Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

COTTAGE OF FETEEHOFF.39

COTTAGE OF PETERHOFF. — A SURPRISE. — THE EMPRESS.HER

DRESS, MANNERS, AND CONVERSATION.THE HEREDITARY GRAND

ÐUKE. — AN EMBARRASSING QUESTION. INTERIOR OF THE COT

TAGE. THE GRAND DUKE ACTS AS CICERONE. TIMIDITY IN

SOCIETY. THE PRINCE AND THE YOUNG LADY. CABINET OF

THE EMPEROR. CASTLE OF ORANIENEAUM. FORTRESS OF

PETER III. ACCOUNT OF HIS ASSASSINATION. THE SUMMER

HOUSES OF THE EMPRESS CATHERINE, — THE CAMP OF ERAS NACSELO.

I had earnestly begged Madameto procure for

me admission to the English cottage of the emperor and empress. It is a small house which they have built in the midst of the noble park of Peterhoff, in the new Gothic style so much in vogue in England. " Nothing is more difficult than to enter the cottage,''

replied Madame" during the time that their

majesties remain here, and nothing would be more easy in their absence. However, I will try."

I therefore prolonged my stay at Peterhoff, wait

ing, with some impatience, but without much hope,

for the answer of Madame. Yesterday morn

ing early, I received a little note from her, thus

worded, " Let me see you at a quarter before eleven.

I am permitted, as a very particular favour, to show

you the cottage at the hour when the emperor and

empress take their walk; that is at eleven o'clock

precisely. You know their punctuality."