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."