Dear ——­,—­I have permission to tell the great secret.  Nina is engaged to the young Dane I wrote to you about—­a Count Raben-Levetzau.  He is very charming and belongs to one of the best families in Denmark.  We went to the German Ambassador’s (Herr von Keudell’s) ball last evening at the Palazzo Caffarelli, which the King and the Queen honored with their presence.  As soon as I could, I approached the Queen, who was sitting in one of the gilded chairs on the estrade which does duty for a throne, and told her of Nina’s engagement.  She came forward to the edge of the platform and, beckoning Nina to come to her, held out her hand and kissed her on both cheeks before the whole assemblage.  Of course, the news circulated as quick as lightning.  When the King heard it he came straight up to us, and I presented Frederick to him.  His Majesty was most affable, and said, smilingly, to Nina: 

“Are we really going to lose you?  We shall miss our beautiful stella” (star).  And turning to Frederick, he said:  “I do not give my consent at all.  I think that I will forbid the banns.”

Every one crowded around Nina, eager to congratulate her.  Frederick was as radiant as a new-blossomed fiance could possibly be.

March.

We are as busy as bees.  The trousseau is being made by the nuns in the Trinita de Monti convent.  The Queen sent Nina a beautiful point-lace fan with mother-of-pearl sticks.  The Queen of Denmark sent her a bracelet with diamonds and pearls.  Count Raben’s family and all the colleagues have given her beautiful presents.

April 10th.

It is all over—­Nina is married and gone.

Day before yesterday was a day of emotions.  In the morning we went at ten o’clock to the Campidoglio, where the magistrate’s offices are and where the sindaco (the Marquis Guiccioli, a great friend of Nina’s) performed the civil marriage.  He particularly wished to do this en personne as a special favor.  He made a charming and affectionate speech and gave the pen we signed the contract with to Nina.  Then we drove home, changed our dresses, and were ready at two o’clock for the real marriage at the church.

The church was filled to the last pew.  When Nina came in on Johan’s arm there was a murmur of admiration.  She looked exquisitely in her bridal gown, and as she turned round before descending the altar steps and threw back her veil she was a vision of beauty, and I am sure she will be a “joy for ever.”  All Rome came to the reception at our house.

While at Sorrento we went one afternoon to take tea with the Marion Crawfords.  They have a charming villa on the rocks.  They seemed very glad to see us, and showed us all over the villa and their pretty garden.  “My den,” as Mr. Crawford called his sunny and comfortable library quite worthy of the lion he is.  They are a very handsome couple.  She is as sympathetic as he is, and they both talk in the most entertaining and lively manner.  We had a delightful afternoon.