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Page 28
May God reward my dear starostine for the happiness she has bestowed
upon me! There can be no greater pleasure than that of making presents
and regaling one's friends. If I am anxious to have a husband richer
than I am myself, it is solely that I may be very generous.
I am not losing my time; I improve daily. I can already play several
minuets and cotillons from the notes, and will soon learn a polonaise.
The most fashionable one just now has a very strange name; it is called
the Thousand Fiends.
In one month more I shall begin my tree in oil colors, with its
allegoric garland.
Notwithstanding my more serious studies, I by no means neglect my little
feminine occupations. I am embroidering on canvas a huntsman carrying a
gun, and holding his hound by a leash.
I read a great deal, I write under dictation, I copy good works, an
excellent method of forming one's own style. I speak French quite as
well as Polish, perhaps even better; in short, I think I will soon be
fitted to make my appearance in the best society.
As for dancing, I need scarcely say that that progresses wonderfully; my
master, who has no reason to flatter me, assures me that in all Warsaw
no one dances better than I do.
I occasionally visit the Prince and Princess Lubomirski, but at times
when they have no company. I always hear there many agreeable and
flattering things, especially from the prince. He is desirous that I
should leave school now, but the princess and my parents wish me to
remain here during the winter. It is now only the end of July! How many
hours and days must pass before the winter sets in! Will that time ever
come?
Thursday, _December 26th_.
Finally, God be praised, the time has come for leaving school; a new
existence is opening before me; my journal will be overflowing, and I
shall have no lack of matter, but plenty of charming things to say.
The prince and princess are so kind to me; they have obtained permission
from my parents for me to pass the winter with them, and they will
introduce me into society. I shall leave this place day after to-morrow,
and will reside with the Princess Lubomirska. I am quite sorry to part
from Madame Strumle and my companions, to many of whom I am sincerely
attached, but my joy is greater than my sorrow, for I shall see the
world, and fly away from this narrow cage.
I shall be taken to court and presented to the king and the royal
family; the Duke of Courland is expected daily; I shall see him at last!
The days have become intolerably long since I knew I was to leave
school.
WARSAW, Saturday, _December 28th, 1759_.
Never, never can I forget this day. The Princess Lubomirska came for me
quite early. I bade adieu to Madame Strumle and my companions. I was
glad to go, and yet I wept when I parted from them!
Before going to her own house, the princess took me to church; but I
could scarcely force my recollection; there was a whole future in my
brain, a whole world in my thoughts.
I am now established with the princess; her palace is situated in the
quarter named after Cracow, nearly opposite to the residence of the
Prince Palatine of Red-Russia, Czartoryski.
The palace in which we live is not very large, but very elegant; the
windows upon one side overlook the Vistula and a handsome garden. My
chamber is delightful, and will be still more agreeable in summer; it
communicates on the right with the apartments of the princess, and on
the left with my waiting maid's room.
The tailor came yesterday to take my measure; he is to make me several
dresses. I do not know what they will be, as the princess has ordered
them without consulting my taste. She inspires me with so much respect,
or perhaps awe, that I do not venture to ask her the least question. I
am much less afraid of the prince; his manners are so gentle and
engaging. He has gone to Bialystok, where he expects to meet the Duke of
Courland; he is in high favor with the duke.
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