Nina is engaged
to the young Dane I wrote to you about--a Count Raben-Levetzau. He is
very charming and belongs to one of the best families in Denmark. We
went to the German Ambassador's (Herr von Keudell's) ball last evening
at the Palazzo Caffarelli, which the King and the Queen honored with
their presence. As soon as I could, I approached the Queen, who was
sitting in one of the gilded chairs on the _estrade_ which does duty
for a throne, and told her of Nina's engagement. She came forward to
the edge of the platform and, beckoning Nina to come to her, held out
her hand and kissed her on both cheeks before the whole assemblage. Of
course, the news circulated as quick as lightning. When the King heard
it he came straight up to us, and I presented Frederick to him. His
Majesty was most affable, and said, smilingly, to Nina:

"Are we really going to lose you? We shall miss our beautiful stella"
(star). And turning to Frederick, he said: "I do not give my consent
_at all_. I think that I will forbid the banns."

Every one crowded around Nina, eager to congratulate her. Frederick was
as radiant as a new-blossomed _fiance_ could possibly be.

_March._

We are as busy as bees. The trousseau is being made by the nuns in the
Trinita de Monti convent. The Queen sent Nina a beautiful point-lace
fan with mother-of-pearl sticks. The Queen of Denmark sent her a
bracelet with diamonds and pearls. Count Raben's family and all the
colleagues have given her beautiful presents.

_April 10th._

It is all over--Nina is married and gone.

Day before yesterday was a day of emotions. In the morning we went at
ten o'clock to the Campidoglio, where the magistrate's offices are and
where the _sindaco_ (the Marquis Guiccioli, a great friend of Nina's)
performed the civil marriage. He particularly wished to do this _en
personne_ as a special favor. He made a charming and affectionate
speech and gave the pen we signed the contract with to Nina. Then we
drove home, changed our dresses, and were ready at two o'clock for the
real marriage at the church.

The church was filled to the last pew. When Nina came in on Johan's arm
there was a murmur of admiration. She looked exquisitely in her bridal
gown, and as she turned round before descending the altar steps and
threw back her veil she was a vision of beauty, and I am sure she will
be a "joy for ever." All Rome came to the reception at our house.

While at Sorrento we went one afternoo