypraises。Thisprincewaspopularwitheveryone。Hewasevenpreferredtohispredecessor，PrinceEsterhazy；andthiswassayingagreatdeal，forEsterhazywasadoredinRussia。ThegayandaffablemannerofPrinceLobkowitzmadehimthelifeandsoulofallthepartiesatwhichhewaspresent。HewasaconstantcourtieroftheCountessBraun，thereigningbeauty，andeveryonebelievedhislovehadbeencrownedwithsuccess，thoughnoonecouldassertasmuchpositively。
　　TherewasagreatreviewheldatadistanceoftwelveorfourteenverstsfromSt。Petersburg，atwhichtheempressandallhertrainofcourtierswerepresent。Thehousesofthetwoorthreeadjoiningvillagesweresofewandsmallthatitwouldbeimpossibleforallthecompanytofindalodging。NeverthelessIwishedtobepresentchieflytopleaseZaira，whowantedtobeseenwithmeonsuchanoccasion。Thereviewwastolastthreedays；thereweretobefireworks，andaminewastobeexplodedbesidestheevolutionsofthetroops。Iwentinmytravellingcarriage，whichwouldservemeforalodgingifIcouldgetnothingbetter。
　　Wearrivedattheappointedplaceateighto’clockinthemorning；
　　theevolutionslastedtillnoon。Whentheywereoverwewenttowardsatavernandhadourmealservedtousinthecarriage，asalltheroomsintheinnwerefull。
　　Afterdinnermycoachmantriedinvaintofindmealodging，soI
　　disposedmyselftosleepallnightinthecarriage；andsoIdidforthewholetimeofthereview，andfaredbetterthanthosewhohadspentsomuchmoneytobeilllodged。Melissinotoldmethattheempressthoughtmyideaaverysensibleone。AsIwastheonlypersonwhohadasleepingcarriage，whichwasquiteaportablehouseinitself，Ihadnumerousvisitors，andZairawasradianttobeabletodothehonours。
　　IhadagooddealofconversationduringthereviewwithCountTott，brotherofthenoblemanwhowasemployedatConstantinople，andknownasBaronTott。WehadknowneachotheratParis，andafterwardsattheHague，whereIhadthepleasureofbeingofservicetohim。HehadcometoSt。PetersburgwithMadamedeSoltikoff，whomhehadmetatParis，andwhoseloverhewas。Helivedwithher，wenttoCourt，andwaswellreceivedbyeveryone。
　　Twoorthreeyearsafter，theempressorderedhimtoleaveSt。
　　PetersburgonaccountofthetroublesinPoland。Itwassaidthathekeptupacorrespondencewithhisbrother，whowasendeavouringtointerceptthefleetunderthecommandofAlexisOrloff。IneverheardwhatbecameofhimafterheleftRussia，whereheobligedmewiththeloanoffivehundredroubles，whichIhavenotyetbeenabletoreturntohim。
　　M。Maruzzi，bycallingaVenetianmerchant，andbybirthaGreek，havinglefttradetolivelikeagentleman，cametoSt。PetersburgwhenIwasthere，andwaspresentedatCourt。Hewasafine—lookingman，andwasadmittedtoallthegreathouses。TheempresstreatedhimwithdistinctionbecauseshehadthoughtsofmakinghimheragentatVenice。HepaidhiscourttotheCountessBraun，buthehadrivalstherewhowerenotafraidofhim。Hewasrichenough，butdidnotknowhowtospendhismoney；andavariceisasinwhichmeetswithnopityfromtheRussianladies。
　　IwenttoCzarsko—Zelo，Peterhoff，andCronstadt，forifyouwanttosayyouhavebeeninacountryyoushouldseeasmuchaspossibleofit。Iwrotenotesandmemorandumsonseveralquestionswiththehopeoftheirprocuringmeaplaceinthecivilservice，andallmyproductionswerelaidbeforetheempressbutwithnoeffect。InRussiatheydonotthinkmuchofforeignersunlesstheyhavespeciallysummonedthem；thosewhocomeoftheirownaccountrarelymakemuch，andIsuspecttheRussiansareright。