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

PETITION OF NANETTE.41

and subsequently confiscated with his other property.

It was to these men, among whom was Malriat her father, that Nanette applied, urging them to interest themselves in the fate of their former mistress.

They eagerly signed a petition, framed by Nanette, who both spoke and wrote the German-French of Lorraine. This document she herself earned to Legendre, formerly a butcher, and then president of the bureau to which petitions in favour of prisoners were addressed. The paper of Nanette was received and thrown aside, among a multitude of similar petitions.

One evening, three young persons, connected with Legendre, entered the bureau, rather heated with wine, and amused themselves with chasing each other over the tables, and with other similar freaks. In the midst of this sport, some of the surrounding papers were disturbed; one fell, and was picked up by a member of the party. " What have you there ? " asked the others.

" No doubt a petition," replied Rossigneux, which was the name of the person addressed,

" Yes; but for what prisoner ?"

They called for lights. In the interval of their appearing, the three hot-headed youths took an oath among themselves to obtain, that very evening from Legendre, the signature that would give liberty to the captive, whoever he might be, and to announce to him his freedom within the same hour.

" I swear it, though it should be the liberation of the Prince de Condé," said Rossigneux.

" No doubt," said the others, laughing; " he is no longer a prisoner."