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

THE COUNTESS 0¾ONNELL.253

judged the character of others. Enlightened as regards the objects of her affections, she loved them in spite of their faults, which she only sought to conceal from the eyes of the world ; she loved them in their successes and reverses, for she was devoid of envy, although jealous ; and even jealousy, which is hated in others, was pardoned in her, for she was never jealous of advantages, but only of affections. This inquietude, exempt from all vanity, and from every thing that was exacting, disarmed and attached the proudest hearts: envy inspires contempt, jealousy deserves compassion.

Such was the woman to whom I wrote this letter just before entering Moscow. Had I been then told that before publishing it I should have to attach so melancholy a note, I should have had little heart for the remainder of my journey.

She was so beloved, so full of life, that it is difficult to believe in her death, even while weeping it. She survives in all our recollections, all our pleasures, all our griefs. It is not of myself alone that I speak ; I speak for all those who have loved her, that is, for all who have well known her, and for her family, especially her mother, who resembles her; and I am sure, notwithstanding the distance that divides us, they will recognise their own sentiments in this expression of mine.*

Once again, a delay on the road, and always from the same cause!—we break down regularly every twenty leagues. Of a truth the Russian officer at Pomerania was a gettatore !

There are moments when, notwithstanding my protestations, and the reiterated word tischnê (gently), the drivers proceed at a rate that obliges me to close my eyes in order to avoid giddiness. Among them, I have not seen one deficient in skill, and some of them possess a dexterity that is extraordinary. The

* Madame 0`Donnell was daughter of Madame Sophie Gay, and sister of Madame Delphine de Girardin.