I replied to this discreet observation with a profound inclination of the head, and thus ended my last interview with the famous empress who reigned thirty-five years without committing a single mistake of any importance.  The historian will always place her amongst great sovereigns, though the moralist will always consider her, and rightly, as one of the most notable of dissolute women.

A few days before I left I gave an entertainment to my friends at Catherinhoff, winding up with a fine display of fireworks, a present from my friend Melissino.  My supper for thirty was exquisite, and my ball a brilliant one.  In spite of the tenuity of my purse I felt obliged to give my friends this mark of my gratitude for the kindness they had lavished on me.

I left Russia with the actress Valville, and I must here tell the reader how I came to make her acquaintance.

I happened to go to the French play, and to find myself seated next to an extremely pretty lady who was unknown to me.  I occasionally addressed an observation to her referring to the play or actors, and I was immensely delighted with her spirited answers.  Her expression charmed me, and I took the liberty of asking her if she were a Russian.

“No, thank God!” she replied, “I am a Parisian, and an actress by occupation.  My name is Valville; but I don’t wonder I am unknown to you, for I have been only a month here, and have played but once.”

“How is that?”

“Because I was so unfortunate as to fail to win the czarina’s favour.  However, as I was engaged for a year, she has kindly ordered that my salary of a hundred roubles shall be paid monthly.  At the end of the year I shall get my passport and go.”

“I am sure the empress thinks she is doing you a favour in paying you for nothing.”

“Very likely; but she does not remember that I am forgetting how to act all this time.”

“You ought to tell her that.”

“I only wish she would give me an audience.”

“That is unnecessary.  Of course, you have a lover.”

“No, I haven’t.”

“It’s incredible to me!”

“They say the incredible often happens.”

“I am very glad to hear it myself.”

I took her address, and sent her the following note the next day: 

“Madam,—­I should like to begin an intrigue with you.  You have inspired me with feelings that will make me unhappy unless you reciprocate them.  I beg to take the liberty of asking myself to sup with you, but please tell me how much it will cost me.  I am obliged to leave for Warsaw in the course of a month, and I shall be happy to offer you a place in my travelling carriage.  I shall be able to get you a passport.  The bearer of this has orders to wait, and I hope your answer will be as plainly worded as my question.”

In two hours I received this reply: