ith joy and tremulous through fear. I would not
dare to confide to any one that which I am about to write; it is all
perhaps only illusion, deception, error.... But yet, I have always
hitherto judged correctly of the effect which I produced; I
instinctively divined the degree in which I pleased; I have never been
deceived; can I be mistaken now? ... And indeed, why should not a prince
find me beautiful, when all other men tell me that I am so? But there
was more than admiration in the prince royal's eyes, which have a
peculiarly penetrating expression; his look was more kind than ordinary
glances, and said more than any words. Perhaps all princes may be thus!

But that I may remember during my whole life, or rather that I may one
day read all this again, I will now write down a detailed account of
last evening and of the few hours immediately preceding.

Yesterday morning the Princess Lubomirska sent for me and said, 'To-day
is the last of the year, and there will be to-night a grand festival, a
masked ball; all the nobility will be there, and even the king and his
sons; at least, I think so. I have selected a dress for you; you will go
as a virgin of the sun.'

I was so charmed with the choice of this costume, that I kissed the hand
of the princess.

After dinner all the maids came to assist at my toilet, and most
assuredly it was no ordinary toilet. My hair was not powdered and I wore
no hoop, whence the prince said to me, quite gravely, 'This costume is
not at all in accordance with received notions and fashions; any other
woman would certainly be lost were she to wear it; but I am sure you
will supply by the severity of your deportment and the propriety of your
manners whatever may be lacking in dignity, or too light, in your
dress.'

I did not forget his advice: notwithstanding my vivacity, I can assume
upon occasion a very majestic air; and indeed, I overheard some one
saying at the ball, 'Who is that queen in disguise?'

Ah! I know that I was more beautiful than I usually am. My hair, without
powder and black as ebony, fell in curls over my forehead, my neck, and
my shoulders; my dress was made of white gauze, and had not that long
train which hides the feet and impedes the motions. I wore a zone of
gold and precious stones round my waist, and was entirely enveloped in a
transparent white veil; I seemed to be in a cloud. When I looked in my
mirror, I could scarcely recognize myself.

The ball room, brilli